MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.

On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development and our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see  Open days

Apply online

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2021. Later applications will be processed at our discretion.

Applications for this course are very competitive. Due to the high demand we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.

 Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• All Overseas applicants are required to submit a satisfactory satisfactory IELTS certificate (or equivalent) at the time of application for this programme. A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing with no less than 5.5 in any other component (or equivalent) is required at the time of application.
• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English please provide official translations;
• two written academic references on official institution letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the official university email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their official university email address. If you have had a substantial period away from any formal learning, professional references may be considered. Professional references should be written on official company letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the professional email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their professional email address.
• a personal statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why you wish to study the course, your experiences, what you can bring to the course and any other information that you see as relevant to your application;
• your CV;
• copies of English Language Certification, eg IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents, as the delay caused in having to seek any missing documents from you might adversely prejudice your application.

If we can offer you a place and you decide to accept the offer, you will be required to bring the original documents which demonstrate your academic qualifications and your English language ability to Manchester.

MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) will enable you to critically understand the role of human resource development (HRD) in supporting economic and social advancement, through the improvement of public services and the education of individuals, organisations and communities.

It aims to develop your critical appreciation of globalisation processes, policy initiatives and development management plans to support skills development, competitiveness and human capabilities, including development issues associated with eradicating gender inequalities, fostering human wellbeing and maintaining sustainable livelihoods.

You will gain greater professional understanding of HRD strategies and development tools to support skill and knowledge acquisition, and build organisation and community capabilities.

Our focus on developing human knowledge and skills will enable you to appreciate how education supports skills development. You will also acquire knowledge of the role of international organizations (through governments and MNCs) such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives.

There is a strong emphasis on acquiring cross-cultural leadership knowledge, relevant for many social change and development projects in the public sector, or in the private sector, MNCs, NGOs or international organisations like the World Bank.

The course is ideal for individuals of any professional background in international organisations, public administration, transnational organisations and private sector companies who are involved in the HRD, leadership and capacity planning aspects of organisations in developing and transitional countries.

You will gain:

• knowledge and understanding of the linkage between international development and HRD practices and policies;
• knowledge of globalisation and cross-cultural actors affecting the application of HRD and education theories and methods in developing, transitional and newly industrialised countries;
• knowledge of education and HRD interventions and their role in building leadership skills and capacity;
• knowledge of how approaches to national human resource development (NHRD) affect organisation and societal performance in developing and transitional economies;
• knowledge of how new approaches to HRD strategies including private sector management and development, social capital, knowledge management, gender planning affect the context for competence and performance enhancement in organisations and societies;
• understanding of how to analyse and design HRD strategies at societal and organisational level;
• Understanding of your own learning and leadership skills and how they may be improved.

• We're Europe's largest dedicated development research and teaching institute and have been at the forefront of development studies for over 60 years .
• We're ranked 6th in the UK and 9th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020).
• Our research was ranked first in the UK for impact and second in the UK for quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
• We are proud to tackle global inequalities and rank first in the UK for our impact on the Sustainable Development Goals ( THE Impact Rankings 2020 ).
• We bring cutting-edge insights from our research into all our postgraduate teaching. Our courses bring different development perspectives and voices to Manchester, from activists from the Global South to the leaders of multinational companies.
• We are home to the internationally-recognised Effective States and Inclusive Development and FutureDAMS research centres.
• Students are part of our vibrant research community this includes our public lecture series which brings world experts, former heads of state, and leading development thinkers, to discuss current issues in development.
• We have numerous scholarship opportunities for outstanding applicants.

Please note that field visits may be scheduled at any point during the course, including during University vacations. You are expected to be available to attend.

Part-time students complete the course over 24 months. There are no evening or weekend course units available; you should, therefore, discuss course requirements with the Programme Director and seek approval from your employer. Timetabling information is usually available from late August. You can discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

The School of Environment, Education and Development aim to run advertised fieldwork in the 21/22 Academic Year and we very much hope that students will be able to enjoy the fieldwork experience in the usual way.

The ability of fieldwork to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork might be necessary, will remain subject to the current global situation and factors such as the:

• rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
• educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
• availability of appropriate insurance cover; and
• availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.

We will therefore assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any decisions to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. Any fieldwork that does go ahead will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff.  If the fieldwork does not go ahead as planned then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.

The taught element of the course, carrying 120 credits overall, is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (eg project-based reports, essays), involving largely individual submissions, but also elements of group work.

You must also complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice approved by the Programme Directors. You are encouraged to base your dissertation on topics of direct professional concern.

I chose to study in The University of Manchester as it was the curriculum that best fitted with my needs. I loved the idea that I could choose some education subjects while not being in an educational career.

I wanted to study something related to human resources as I loved all the work related to a company¿s personnel. The MSc in Human Resources Development also offered the opportunity to combine this with education to help people better themselves. As I had worked in educational field before, it was my perfect match.

Maria Ines Garcia, MSc Human Resources Development

This course is unique as it demonstrates understanding of institutional human resource development (HRD) practices within the context of globalisation, social change and economic development. Graduates therefore acquire relevant development, HRD, leadership and education knowledge for directing culture and social change.

Teaching and research at the Global Development Institute covers a wide variety of topics and as a result our students can be found in a range of jobs and careers.

Our teaching aims to support students from all backgrounds to acquire valuable knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve their educational and professional goals. It includes regular contributions from researchers and practitioners with a view to equip our students to make a positive difference in their chosen sphere.

NGOs and third sector organisations

Our teaching and research aims are suited to work in non-government and civil society organisations where you take on a range of roles from policy advisors, project managers, HR and communications staff. Our alumni can be found at large international NGOs like Oxfam as well as in many smaller organisations.

Government and policy

Graduates can be found in national governments, multilateral organisations and policy influencing positions around the world, in organisations including DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants around the world.

Private sector

Our focus on how businesses and the private sector can play a role in development enables you to gain employment in multinational organisations, private sector firms or to start your own organisations addressing some of the biggest global challenges.

Research and teaching

Our master's courses provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for further study. Alumni find employment in research and teaching positions at universities and research institutes around the world.

Top employers include:

• African Union;
• Oxfam;
• Inter-American Development Bank;
• Care;
• Mercy Corps;
• The British Council;
• the World Bank;
• the Department for International Development;
• United Nations;
• USAID.

Find out more about our alumni and some of our notable former students .

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provides specialist resources, advice and events to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

• Working in the UK after study .
• Working during study .
• Professional and alumni networks for international students .

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK. After your course, you'll join our 10,000 strong alumni network . We'll keep you up-to-date with all the new insights and implications from our research.

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country. It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe, here .