- Most full-time MBA in HR programmes in the UK last 12 months and provide intensive career preparation.
- Low-cost MBA in HR programmes in the UK start from £15,900 (₹18.7L) annually at select universities.
- An MBA in HR at top UK universities includes core modules such as Strategic Management, Financial Management, and Business Analytics.
- Top UK Universities Offering Masters in HRM
- Low-Cost MBA in Human Resources in the UK
- MBA in HR: Course Structure & Curriculum in the UK
- Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA in HR in the UK
- Top Job Roles & Salaries After MBA in HR in the UK
- Cost of Living in the UK for International Students
- Post-Study Work Visa in the UK for MBA HR Graduates
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
In the United Kingdom, the human resources landscape has evolved far beyond payroll and policies. It now rewards those who can transform workforce challenges into a strategic advantage. Pursuing an MBA in Human Resources here means stepping into a space where business strategy, people management, and data-driven insight converge. Across the country’s leading universities, these one-year intensive programmes draw globally minded professionals ready to reimagine how organisations lead and grow.
In this guide, we explore top UK universities offering MBA programmes with HR specialisation, international student fees, eligibility requirements, salary ranges, living costs, and post-study work visa options.
Top UK Universities Offering Masters in HRM
These institutions produce professionals who understand business fundamentals and specialised people management through programmes blending core strategy with HR-focused curriculum, dissertations, and consultancy projects.
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | University Name | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | The University of Edinburgh | MSc Human Resource Management |
| 35 | University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School) | MSc Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations |
| 56 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | MSc Human Resources and Organisations (HRM Stream) |
| 157 | Lancaster University | MSc Human Resource Management |
| 251 | University of Strathclyde | MSc Human Resource Management |
Low-Cost MBA in Human Resources in the UK
Benefit from a hands-on MBA experience at reduced tuition fee, with expert-led projects, CIPD pathway access and UK employment opportunities.
| University Name | Programme | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bedfordshire | MBA Human Resource Management | £15,900 (₹18.7L) |
| University of South Wales | MSc Human Resource Management | £16,900 (₹19.8L) |
| University of Law | MSc Leadership and Human Resource Management | £17,000 (₹20L) |
| BPP University | MSc Management with HR | £18,100 (₹21.3L) |
| University of Sunderland | MBA (Human Resource Management) | £19,000 (₹22.3L) |
MBA in HR: Course Structure & Curriculum in the UK
Most full-time MBA in HR programmes in the UK typically last 12 months and are usually worth 180 credits. The curriculum develops strategic thinking through core business modules, HR-focused electives, and applied projects addressing real organisational challenges.
Core MBA Modules: Strategic Management, Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, Operations Management, Business Analytics, Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Corporate Strategy.
HR Specialisation Options: Strategic Human Resource Management, Talent Management, Employee Relations and Employment Law, Performance Management and Reward Systems, HR Analytics, International HRM, Change Management, Diversity and Inclusion.
Practical Components: Capstone project or dissertation (typically 60 credits), consultancy projects with organisations (10-12 weeks), guest lectures, optional summer internships (6-12 weeks).
CIPD Alignment: Many UK MBA in HR programmes align their curriculum with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards—the professional body for HR practitioners in the UK. The coursework covers CIPD competency frameworks, preparing for CIPD Associate or Chartered membership, which enhances employability in the HR field.
Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA in HR in the UK
To pursue an MBA in Human Resources in the UK, candidates need to meet the following admission requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 2:2 honours degree (typically 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 from Indian universities)
Check if you qualify for your favourite university using our CGPA Calculator
English Language Proficiency Requirements (May vary by university):
- IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall, no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 90-100+
- Pearson PTE: 65-70+
- Duolingo: 115-125+
- Join our FREE IELTS Bootcamp course for targeted practice across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with real-time feedback on answers. Register today!
Top Job Roles & Salaries After MBA in HR in the UK
MBA in HR graduates typically begin in business partnering or specialist roles before progressing into senior leadership positions. Salaries range from £41,000 to £150,000+ annually (₹48.27L to ₹1.77Cr +) depending on the role, experience level, and location.
| Job Role | Average Salary Range (Annual) | Top Employers in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| HR Business Partner | £42,000-£70,000 (₹49.4L-₹82.4L) | Unilever, Tesco, Barclays, Amazon |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | £45,000-£72,000 (₹52.9L-₹84.7L) | Amazon UK, GSK, Deloitte |
| Learning & Development Manager | £41,000-£70,000 (₹48.2L-₹82.4L) | PwC, KPMG, British Airways |
| Employee Relations Manager | £47,000-£84,000 (₹55.3L-₹98.8L) | HSBC, BP, Rolls-Royce |
| HR Director / Head of HR | £75,000-£150,000+ (₹88.2L-₹1.7Cr+) | Diageo, AstraZeneca, Shell |
| Compensation & Benefits Manager | £50,000-£95,000 (₹58.8L-₹1.1Cr) | Accenture, BT Group, Lloyds |
Cost of Living in the UK for International Students
Budget planning varies significantly by location. London has higher living costs but strong networking prospects, while other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh provide affordable yet quality study experiences. Accommodation represents your largest expense, followed by food and transport.
| Expense | London (Monthly) | Other UK Cities (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £1,000–£1,500 (₹1.19–₹1.79 Lakh) | £500–£1,000 (₹59,665–₹1.19 Lakh) |
| Food | £100–£250 (₹11,933–₹29,833) | £100–£200 (₹11,933–₹23,866) |
| Transport | £50–£150 (₹5,967–₹17,900) | £40–£100 (₹4,773–₹11,933) |
| Utilities | £40–£80 (₹4,773–₹9,546) | £30–£60 (₹3,580–₹7,160) |
| Mobile/Internet | £20–£50 (₹2,387–₹5,967) | £20–£40 (₹2,387–₹4,773) |
| Miscellaneous | £100–£200 (₹11,933–₹23,866) | £70–£150 (₹8,353–₹17,900) |
| Total Estimate | £1,310–£2,230 (₹1.56–₹2.66 Lakh) | £760–£1,550 (₹90,690–₹1.85 Lakh) |
These estimates include rent, food, utilities, transport, and other personal expenses. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate your exact monthly expenses.
Post-Study Work Visa in the UK for MBA HR Graduates
International graduates in the UK can gain work experience through the Graduate Route Visa (up to 18 months) or the Skilled Worker Visa (up to 5 years) for those with a confirmed job offer, which also provides a pathway to permanent residency.
| Aspect | Graduate Route Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A temporary visa giving you time to find work or start a business in the UK | A long-term work visa tied to a specific job offer |
| Who is it for? | Recent graduates who want flexibility to explore opportunities | Graduates who already have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer |
| Duration | 18 months (fixed period) | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Job Requirement | No job offer needed | Must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor |
| Salary Requirement | No minimum salary | Minimum £41,700 (₹50L annually) |
| Long-term Benefits | Cannot be extended (must switch to another visa) | Path to permanent residence after 5 years |
| Family Benefits | Limited dependent rights | Dependents can join and work |
Key Takeaways
An MBA in Human Resources from the UK delivers accelerated career preparation through intensive programmes that merge business fundamentals with specialised people management expertise. This signature one-year format lets you upskill without extended career breaks, while affordable tuition fees as low as £15,900 (₹18.7L) make globally recognised education surprisingly accessible.
Beyond the classroom, the Graduate Route Visa grants up to 18 months of UK work experience, allowing you to apply strategic HR frameworks in real markets and develop the cross-cultural fluency that modern organisations actively seek.
Ready to transform this opportunity into your reality? AdmitX provides end-to-end assistance from university shortlisting to visa securing. Our services include:
- University Selection Guidance
- SOP Review
- Study-Abroad Document Templates
- Free IELTS Bootcamp Course
- Scholarship Assistance
- Visa Support Services
And much more!
Book your free study abroad counselling session with our experts today!
FAQs
What is the difference between MSc HR and MBA HR?
An MBA in HR generally broadens the exposure of a student to a variety of other subjects, such as Operations and Strategic Planning. An MSc, however, is purely focused on covering in detail only areas related to HR like employee relations and people resourcing.
Can Indian students work part-time while studying an MBA in HR in the UK?
Yes, the UK allows international students pursuing MBA in HR programs at its universities to work up to 20 hours a week (part-time) while they are studying the course.
What is the average salary after an MBA in HR from the UK?
HR Graduates in the UK typically earn between £41,000-£150,000 (₹48.2L-₹1.7Cr) annually, depending on experience and location.
Can MBA in HR graduates transition into non-HR roles in the UK job market?
Yes, MBA in HR graduates possess transferable skills in strategy, operations, and change management, enabling transitions into roles like consulting and project management.
What are the benefits of choosing a dual specialisation with HRM in the UK?
Opting for a dual specialisation at a UK university with HRM can help you develop skills for your career by enabling you to choose varied job roles.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for MBA in HR programmes in UK universities?
Most UK universities require an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0 for MBA in HR admission.
Are there affordable MBA in HR options available in the UK for international students?
Yes, several UK universities offer MBA in HR programmes starting from £15,900 (₹18.7L) annually, including the University of Bedfordshire and the University of South Wales.
What is CIPD accreditation and why does it matter for MBA in HR graduates?
CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) accreditation provides cross-industry recognition, enhanced employability and improved career prospects.
Can I bring my family on a UK Graduate Route Visa after MBA in HR?
The Graduate Route Visa offers limited dependent rights, whereas the Skilled Worker Visa allows dependents to join and work in the UK alongside the primary visa holder.
What professional certifications complement an MBA in HR from the UK?
CIPD qualifications, SHRM certification, HR Analytics credentials, and specialised courses in organisational psychology significantly enhance career prospects.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
