MSc Strategic Human Resource Management

Course Overview

The new MSc Strategic Human Resource Management has been devised to prepare business professionals like you for today’s rapidly evolving human resource management sector, helping you take on your future senior-level role with confidence.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and aligned with The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Australian HR Institute (AHRI). This mark of quality will provide you with professional recognition that enhances your career prospects across the globe.

Your course materials will cover all the essential emerging topics that are moving the human resources (HR) industry forward, including people analytics, globalisation, and disruptive technologies, providing you with the most up-to-date knowledge of contemporary HR operations and innovations, and the ability to apply this to leverage strategic people management. This critical application of your learning will help you develop the skills you need to respond creatively and effectively to the dynamic and global HR world of tomorrow, and to advance to the very highest levels of your profession.

The course has a ‘real world’ focus, using live case studies and practical scenarios to ensure you graduate with the experience and knowledge employers need right now. AU also work closely with expert industry partners so that your modules are all current and future-focused, covering the latest advancements, opportunities, and challenges in the field.

That means that by the end of the course, you’ll have developed the real-world skills needed to strategically lead and manage in today’s agile HR environment. This, combined with your knowledge of how to utilise people, data analytics, and new technologies to create organisational value will give you a powerful, modern skillset sought after by leading employers in a range of exciting industries.

Course details and modules

Your course modules have been designed to advance your knowledge and skills in strategic people and business management. You’ll cover a broad range of in-demand HR topics, such as people analytics, resourcing, well-being, and development, as well as the strategic and ethical utilisation of people to create lasting value for your organisation – helping you graduate with the specialised skills to excel in the future of HR and beyond.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

Strategic Planning and Ethical Decision Making (20 credits)
People Analytics and Value Creation (20 credits)
Strategic Employment Relations and Employment Law (20 credits)
Organisational Development, Culture and Change (20 credits)
People Development, Well-being and Performance (20 credits)
Resourcing and Rewarding Talent (20 credits)
Research Project (60 credits)

Study options

This course is available to study full time through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden campus in Berlin, Germany.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Part-time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the MSc Strategic Human Resource Management online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Arden’s online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to AU Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through Arden’s community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Distance learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on Arden’s fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Full time, blended learning in Berlin

How does it work?

This course is available to study full time through Arden’s blended learning study mode at Arden campus in Berlin, Germany. When you choose Arden’s blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at Arden centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to AU Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Full time study in Berlin is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Strategic Human Resource Management degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources they have put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support in-person and online available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
Free online access to Arden Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which Arden have carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are considered on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Arden’s aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why AU keep requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and Arden online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

AU will also support you with getting access to the resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Arden’s MSc Strategic Human Resource Management, you should normally have:

A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent.
Arden will also consider applications from students who lack formal qualifications but can demonstrate their motivation to study the course and possess relevant work experience.

Course fee

In Berlin campus (Germany)	Fee
Fee per year:	€15,000

Studying Online	Fee
Total fee:	£10,550

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent.
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Arden also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

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Career prospects

The course will help you develop your existing skills and knowledge in the area of people and business management, alongside the newest theoretical, practical, and technological advancements in the field. By immersing you in the HR world of tomorrow, the course will prepare you for senior HR management roles in practically any industry.

What can I do after Arden University?

The MSc Strategic Human Resource Management will help you develop the latest knowledge and skills you need to accelerate your career to a senior-level role in HR. Some of the positions you may want to consider after graduation include:

Human Resource Manager
General Manager
Pay and Reward Specialist
Human Resource Business Partner
Organisation Development
Director of HR
Chief People Officer
People Consultant

What will the MSc Strategic Human Resource Management do for me?

You’ll graduate from the course with the hands-on strategic HR, leadership, and technical skills required to effectively manage people and excel in today’s evolving HR sector. You’ll also have expanded your knowledge of contemporary HR operations, all within a real-world context. Because the course prioritises a future-focused, practical application of your syllabus, you’ll gain pertinent, advanced expertise that will help you become a future HR leader.

This course provides you with the valuable opportunity to:

Develop in-depth knowledge of contemporary HR practices, including people analytics and technological advancements.
Respond effectively to increasingly complex, dynamic, and diverse external business environments.
Critically evaluate and apply strategic people management ‘next’ practice in a range of contexts.
Acquire the real-world skills needed to transition to a more senior level role.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status*

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline.

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and gain CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey – with a CMI qualification and a fast-tracked pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD)

Arden’s MSc Strategic Human Resource Management is accredited by the CIPD at level 7.

The Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD), the leading professional body for HR professionals in the UK, and the second largest globally. This course is accredited by the CIPD, which sets the industry standards for human resource management and people development.

For Arden students, the cost of your CIPD membership is also included during your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources and networking events. Arden is one of only a few universities that pay this for students.

Arden graduates will also have the chance to upgrade their membership and become a prestigious Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD), a mark of your pursuit of continuous professional development in the field of human resource management.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Australian HR Institute (AHRI), and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

This course aligns with SHRM, the world’s largest HR association with over 300,000 members in 165 countries, ensuring your degree is globally recognised. It is also aligned with HRCI, a leading HR certification provider in the US.

Your course modules have been mapped to SHRM and HRCI membership requirements. That means upon completing your degree, you will be eligible for SHRM and HRCI certifications, valued globally by employers. Arden University also an organisational member of AHRI, allowing students to benefit from member-only products and services.

Arden is the only UK university offering CIPD accreditation alongside these alignments and memberships.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives Arden’s faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of Arden’s courses and teaching methods, ensuring that Arden is able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Business Graduates Association

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows Arden’s students that they are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through Arden’s own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with AU curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.