Core Module Information
Module title: Research Skills and Professional Development

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: HRM11618
Module leader: Lesley McLean
School The Business School
Subject area group: Human Resource Management
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module takes you through the practicalities of undertaking a research project in the field of human resource management at postgraduate level and sets out to nurture critical reflection and lifelong learning. It examines a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques, and addresses different approaches to data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the development of what the CIPD describe as ‘thinking performers, able to capture useful experiences and assessing the practical benefits of what you have learned, plus areas for practice improvement.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically plan and design a work-based research project that demonstrates strategic awareness and has the potential to contribute to enhanced organisational performance and professional practice standards.

LO2: Apply appropriate analytical software and statistical techniques to conduct and interpret data analysis, producing robust and evidence-based findings.

LO3: Collect and analyse data from primary and secondary sources using effective and ethically sound research methods, culminating in a literature-informed research design to underpin the master’s research project.

LO4: Present research findings in a clear, logical, and systematic manner, critically articulating their practical implications and potential value to organisational practice and performance.

LO5: Critically reflect on the scoping study including ways in which this could have been undertaken more effectively, linking this to a reflection of professional experience in the area of human resource management and development.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lesley McLean
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 167 Guided independent study for the MSc HRM Top-up is supported via a comprehensive Moodle page with structured online learning units. You will engage with readings, multimedia, and interactive activities at your own pace, consolidating workshop learning. Formative guidance and resources support critical reflection, research skills, and preparation for assessments, enhancing professional knowledge and application in HRM.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 33 Online workshops for the MSc HRM Top-up provide interactive sessions to explore key HRM topics, engage with research and practice, and collaborate with peers through discussions and case studies. Delivered via Teams, they offer real-time interaction, formative feedback, and support for independent study and assessment, fostering critical thinking, professional reflection, and practical HRM skills.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 30 1 Week 8 , WORDS= 2000 words You will research and develop an individual research proposal, demonstrating a clear focus on a relevant HRM topic, appropriate research questions, and a justified methodological approach. Formative feedback will be provided on draft submissions by your academic supervisor, supporting the development of your research design and critical analysis. Additional guidance will be offered during a scheduled in-class assessment development session. The final research proposal will be submitted online via Moodle, and detailed written feedback and grades will be provided against the published assessment criteria outlined in the module handbook. This assessment enables you to apply research-informed practice, critically engage with theory and evidence, and demonstrate professional academic writing skills in preparation for your master’s research project.
Report 70 2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 7000 words You will research and develop an individual scoping study, critically exploring a relevant HRM topic through a thorough review of primary and secondary sources. Formative feedback will be provided by your academic supervisor to support the development of your literature review, research design, and critical evaluation. Additional guidance will be available during scheduled in-class assessment development sessions. The final scoping study will be submitted online via Moodle, with detailed written feedback and grades provided against the published assessment criteria in the module handbook. This assessment enables you to demonstrate advanced research skills, engage critically with contemporary HRM debates, and apply evidence-informed insights to professional practice in preparation for your master’s research project.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 2, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Kirsteen Grant
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 17 Practical classes and workshops
Independent Learning Guided independent study 26 Guided independent study
Online Guided independent study 157 Guided independent study
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 30 1 Week 8 , WORDS= 2000 Project - Written
Report 70 2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 7000 Report
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HRM11618 Research Skills and Professional Development