MSc Strategic People Management and Practice | Part-time

Entry year:
2026/27
Start date:
October, February
Study mode:
Full-time
Course duration:
12 months
Campus:
City

About this course

LJMU's Strategic People Management and Practice MA focuses on the practical application of knowledge in different organisational contexts, business sectors and areas of operation.

  • Study in a CIPD-approved centre
  • Work towards accreditation against the internationally recognised CIPD Profession Map.
  • Top up your CIPD Level 7 Diploma from another university or college to a Masters degree
  • Full Time Study Option 

Increasing labour costs are amongst the most expensive operational spend for many organisations, and their evolving needs demand knowledgeable and capable human resource and people management teams. This course helps support and add value to business growth and development.

As a postgraduate in this specialist area you will be part of an HR community, engaging in study and research with practitioner input through taught sessions, master classes and CIPD Liverpool Group and Branch activities.

The programme provides you with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Advanced (Level 7) Standards. On graduation student members upgrade to Chartered Member, evidencing experience, behaviours and academic achievement.

Liverpool Business School at Liverpool John Moores University is a member of AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide. Through membership, accreditation, research, thought leadership, professional development, and advocacy, AACSB partners with over 1,500 organizations, from more than 90 countries globally. Membership or participation in the Global Education Alliance does not imply accreditation.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Dissertation in Physical Education
60 credits

This module aims to enable students to reinforce the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research. It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on educational settings and literature review. During this module, students will develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse, and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic relating to physical education. The module gives students the opportunity to attain achievement of a high level of personal development by working independently with the necessary supervision. This research will lead to the oral presentation of a detailed written report.

History, Policy and International Development of Curriculum of PE
20 credits

This module provides an opportunity to understand curriculum concepts and investigate the extent to which personal, cultural and societal orientations and philosophies impact on curriculum. Along with understanding of the physical education curriculum within the Irish school system, international and universal models of PE and curricula will be reviewed This module also develops the knowledge, understanding and skills required by teachers in secondary and assess Physical Education curricula and to use of PE curricular knowledge in an inter-disciplinary or cross-curricular way.

Physical Education as a Learning Process.
20 credits

This module encourages continuing development as physical educators and adoption of attitudes, values, and practices that will positively affect growth as a teacher over the short and long term. Understanding of principles, concepts, and skills that promote best practices, professional leadership, and critical inquiry are pursued within this module.

 

Physical Education Teacher Education and Development
20 credits

This module encourages continuing development as physical educators and adoption of attitudes, values, and practices that will positively affect growth as a teacher over the short and long term. Understanding of principles, concepts, and skills that promote best practices, professional leadership, and critical inquiry are pursued within this module

Physical Literacy and Universal Models in Physical Education
20 credits

The purpose of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the importance of universal and international approaches to physical education. Physical Literacy is a universal model that has received traction in Australia and Canada as an evidence based approach to developing the physical and psychological concomitants required to maintain a physically active lifestyle outside of the structured or mandated physical education setting. The model aims to inspire forward thinking, passionate advocates for becoming physically literate and the importance of physical education remaining a protected, valued and resourced form of education in Government policy.

Research Methods and Physical Education Pedagogy
20 credits

The module aims to provide students with the critical knowledge and skills to understand, discuss and evaluate physical education in Ireland and internationally. It will provide students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of current and innovative pedagogical practices as highlighted by the JCPE and LCPE and international equivalents. Students will have the opportunity to critically compare best-practice research evidence with current policy and practice nationally and internationally. Students will have the opportunity to develop evidence informed practice and needs based action research and intervention to inform their own professional development as reflective practitioners.

Teaching Efficacy and Teacher Development
20 credits

This module encourages continuing development as physical educators and adoption of attitudes, values, and practices that will positively affect growth as a teacher over the short and long term. Understanding of principles, concepts, and skills that promote best practices, professional leadership, and critical inquiry are pursued within this module

Your Learning Experience

An insight into teaching on your course

Study hours

Full and Part time cohorts are taught together allowing for and resulting in wider networking opportunities.

The part-time programme (two years) will be running between September 2023 and July 2024, and then September 2024 and July 2025, incorporating 3 semesters.

Students will be expected to attend lectures and seminars at the following times:

Year One Monday: 14:30hrs - 19:30hrs

Year Two Tuesday: 14:30hrs - 19:30hrs

Teaching methods

A variety of learning approaches are used including: electronic resources such as e-journals and resources which can be accessed on and off-campus; our virtual learning environment containing session notes which can be accessed in advance of sessions and module guides including indicative reading lists for each session which allow pre-reading of chapters prior to classes.

During the workshop sessions there is a mix of lecturer input; facilitated discussions of organisational approaches; presentations to develop learning of the whole group; discussion groups around research, journal articles; reading; organisational approaches/practice and case study work.

Applied learning

LJMU has an engaged academic team within the Strategic People Management and Practice MA, who are committed to your development and continued success. All members of our teaching team have worked in professional HR and people management-related roles and are Chartered Members or Fellows of CIPD, bringing a professional perspective as well as an academic focus to their sessions.

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

Assessments on this course include:

  • Written assignments reviewing the implications of major pieces of contemporary research for contemporary organisations
  • Written assignments advising on and developing HR strategy and policy in specific organisation/sectoral contexts
  • Two examinations (50% of each exam is based around a seen case study)
  • Portfolio evidencing development
  • A research proposal in preparation for the Masters-level dissertation
  • The Masters-level dissertation

There will be opportunities in workshops to discuss assignments, clarify requirements with the module tutor and discuss possible approaches to the work with your colleagues in the group. In the examined modules there will be discussion of approaches to examinations and a revision session at the end of the module. The case study is available two weeks prior to the examination on our virtual learning environment. 

Where you will study

The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool 's growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.

Liverpool Business School also has a dedicated Management Development Suite, based in a listed building in the historic Georgian Quarter of Liverpool and a short walk from the Redmonds Building. The building has recently undergone £1.2 million investment to provide a professional learning space.

Course tutors

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Successful completion of the MA Strategic People Management and Practice gives you the knowledge requirements at Level 7 from which, with appropriate experience, you will be able to apply for Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The emphasis throughout the programme is on analysis and evaluation of different organisational approaches and academic perspectives, enabling you to operate professionally across a range of organisation contexts.

 

The value placed on the LJMU Masters in Strategic People Management and Practice by employers is clear from the number of public and private sector employers who have repeatedly sent their human resources and people management staff to study at LJMU.

Tuition fees and funding

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

You will need:

Qualification requirements

Undergraduate degree

Candidates would normally be expected to have a first degree (first class or upper second class [2:1]) from a Republic of Ireland or United Kingdom university or equivalent overseas qualification.

 

Further information

  • Extra Requirements

    For non-standard entry, applicants would need to be able to demonstrate a comparable academic standard through past studies and relevant work experience. A minimum of five years’ experience in a professional role in education/education-related practice is required, along with a genuine passion and interest in their professional development. It will also be necessary to explain in their application, how this programme will benefit their career progression.

    All applicants must be in a current relevant role, or have access to an appropriate classroom or education setting.

    Overseas students whose first language is not English will require an IELTS score overall 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component).

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

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