MSc Human Resource Management

The MSc Human Resource Management at Heriot-Watt University is put together to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Human Resources Management (HRM). In this course, you will learn sustainable and socially responsible approaches to managing people. You’ll also understand the important ideas that influence how organisations work today.

This programme focuses on real-life problems and lets you choose special topics through optional classes and a personal research project. You will also develop important skills like communication, presentation, and data analysis that employers look for.

The MSc Human Resource Management at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which means it meets high standards. It prepares you for both strategic and day-to-day HR jobs in different industries.

In 1821, Heriot-Watt University was founded as the School of Arts of Edinburgh. However, in 1966, it became a full university. The university bears the names of two notable individuals: the renowned engineer James Watt and the 16th-century goldsmith George Heriot. 

Subjects like Science, Engineering, Design, and Business are of particular interest to this university. One of Scotland's oldest and most prestigious business schools, Edinburgh Business School, is also located there. Edinburgh, Orkney, the Scottish Borders, Dubai, and Malaysia are among the locations of Heriot-Watt's campuses. 

Through its online learning platform, it also assists students from all over the world. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge instructional strategies and strong business ties, which assist students in landing lucrative jobs.

Students who possess non-relevant degrees, but have evidence of essay writing or critical thinking in conjunction with 2+ years of work experience in HRM, will be considered.

Grade Requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of 2:2 honours degree or a non-UK equivalent in a related subject. Suitable degrees often include Business, Economics, Psychology, Sociology or other Social Sciences degrees.

English Proficiency 

Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5, except for writing, which must be at 6.0 minimum. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.

The 2025/2026 intake tuition fee to study an MSc in Human Resource Management at Heriot-Watt University is £24,176.

Heriot-Watt University gives different types of scholarships to help students from other countries who want to study for a bachelor's or master's degree. These scholarships are available at its campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia. They are meant to help with costs and to recognise students who do well in their studies.

For example, the Postgraduate European Union Scholarship automatically gives £5,000 off tuition fees for all EU students who enrol in full-time master's courses at the UK campus.

Below are some of the career options you have with an MSc in Human Resource Management from Heriot-Watt University:

• HR Manager
• Recruitment Consultant 
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Employee Relations Manager
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• HR Consultant

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through the university's online application platform. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.