M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

The Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester, is launching a new Master's programme by distance learning, starting in October. The course focuses on industrial relations in relation to human resource development (HRD) and human resource management (HRM).

This is designed to meet the learning and professional development needs of practitioners, managers, researchers and policymakers who are involved in employee relations, either from the perspective of the individual or the organisation. Students will be provided with the latest academic and professional knowledge to understand employee relations, HRM and HRD. Subsequently, students will have the knowledge and skills to address significant changes that are taking place in the work of HR professionals.

They can also develop their critical evaluation and reflection skills, and can gain the intellectual and practical skills to undertake independent research at post-graduate level.

This M.Sc., like the other four Master's programmes offered, comprises four modules and a dissertation. Module 1 deals with managing human resources. It aims to provide an understanding of the organisational context within which HRM and training operate, and the constraints that act on those responsible for implementing it; to explore the body of organisational theory that has emerged and explore the implications for the trainer and those in management development; and to consider the contribution that HRM makes to an organisation.

Module 2, the global context of HRD and HRM, aims to provide an overview of changes in the world economy brought about by globalisation; it considers the ways in which these changes have impacted on the organisation of production and employment in different societies; and identifies major issues for HRM and HRD.

Module 3 will specifically deal with industrial relations and aims to provide an understanding of industrial relations within the changing nature of the employment relationship; to provide an introduction to theoretical models used to understand industrial relations and trade unionism; and to cover issues such as governance, conflict and consent, and industrial relations and the multinational organisation.

The last module is standard across all the M.Sc. programmes and deals with research methods. It introduces researchers to the process of social science research and to the fundamental debates pertaining to the philosophy of social science.

It also provides research methods training in a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques and data analysis. Those who wish to stop at this module will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. Those who will embark on the dissertation will proceed to attain the Master's degree.

To apply for the CLMS Master's programmes, candidates should possess either a first- or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or an approved professional qualification, and suitable professional experience.

For more information on the CLMS programmes contact Daniela Gouder on 2138-1786 or e-mail dgouder@fhrd.org.