Assessment
The assessment for the MA in HR and Consulting involves no examinations but is based upon seven pieces of coursework:
- two seminar papers (1,500-5,000 words each)
- a research-based project (10,000 words)
- a consulting project, with both a written report and an oral presentation (group-based) on the group's findings
- a group-based presentation on an aspect of design and dynamics in organisational learning
- a quantitative research assignment
- a dissertation (15-20,000 words)
The seminar papers offer a way of exploring ideas arising from the module content and related literature. Papers may be linked closely to the content of a specific individual module, but can also explore topics from more than one module and can draw on your previous experience at work or in education.
The project and dissertation generally involve some active primary research. The project acts as a ‘trial run’ for the dissertation – which is completed by the end of August – and enables you to hone your research skills. Previous participants' dissertations have used a variety of research approaches.
Sample coursework topics
Topics which students have chosen to explore include:
- talent measurement techniques
- power relations in education
- applicability of career development theories
- coaching and mentoring in Hong Kong's hospitality industry
- leadership development in the non-profit sector
- benefits, challenges and implementation of e-learning
- workforce management during strategic change initiatives
- comparing work culture in UK and Indian call centres
- interpreting cultural differences in learning and knowledge processes
- HRD challenges for the aviation sector
- reflective practice in the veterinary profession
Selecting coursework topics
You choose your topics in consultation with your tutors and your learning group. For each assignment you are free to select a topic of particular interest from within the broad areas covered in the programme. Discussing proposed assignment topics within your learning group then helps you to refine the focus of your chosen area.
The subjects selected vary enormously but the list on the right gives some indication of the breadth of topics undertaken recently.
Assessment process
There is a strong interactive element in how the individual pieces of coursework are assessed. Discussion takes place within each learning group, with all the participants and tutor giving feedback on individual pieces of work before these are marked by the tutor.
An advantage of this approach is that each of you benefits from the work of your colleagues in the group.
