Masters by Research/PhD Human Resources Management

About the course

A University of Hertfordshire research degree is an internationally recognised degree signifying high levels of achievement in research. It develops extensive subject expertise and independent research skills which are honed over an extended period, depending on the level of the award. You would undertake a substantial, original research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of two or more academic members of staff. Your supervisory team provides guidance both in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research. You are also supported by attendance at postgraduate seminar series to develop subject specific knowledge and research skills relevant to your field of research. The degree is assessed solely on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a substantial written thesis which must be “defended” in a viva. During the course of the degree, you would be given opportunities to present your work at major conferences and in refereed research publications.

Teaching methods

Research degrees are not taught programmes, however, programmes of supporting studies are a key element. The Business School has gained an international reputation for developing innovative areas of research in organisational studies and this important work continues, with members of staff active internationally, as theorists, practitioners and consultants. Research students are an important part of the School’s research effort, with half of our postgraduate students working towards professional doctorates on our groundbreaking Doctor of Management (rooted in complexity theory) and Doctor of Business Administration programmes. The focus of this work is research into professional practice, while those taking the traditional PhD option have the focus of developing innovative strands of theory for which the School is known (institutional economics, employment studies, and complexity and management, for example) and for breaking new ground in emerging areas of critical theory in marketing, economics and finance.

What’s next for my career?

• An internationally recognised research qualification.
• Developing advanced subject expertise at postgraduate level.
• Develop research skills through practice and extensive research experience.
• Employers are looking for high calibre graduates with advanced skills who can demonstrate independence through research.
• Business and Management Studies ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).