The MSc Human Resource Management course at Essex Business School has received accreditation from CIPD - the professional body for HR and people development.

CIPD accreditation recognises the Masters programme ensures students acquire the essential knowledge and skills to become effective HR and learning and development practitioners.

Dr Edward Barratt, Programme Director for MSc Human Resource Management, said: “We work hard to ensure our course prepares graduates to excel in their HR careers. We give them access to organised visits, guest lectures from practitioners, business partner expertise and insight into the complexities of people management from the University’s Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies.

“CIPD accreditation is testament to our commitment to provide students with the best foundation for their future. It shows that Essex Business School meets the rigorous and up-to-date standards of HR education and professionalism.”

Students studying at Essex Business School can now apply for CIPD student membership when they begin their course and upgrade to being an Associate Member after successful completion. This entitles them to use the letters ‘Assoc CIPD’ after their name. Depending on work experience, they may also be able to upgrade to become a CIPD Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow.

Graduating with a Masters from a CIPD approved provider enables students to strengthen their CVs and is likely to make them more attractive candidates to employers. Students can leave university with the ability to develop and implement HR interventions and strategies that make an impact in the workplace. CIPD membership also demonstrates candidates are committed to their own professional development.

Taught at Essex Business School at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus, MSc Human Resource Management offers an academically rigorous and practical grounding in core HR areas. It explores the relationship between managing people and the qualities of leadership and has been designed to meet the needs of both newly qualified graduates and experienced professionals looking to enhance their career prospects.

CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development. The not for profit organisation champions better work and working lives and has been setting the benchmark for excellence in people and organisation development for more than 100 years. It has more than 135,000 members across the world, provides thought leadership through independent research on the world of work, and offers professional training and accreditation for those working in HR and learning and development.

CIPD student and associate membership require an annual fee and more details are provided on the CIPD website.

• Applications for MSc Human Resources Management are still open for courses starting in October 2016.