MSc International Human Resource Management and Comparative Industrial Relations / Course details

The study of relations between employers and workers in a range of sectors, settings and societies.

BMAN72391 Programme Req: BMAN72391 is only available as a core unit to students on MSc HRM & IR and as an elective to students on MSc IHRM & CIR

The course unit aims to give students an understanding of the key issues and tensions which can arise in employment relations, and the nature, objectives and methods adopted by the various parties seeking to influence the nature of those relations (e.g. government, employers, management, trade unions and employees).

At the end of the course unit students should be able to:

• Analyse and critically assess current trends in labour, management and industrial relations
• Integrate analytical frameworks, research findings and managerial choices, policies and practice
• Provide advice about good industrial relations practice in the workplace
• Work effectively as a group member in analysing industrial relations problems
• Make a coherent group presentation on a topic related to the Course unit.   

Assessed essay (100%) 

Informal advice and discussion during a lecture or seminar.

Responses to student emails and questions from a member of staff including feedback provided to a group via an online discussion forum.

Specific course related feedback sessions.

Written and/or verbal comments on assessed or non-assessed coursework.

Written and/or verbal comments after students have given a group or individual presentation.

Core texts

Dundon, T and Rollinson, D (2011) Understanding Employment Relations, McGraw-Hill Education, 2nd edition. (Text book introducing key elements of subject).

Colling, T. and Terry, M. (eds.) (2010) Industrial Relations: Theory and Practice, Wiley-Blackwell, 3rd edition. (edited collection of specialist chapters).

Dundon, T, Cullinane, N and Wilkinson, A (2017), A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book About Employment Relations, Sage.

Informal Contact Methods

Office hours

Online Learning Activities (blogs, discussions, self-assessment questions)

Drop in Surgeries (extra help sessions for stuents on material they may be struggling with).

Course co-ordinator available to talk to students at the end of each session