Course summary
The MSc Human Resource Management and the Future of Work is an intensive master's-level specialist programme for graduates who have a prior qualification in social sciences and wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the practice, theory and policy of the world of work. The future of work has become one of the defining debates of our generation. While the 'greening' of our economies will create millions of jobs, many traditional forms of work may also disappear. The digital economy fosters greater connectivity and access to technologies but also has the potential to disrupt labour markets. The future of work creates many challenges, but countless opportunities exist to improve the quality of working lives and reverse the damages inflicted by global inequality and the climate crisis. This 12-month full-time programme will appeal to students who want to engage, respond to and be part of the global challenges related to Human Resource Management and the Future of Work. We aim to develop analytical and confident critical thinkers through research-led teaching. You will gain insight into the nature of Human Resource Management and the complexity of organisations from a variety of disciplines and will be armed with the relevant knowledge to apply theory to practice. You will be part of a dynamic and diverse body of staff and students in Bristol and will be taught by experienced academics. 88% of our Business and Management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on shaping policy and practice. Staff in the school are engaged in conducting pioneering research that is shaping policy and practice in the UK, Europe and globally. Listen to the first episode of our Research Frontiers podcast - 'The future of work'. https://omny.fm/shows/research-frontiers/the-future-of-work
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/msc-human-resource-management-and-the-future-of-work.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a Social Sciences subject, including: Accounting; Anthropology; Business; Cultural Studies; Development; Economics; Human Geography; International Studies; Law; Management; Policy Studies; Political Economy; Politics; Psychology; or Sociology. We will also consider applicants who have not completed a degree listed above but have completed a dissertation in a relevant subject to the degree programme, for example human resource management, the future of work or employment relations. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following: - evidence of significant (minimum 12 months in a paid role) relevant work experience in human resource management sectors such as trade union, advocacy, charity or research. - a postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £18000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £18000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £18000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £18000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £18000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £33000 | Year 1 |
| International | £33000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU