Which school should I go to for my Master of Science in HR?

[davidfr]

Hi everyone!

I am a French student and I am currently preparing my application package for my Master of Science in Human Resources in UK.

I would like to know if you agree with my following ranking (in terms of reputation / branding):

1. LSE

2. UCL

3. King's

For sure, LSE is definitely my 1st choice. I have a little doubt about UCL and King's. Is UCL "better" than King's in terms of reputation / branding?

I know that Warwick has a MSc in HR but too expensive for me... (I didn't consider Durham and St Andrews as well).

Feel free to share your comments or suggestions (in case I forgot some other well-known universities with a MSc in HR).

Thank you for your help!

[CakeTea]

LSE MSc HR is the most established out your 3. It derives from Industrial Relations and Organisational Behaviour Research clusters in the 80s under Prof Baker. It is highly academic and teaches various HR concepts (International HRM, People Management, Conflict resolution btw unions and employers, HR as Strategic Management, HR Measurement by quantitative scorecard, Intercultural, Motivation). Generally, in the UK the top 3 HR programmes are: LSE, Manchester and Warwick. I would seriously consider Manchester instead of King's. As EU student, you pay home tuition and it may work out cheaper as Manchester has lower cost of living than London. Manchester B-School is way higher ranked than King's (See FT, Economist, Guardian). The MBS HR/Org Behav. course has a long tradition with famous professors and produced many alumni who work in HR. When a MBS HR prof died a few yrs ago, there was a London Times obituary listing all his accomplishments. MBS has better facilities and organises guest speakers from academia and industry for networking events. Incidentally, MBS HRM is recognised by the HR professional body Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD), you need further certification if you wish to work in HR in the UK and CIPD looks good on your CV when you go to anglo countries or work in international companies. St Andrews HRM is new and does not have CIPD recognition yet. KCL does not have a good reputation in management sciences and students are not as top quality as LSE/Warwick/UCL. Other London colleges are far better and employers know it.

Another good option is Birmingham MSc HRM Pathway (!) option, it is more practical and you get more CIPD modules/consulting coursework that helps you towards certification. Diff CIPD levels of student member, certificate, diploma with exam and fellowship. I think Bir has lower tuition than your 3 choices and I believe that MBS/Birming HRM is better career wise than King's within the HR industry. The general reputation of the parent uni is another matter as it factors in all degrees, hence LSE/UCL/KCL may be better known to general public. I would contact course director and ask for employment data of grads, length or prior employment, HRM recruiters, average grad salary, career office support. The hard metrics are more helpful than soft brand/reputation. 

Good luck.

[smcgill5]

Hey Davidfr,

I just received acceptance to the LSE for MSc HR and International Employment Relations. My other option is the University of Toronto at 1/3 the cost (I'm a Canadian). 

How are you going to make the decision what school to choose? I've heard from some that often you need to know a lot about different laws in HR so it's not a good idea to study in a program outside the country you wish to practice in. Do you know anything about this?

[rising_star]

I would do the one that's 1/3 the cost.