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To apply for this course you’ll need a 2:2 degree from one of the following subjects:

• engineering
• humanities
• business
• mathematics
• physical sciences
• information systems
• management
• social sciences
• languages (including business English, English, international business, Chinese language & literature)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

We do not accept pure vocational subjects that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art and design, graphic design, animation, photography, radio and TV directing, theatre, film and TV.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2), you'll study the taught part of this human resource management degree. 

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from. You’ll be able to choose to study either: 

• European labour markets
• comparative and international people management 

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.  

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work and private study.  

Our lecturers use a range of teaching methods, including: 

• group discussions
• presentations
• case studies
• problem solving exercises
• role play 

A key part of this degree is the use of action learning sets. You’ll be placed with a group of fellow students - your action learning set. You’ll work in this group on collaborative tasks and assignments in class. You’ll meet regularly to discuss your learning experiences to help you improve your performance.  

Working within an action learning set will help you: 

• learn from your peer’s ideas, knowledge and experience
• improve how you approach team dynamics
• appreciate the contributions of a diverse group of people
• receive feedback
• reflect on your own learning approach and management style 

Assessment

This course has a focus on self-reflection to help you become a better HR practitioner.  

One form of assessment will be personal reflective reports. You’ll need to  use your learning logs (a record of structured reflection on key skills and knowledge gained) to identify your understanding of past and current organisational problems and experiences.  

Other assessment methods include: 

• exams
• coursework
• group assignments
• reflective engagement in class
• group work in class exercises  

Dissertation

You'll need to use the skills you learn in the taught part of the programme to carry out an independent investigation of a topic of your choice. As a result, you’ll need to write a 15,000-word dissertation describing your work. 

Academic Support

You’ll have access to a range of facilities and support services in the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School and will be allocated a personal academic tutor who can answer any questions you may have about the course. 

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £18,700.
• EU and international students pay £37,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. .

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (UK)

Scholarships of £9,000 and £5,000 are available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School.

Find out more about the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (UK), including eligibility and conditions.

75th Anniversary Global Postgraduate ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School Excellence Scholarship

75th Anniversary Postgraduate Taught Business School Excellence Scholarships provide £5,000 towards tuition fees for new international students from eligible countries starting a full-time, on-campus, 1-year postgraduate taught programme in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School.

Learn more about eligibility criteria and conditions for the 75th Anniversary Global Postgraduate ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School Excellence Scholarship.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2027.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000