The new MSc Business Psychology and Strategic People Management provides a unique opportunity to study the intersection between the psychology of work and organisations alongside major principles and practices of strategic human resource management. It demonstrates how successful development and management of people in the workplace has the potential to transform organisational performance, innovation and employee wellbeing.
This comprehensive programme encompasses a wide range of core and elective topics, including psychological assessment at work, strategic leadership and organisational change, well-being and work design, learning and organisational performance, as well as contemporary topics in people management such as diversity, equality and workplace inclusion, ethics and sustainability, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in people management, as well as people analytics.
This programme strongly focuses on developing professional behaviours and skills and understanding how to critically leverage research evidence to inform responsible people management strategies and decisions. You will also be adept at interpreting people data and the latest research findings to enhance people management practices and optimise employee development, engagement, and wellbeing at work.
Additionally, you will learn how to apply theoretical concepts by engaging in real-world case study analysis and consultancy challenges and develop tailored solutions for addressing current business challenges in people management and the psychology of work. By combining the core principles of organisational psychology and human resource management, this MSc seeks to cultivate confident, competent and socially responsible people management leaders of the future.
This is an ideal programme for aspiring leaders, recent graduates, and professionals looking to specialise in the people-focused side of the business. You’ll gain hands on experience in real world challenges, preparing you to make a meaningful impact on employee wellbeing, engagement, and organisational success.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
During the first semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL HRM STRATEGY AND PRACTICE (ULMS786) | 20 |
| STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE (ULMS700) | 20 |
| WORK DESIGN AND WELLBEING (ULMS881) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During the second semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MANAGING PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPING PEOPLE (ULMS522) | 20 |
| PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AT WORK (ULMS884) | 20 |
| EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND PEOPLE ANALYTICS (ULMS875) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
For your final project, you will select one optional module from the options below:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (ULMS790) | 60 |
| ADVANCED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (ULMS719) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The approach to teaching and learning will combine the use of large group in-person and asynchronous lectures, small group seminars (or workshops), scheduled seminar preparation sessions, and cross-programme contemporary issues sessions. Seminars are face-to-face in smaller groups and are interactive. Seminars will be discipline appropriate and consist of computer labs, case studies, problem solving sessions and discussion. In addition, the programme has a series of “contemporary topics” sessions which will include research by faculty, external guest speakers and presentations from alumni and members of the advisory board. This framework allows for asynchronous delivery of lectures, making use of high-quality electronic resources. These asynchronous sessions will be bookended by live lectures and appropriately scaffolded with supporting online learning material.
The programme includes a balanced assessment strategy which includes combination of written individual assignments and reports, group presentations, a learning journal, quizzes, and a dissertation. This variety allows students to develop confidence across multiple formats, catering to different strengths and providing broad opportunities for academic growth. The programme also embraces ‘authentic assessment’ by including practical assignments which give students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-life situations, group tasks that involve developing evidence-based analysis to real-life leadership scenarios, and reflective portfolios to capture personal learning and implications for future professional practice. These forms of assessment require students to present their findings in different formats for different stakeholders, aiding the development of student confidence and preparing them to become well-rounded graduates.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School. The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Graduating from this programme will significantly improve your employability, helping you advance your career in business psychology, human resources, consultancy or management roles. Your ability to engage in critical, evidence-based decision-making to cultivate employee and organisational performance will make you highly competitive in the job market.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This course is designed to boost employability in fields where understanding people dynamics and effective management are key. It will prepare you to advance in roles related to business psychology, human resources, consultancy, and people management. You will become an attractive candidate for organisations seeking to cultivate and effective leadership.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £15,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,500
Full-time place, per year - £30,000
Part-time place, per year - £15,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 1 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions