Master of Arts in Human Resource Management

Introduction

The MA Human Resource Management programme has been structured to offer a professional training to both students aspiring to be employed as Human Resource managers and those who are already on the job needing advanced knowledge and training to improve their skills and to enable them perform effectively and efficiently. The programme aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, i.e., new trends that have evolved in the recent past in the profession to ensure that businesses and organizations get the best from their working personnel. Human resources management as a field of profession study has been recognized as one of the key factors of production. An effective and diligent management of human resources is thus vital for the sustainability of all human institutions. In view of the foregoing background, the main objectives for the programme are as follows:

Objectives of the Programme

1. Develop a critical appreciation of the theoretical foundations and empirical practice of Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations.
2. Expose students to a wide variety of organizational practices by use of teaching materials based on high quality contemporary research conducted by lecturers and their own research on independent individual dissertation.
3. Provide highest level of relevant training in Human Resources Management that combines conceptual underpinnings with applications whilst providing analytical, technical, leadership and interpersonal skills.
4. Development of managerial skills that are essential for a Senior Human Resources Manager, i.e., students are expected to be familiar not only with the uses of the acquired skills, but also with their application in real life situations
5. Avail students the opportunity to obtain a certain degree of breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, a multidisciplinary perspective, and the ability to integrate such knowledge and skills across all functional areas of management with a strategic and global perspective.
6. Provide students with the opportunity to gain graduate membership of the Zambia Institute of Human Resources Management (ZIHRM) which is extremely advantageous in securing a career in Human Resources Management.

Duration of the Programme

Three (3) programmes are to be offered, i.e., Full Time, Evening and Distance programmes. The Full Time programme would be conducted within 18 months whilst the Part Time programme would be conducted within 27 months. The Distance Learning programme has a minimum of three (3) years and a maximum of five (5) years to complete. Besides, there will be a partnership programme to be run by the Institute of Corporate Training and Advanced Research (ICTAR) in Lusaka. This is to offer students who are not prepared to go on the Distance learning mode but prefer tuition of the modules used for the on Campus programmes at the Copperbelt University. The partnership programme is run on the same basis as the evening programme at the Copperbelt University.

Eligibility for Admission

It is anticipated that all the programmes would be well subscribed by professionals in the Human Resource Management field and interested individuals wishing to become Human Resource Managers in future. The programme has been observed to be very popular with graduates in the field of Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Public Administration, Personnel Management, Political Science and other human related programmes that are offered at the undergraduate level in tertiary institutions, particularly in Africa.

Admission Requirements

Potential candidates eligible for admission to the MA Human Resource Management degree programme, must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. Applicants should hold a good first degree (i.e., a minimum of Credit) in Human Resource Management, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Law Public Administration, Personnel Management, Political Science and Economics, from a recognized tertiary institution and with at least 2 years of practical (work) experience.
2. Applicants holding first degrees (i.e., a minimum of Credit) in areas other than those availed in (a) above would also be considered. These should have at least three years of practical experience.
3. Practicing Human Resources Managers who hold a postgraduate Diploma from a recognized University would be considered. This would be on case by case basis.

Structure of the Programme

The MA Human Resource Management programme consists of four stages. The first three stages constitute the taught component. The fourth stage is the research component stage, which can be conducted over a period of twenty-four weeks, i.e., six (6) months. At this stage, students are expected to use their training from the first three stages to undertake research in specialist areas of Human Resource Management and demonstrate their ability to resolve real life practical problems encountered by institutions and establishments both within the private and public sectors. A research report or dissertation is to be submitted at the end of this period.

Modules of the Programme

The programme has three theoretical taught stages. Each stage has got four courses that are taught. Below are the main courses to be taught. It must be emphasized that the courses have been carefully designed bearing in mind the needs of the Zambian human resource management environment vis-a-vis requirements of the international standards demanded of the programme.
 

Each of the above courses will run for 48 hours teaching time. Students are therefore expected to carry out further study and research on their own to supplement this contact.

Stage IV

Research Dissertation (20,000 words)

This is conducted on Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations related topics with expert support from a personal supervisor, and usually involves research within one or more organizations. The supervisor is to define the scope of the research and advice, guide and support you through the process.

Progression Rules