MSc Human Resource Development

The MSc Human Resource Development at Aston University, Birmingham, is a one-year, full-time course designed for individuals from all disciplines. It focuses on the relationship between organisations and human resources.

During this course, you will cover a wide range of human resource management topics such as recruitment, performance evaluation, leadership, and employment laws. You will improve your management and leadership skills, learn how to improve employee performance in organisations across many fields, and gain practical HR skills. Through these, you get a competitive edge in the labour market.

Delivered by a team of human resource experts, this course adopts a teaching method that blends traditional lectures with hands-on practical learning. Students learn through lectures, group work, case studies, presentations, and practical workshops. Additionally, guest industry speakers make regular visits to further enhance the learning process.

Aston University’s MSc in Human Resource Development degree emphasises practical application and so provides enough opportunities (case studies, simulations, etc.) for you to put knowledge into action. Assessment methods include coursework, poster design, presentations, and group work. These may be real or fictitious business scenarios.

Aston University, founded in 1895, is a public research university located in Birmingham, England. The university specialises in various fields, particularly excelling in business education, while also offering programmes in Technology, Health Sciences and Engineering.

Since its establishment, it has consistently ranked high in UK university league tables, especially for graduate employment prospects, high-standard education, and close ties with the industry. Additionally, its international student community makes it a perfect choice for individuals who want to study in the UK.

These are the standard entry requirements to study MSc Human Resource Development at Aston University, Birmingham:

To apply, applicants must submit a professional reference (for currently employed applicants) and an academic reference (for current students or recent graduates), an up-to-date official academic transcript of the university grades, and a completed application form.

Grade Requirements

• Applicants should have at least a 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent overseas qualification recognised by the university.

English Proficiency

• Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.0. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.

The tuition fee (2025/2026) to study MSc Human Resource Development at Aston University, Birmingham, is £23,500 per year of study. However, this fee exempts expenses such as accommodation, transport, photocopying, and others.

Aston University provides a number of scholarships for students in the UK and abroad at all academic levels (undergraduate and graduate). One such scholarship is the Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor's Scholarship, which grants up to £10,000.

With an MSc in Human Resource Development from Aston University, Birmingham, students graduate ready to work in the industry as:

• Human Resource Development Manager  
• Learning and Development Specialist  
• Talent Management Consultant  
• Organisational Development Advisor  
• Training and Development Manager  
• Employee Relations Specialist

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through UCAS. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.