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How a Strategic HR Management MA Boosts Your Employability


Mon 26 Jan 2026

Angela Tracey-Brown

Angela Tracey-Brown

Product Manager - CMI & CIPD

A woman sits at a desk in a group education setting while taking notes.

HR has been a booming industry and is growing faster than ever, with employability opportunities across all fields of work. 

Entering the industry can require formal qualifications like a Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

However, if you’re aiming for the higher-level roles, a human resources master’s qualification can get you there.  

The average salary for a director of Human Resources is over £76k per year. These positions are offered to those who can display a strong dedication to professional development and extensive work experience. It helps if you have the qualifications to show this. 

Do you want to find out how having a master’s degree in human resources boosts your employability and helps you secure your dream role? Read on. 

The benefits of a master’s in Strategic HR Management 

Comprehensive understanding of HR strategies and practices 

Gaining a master’s in Strategic HR Management equips learners with a deeper understanding of HR strategies and practices.  

By gaining a deep understanding of strategic human resource management, graduates become valuable assets to organisations seeking professionals. 

Companies tend to invest in those that contribute to long-term business success. As such, having the qualifications to prove this can be very helpful 

Proficiency in managing complex HR challenges 

A master’s in Strategic HR Management provides a deep understanding of the strategic aspects of HR management. It enables graduates to effectively navigate and address intricate HR issues within organisations.  

By developing strategic thinking abilities, you are equipped to handle difficult situations in the workplace.  

Employers value individuals with this proficiency, making master’s graduates desirable candidates.  

A stand-out CV 

By highlighting your master’s degree in Strategic HR Management, you prove your ability to drive change, increase effectiveness, and navigate complex challenges.  

This gives you a strong competitive advantage over other candidates. It showcases your commitment to professional growth. It proves your capacity to take on leadership roles and your potential to make a significant impact within a company.  

Professional networking opportunities 

As a globally recognised HR professional body, the CIPD provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals in the field. When you enrol on to a CIPD course, you are immediately entered into their networking hub. Here, HR professionals can expand their networks and stay informed about industry trends. 

This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your peers in the industry. You can keep them updated with your professional development, which can open you up to a wealth of opportunities.  

Exemplifies commitment to continuous professional growth 

When you complete your masters, you are showing your dedication to professional growth. You prove that you are committed to advancing your knowledge and skills. 

The accomplishment of acquiring a master’s degree reflects many desirable qualities. such as discipline and a strong work ethic, which are qualities that are highly valued by employers. This opens a wealth of career advancement opportunities. 

Career opportunities with a master’s in Strategic HR Management  

With a master’s in Strategic HR Management, you could open doors to the following career opportunities and many more: 

  • HR manager 

  • Talent acquisition manager 

  • Organisational development manager 

  • Training and development manager 

  • Employee relations manager 

  • HR consultant 

  • HR director 

  • HR analytics specialist 

  • Learning and development manager 

  • Recruitment manager 

  • Diversity and inclusion manager 

  • HR project manager.   

Who benefits from a master’s degree in HR Management? 

The knowledge gained from graduating with a master’s degree in Strategic HR Management is helpful for many different roles. 

The benefits are the most tangible for those who are eager to advance from a more operational level to a more strategic one. 

This means the list of people who are likely to gain the most benefit from this master’s degree are: 

Up-and-coming HR managers and other senior leadership roles 

Those looking to advance their career into HR management are likely to find the most benefit from doing this master’s degree. It prepares you for the responsibilities and knowledge expected of leaders in the HR space, such as HR director. 

Professionals that manage large teams 

Another group that benefits from the studies are those currently responsible for managing a large group of employees. This is especially true in companies where access to a dedicated HR team might be limited (due to being based in a different country than the headquarters for example). 

This allows you to pick up and apply the skills themselves, giving them greater insight into the capabilities of their team. 

New HR professionals 

If you want to enter the field of HR and already have a bachelor's degree, this can be very helpful. You can get a master’s degree in Strategic HR Management to help solidify yourself as an up-and-coming expert in the space. 

It provides those with experience and those who are fresh to the industry with the skills needed. With a master’s degree, you can make the most out of your HR career. even if you simply wanted to change up your career and branch out. 

On top of that, the connections made during their studies can provide benefits further down the line. in the form of contacts, invites to HR conferences and events, and possibly even more opportunities. 

What is the best way to gain your qualification? 

Although you can get a master’s degree in Strategic HR Management at university, it can be extremely costly, time-consuming and may not be backed by a prestigious awarding body such as the CIPD.  

While university degrees typically cost around £13,000-£15,000, you could complete our CIPD qualification and gain a masters in HR management for a fraction of the price, in just seven months! 

If you gain your HR masters at university, you may have to take a career break due to the lack of flexibility. However, when you study an online master’s degree in HR management with MOL, you can gain your qualification while working. 

 Enrol on our MSc Strategic HR Management course to accelerate your career now.  

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