8 min read

Updated On 7th Aug 2025

MBA In HR In UK 2025: Top Colleges, Fees & Scope

In the modern business environment and globalised economy, human capital has been identified as a primary success factor of any organisation. The MBA in Human Resources (HR) provides international students with invaluable experience and a core understanding of leadership, along with global expertise in Human Resources. This program also offers a plethora of high-paying job opportunities across various industries, including technology, consultancy, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

The UK is an ideal country to study, offering well-known universities globally, work-oriented course programs, CIPD recognition, and excellent placements.

This blog covers everything you need to know about pursuing an MBA in HR, including the best UK universities, eligibility, fees, scholarships, employment opportunities, stay-back options, and FAQs.

What is an MBA in Human Resource Management?

MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM) is a 1 to 2-year postgraduate program that focuses on people management, strategic HR planning, employee attraction, engagement, appraisal, compensation design, and labour law.

The core modules are -

Organisational Behaviour
Leadership Development
Employee Relations
Recruitment & Selection
Diversity and Acceptance
Performance Management
Learning & Development

This degree equips students with the ability to become strategic HR leaders, balancing people skills with data-driven decision-making.

Why Study MBA in HR in the UK?

Globally Recognized Degree

Internationally, an MBA in Human Resource Management (in the UK) is accepted by employers, universities, and those awarding accreditation. Whether you're working in the UK or returning to India, a UK MBA will add significant gravitas to your CV.

1-Year Program

In the UK, most MBA programs in HR are offered within 12 months only. That allows you to accelerate your career without having to take 2 years off work, and it saves time as well as money compared to US/Canadian MBAs.

CIPD-Aligned Curriculum

A significant number of UK business schools integrate their HR modules with CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). This provides students with a fast track to the CIPD membership, which HR recruiters in the UK and Europe highly regard.

Opportunity to work after studying

International students can also remain in the UK after graduating with the help of the Graduate Route visa of the UK to gain employment for up to two years. You do not require a job offer to apply for this visa, and thus you have time to consider positions in HR, recruitment, and talent development.

Linked Internship and Projects

UK MBA programs in HR offer hands-on consultancy/internship opportunities with prominent firms like PwC, Unilever, HSBC, Tesco, and Shell. Such experiences will improve your resume as well as your network of professionals within the UK job market.

High Demand for HR Professionals

In the post-pandemic era, organizations are investing heavily in people strategy, focusing on remote work, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), employee wellness, and talent retention. It has brought forth an acute demand for HR professionals, particularly those with international exposure and strategic training.

Different Types of MBA in HR in the UK

Although labelled as "MBA with HR specialization" in most cases, the courses carry diverse focuses:

Full-time 12-month MBA in Human Resource Management.
Part-time or executive MBA - HR specialisations.
Work-integrated formats that focus on strategic HR practice

MBA programs include internships, consulting projects, and CIPD-aligned modules to enhance employability in HR leadership.

Top Universities for MBA in HR in the UK

University Name	MBA HR Focus	QS Global Rank 2025	Duration	Tuition Fees (Approx)
University of Manchester (Alliance MBS)	Strategic HR, CIPD-aligned	#29	1 year	£47,000
University of Edinburgh Business School	Talent Management, Workforce Strategy	#65	1 year	£38,500
University of Strathclyde	Organisational Behaviour, HR Analytics	Top 100	1 year	£35,900
Lancaster University	Leadership, Employment Law	Top 120	1 year	£37,500
Durham University Business School	Global HR Management, Ethics	Top 100	1 year	£39,500
University of Birmingham	Employee Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion	Top 90	1 year	£35,850
Cranfield School of Management	HRM, Organisational Performance	Top 120	1 year	£41,000
University of Glasgow	HR for Public & Private Sector	Top 100	1 year	£31,900
University of Leeds	Change Management, Global Talent Strategy	Top 120	1 year	£36,000
Brunel University London	HR Leadership & Development	Top 150	1 year	£26,000

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Criteria	Requirements
Academic Qualification	Bachelor's degree with 60–70% (preferably in business or HR)
Work Experience	2–3 years (preferred but not always mandatory)
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100
GMAT/GRE	Optional (may be needed for top-tier MBAs like LBS)
SOP/LOR	Statement of Purpose, 1–2 Letters of Recommendation
Resume	With career achievements, internships, and leadership experience

MBA in HR in the UK: Tuition Fees

Type of Institution	Avg. Tuition Fees (GBP/year)
Top-ranked Universities	£35,000 – £47,000
Mid-range Universities	£25,000 – £35,000
Public/Flexible Universities	£18,000 – £25,000

Note - Many UK MBA HR courses also offer fee waivers or scholarships for international students.

Cost of Living in the UK

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (GBP)	Annual Estimate (GBP)
Rent (shared)	£450–£800	£6,000–£9,500
Food & Essentials	£150–£250	£1,800–£3,000
Transport	£50–£100	£600–£1,200
Health Insurance	£470 (IHS surcharge)	-
Miscellaneous	£100–£200	£1,200–£2,400
Total	-	£10,000–£15,000/year

Scholarships for MBA HR Students in the UK

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility Criteria
GREAT Scholarship for India	British Council	£10,000	Indian passport, UG degree, IELTS 6.5+
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship	UK FCDO	Full tuition + stipend	Financial need, academic excellence
Chevening Scholarship	UK Govt	Full expenses	Leadership profile, 2+ yrs experience
Alliance MBS India Scholarship	University of Manchester	£10,000–£20,000	Merit-based
Cranfield School of Management Bursary	Cranfield University	Variable	Based on merit & financial need
University of Edinburgh MBA Scholarship	University of Edinburgh	£10,000–£20,000	Academic merit
Global Future Scholarship	University of Leeds	£5,000–£10,000	International students, strong academics

Careers After MBA in HR in the UK

An MBA in Human Resource Management can train you to deal with a wide variety of leadership roles in various industries. UK firms appreciate HR professionals who have international education and cross-functional experience.

Top Job Roles -

HR Business Partner
Talent Acquisition Manager
Learning & Development Manager
Compensation & Benefits Analyst
Diversity & Inclusion Officer
People Analytics Specialist
HR Consultant (freelance/firm-based)

Top Employers -

PwC, KPMG, EY
Unilever, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble
HSBC, Barclays, Standard Chartered
Shell, British Airways, Amazon UK

Salary After an MBA in HR in the UK

A UK-based MBA in HR transforms into a broad range of mid-to-senior opportunities in any industry. The salaries depend on the location, the size of the company, and the experience. CIPD-aligned program graduates are expected to receive higher salaries.

Job Title	Average Annual Salary (GBP)
HR Assistant / HR Administrator (Entry-level)	£28,000 – £35,000
HR Generalist	£35,000 – £45,000
HR Manager	£45,000 – £60,000
Talent Acquisition Manager	£42,000 – £55,000
Learning & Development Manager	£42,000 – £58,000
HR Business Partner	£50,000 – £70,000
Compensation & Benefits Manager	£48,000 – £65,000
Organisational Development Lead	£52,000 – £75,000
Diversity & Inclusion Manager	£50,000 – £68,000
Head of People / Senior HR Manager	£60,000 – £85,000
HR Director (5+ years experience)	£75,000 – £100,000+
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)	£100,000 – £150,000+

Tip: CIPD membership, tech/HR analytics skills, and experience in multinational firms boost salaries significantly.

ROI of an MBA in HR in the UK

Investment vs Return -

Item	Estimated Cost
Total Tuition	£17,000 – £47,000
Living Expenses	£10,000 – £12,000
Total Cost	£27,000 – £59,000

Average starting salary post-MBA HR: £40,000 – £55,000
Break-even ROI timeline: 2–3 years

With the 2-year Graduate Route Visa, you can gain UK work experience that builds long-term career value, even if you return to India or move globally later.

UK HR MBA College Comparison

Students can complete an 18-month MBA with HR electives through the University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School) at approximately £47,000, which has a triple accreditation and global consulting opportunities. There are less expensive, shorter options, such as Coventry University's 12-month CIPD-accredited scheme, which costs £20,050 and places applied learning at its core.

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (Scotland) has a strong emphasis on HR, with a focus on leadership development, and costs £31,000 (one year). The University of Westminster (London, £21,000) and the University of Roehampton (London, £17,000) are both based in London, offering good industry contacts and current HR options.

If you want a blend of affordability and practical applicability, the University of Bedfordshire will present you with a non-CIPD program at a mere £16,500. In contrast, the University of Leeds offers a more strategy-focused and analytics-focused program at £31,500. For students seeking a slightly longer course, the University of Greenwich offers a 15-month, £17,500 program that may be more suitable for those who prefer more hands-on project work.

These universities have different budgets and learning needs, so it's up to you to decide what you're looking for and what it takes to pursue a career in HR

Conclusion

The UK in 2025 is an excellent choice for obtaining an MBA degree in HR, offering international experience, industry-ready education, and access to recruiters. It has 1-year programs, CIPD alignment, and good stay-back options, making it a good fit for Indian students who want to work in leadership positions in HR and talent management. Begin your journey early, shortlist universities, prepare your SOPs, and apply for scholarships to boost your admission success.

FAQs

1. Which is the best country for an MBA in HR?

The UK is among the top, offering 1-year programs with CIPD alignment, post-study visas, and global job scope.

2. Is an MBA in HR a good career option?

Yes. HR roles are in high demand globally, and MBA graduates can access leadership roles across industries.

3. Can I pursue an MBA in HR after completing my B.Com or BA?

Yes. Most UK universities accept graduates from any stream with good academics and English proficiency.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in HR in the UK?

Bachelor's degree with 60–70%, 2–3 years of work experience, IELTS 6.5+, and a strong SOP.

5. What is the average salary after an MBA in HR in the UK?

Entry-level salaries range from £35,000–£50,000 and grow to £70,000+ in senior roles.

At Azent, we have a strong commitment to education and career development. We are passionate about bringing global education to the doorsteps of students all over India.