University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
28 Feb 2026, 08:30
Portsmouth

Overview
You're a passionate and qualified Human Resource (HR) practitioner looking to progress your career. You've already successfully achieved the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Advanced Level 7 qualification and you're looking to progress your HR training to Master's level. This MSc Human Resource Development Top-up will help take you there, boosting your skills and employability.
Human Resource Development (HRD) is a more specialised field, with a specific focus on the learning and development of people within organisations. HRD activities include training, coaching, mentoring, well-being, management development, technology-enhanced learning strategies and many more.
You'll enhance your HR knowledge and skills through a 3-day intensive research methods workshop at the University, before completing a dissertation proposal and dissertation on a related subject of your choosing. As you progress through your studies, you'll get support from your dissertation supervisor through online tutorials.
You'll graduate as a highly competent HR practitioner, with the specialist skills needed to achieve success in your chosen career path. Depending on your choice of dissertation, you'll be awarded with either an MSc Human Resource Management (HRM), or an MSc Human Resource Development (HRD) qualification.
The University of Portsmouth is an Approved Centre for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR specialists and the world's largest Chartered HR professional organisation.
Course highlights
Complete a 3-day intensive research skills development workshop, where you'll develop the skills needed to complete your dissertation
Focus on a specialist topic which has real meaning for you, and get help and support in progressing your dissertation proposal from your dedicated supervisor
Work through pre-course reading and proposal development activities, further deepening your knowledge of the field
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
Careers and opportunities
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry.
What can you do with a Human Resource Development (Top-up) degree?
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
business development and consultancy
management
recruitment
personnel
human resources
training
Other graduates have set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Choose a specific option to see funding information.
Course optionsUniversity of Portsmouth
Mercantile House
Hampshire Terrace
Portsmouth
PO1 2EG
Email:admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone:023 9284 5566