This April, students on our MSc Human Resource Management (International Development) took part in a residential visit as part of their study in the MSc Human Resource Management Enhancement Programme (HRMEP).

The MSc HRMEP has developed over nine years since 2017 to offer closer student engagement with a wide range of organisational contexts in the field of HR practices, focusing on professional, cultural and social dimensions. HRMEP aims to equip learners with a robust theoretical framework in human resource management and, at the same time, to provide students with an opportunity to gain insight into practical human resource management across a wide range of contexts and sectors.

Collaborating with various organisations, students had the opportunity to develop a reflection-based learning experience through communicating with HR practitioners and exploring historical and cultural contexts and management strategies. Feedback from students shows the positive and valuable impact of the HRMEP and this residential visit. Students were especially able to learn more about human resource management and strategic management in the real world, which is beneficial for reflective learning and career development in HRM.

 

 

Feedback from the MSc HRM (ID) student representative, Yuqian Li:

My time at Manchester has been deeply enriching, offering a curriculum that perfectly aligned with my passion for HRM. The courses were well-structured, blending foundational theories with real-world case studies, which helped me gain practical skills I can apply in my future career.

The residential and field trips have truly been the highlight of my master’s journey. As students, most of us have limited work experience, and after years of learning theory in the classroom, these trips gave us a rare and valuable chance to step into real workplaces. Visiting companies and factories across different industries helped us connect theory with practice and gave us insights we could never gain from textbooks alone. The recent residential trip felt extra special―not only was it educational, but it also brought our whole cohort together in a unique way. Exploring Bristol and Bath with classmates and professors felt a bit like a school trip from childhood―everyone looking out for each other, sharing laughs, and bonding over new experiences. The beautiful cities, historic sites like Stonehenge and Shakespeare’s birthplace, and the friendly atmosphere made it all unforgettable. What I loved most was being able to ask managers real questions and observe daily HR operations firsthand. It made everything we’ve learned feel real and meaningful. These trips have not only deepened my understanding of HR but also helped build strong friendships and memories that will stay with me. They’ve shown me just how powerful and inspiring experiential learning can be.

 

 

Feedback from MSc HRM (ID) Student Representative, Shubham Singh:

Reflecting on my recent visit to Bristol, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury, it was a truly enriching experience. The presentations by our hosts were a major highlight. They offered valuable insights into the company’s operations, culture, and the challenges they face. What stood out to me was how the speakers effectively connected theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Their personal stories and career advice were inspiring and reinforced the importance of skills like adaptability, communication, and teamwork in any professional setting.

Another great part of the trip was the city tour of Salisbury. It was a wonderful way to unwind after the busy days and explore the surroundings. The city had a welcoming atmosphere and was the perfect setting to reflect on the insights gained during the visit. Overall, this experience gave me a deeper understanding of the professional world while also offering a chance to enjoy the charm of Salisbury. It was a trip that left me feeling motivated and excited for the future.

 

 

I would like to thank the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, our course leader, and the whole team for providing this incredible opportunity. It was an invaluable experience that enhanced my understanding of the professional world and allowed me to explore a beautiful part of the UK. I’m truly grateful for the chance to be part of this trip.

We’d like to thank our hosts, including Sally Cordwell, the CEO of Aerospace Museum, Kelly Tucker, the Strategic Advisor in the HR Star, Sophie Thomas, the Education Visits Officer of English Heritage in Stonehenge, Kate Saykouk, the Bookings and Visitor Experience Manager, Jane Morgan, the Director of External Relations and Visitor Experience and Kenneth Padley the Canon Treasurer, in the Salisbury Cathedral and Georgina Haynes, the Blue Badge Guide Team of Salisbury City Council.

 

 

We also appreciate the support of colleagues in the fieldwork team, including Katie Tynan, Nick Ritchie, Jenny Rackham and Aidan Barker, for their sustained help on the arrangement of our visits, especially considering the size of our group and the challenges this year.

We are very glad to have been able to work together with all of you this year and we look forward to further cooperation in the future.

 

Lujia Feng, MSc HRM Residential Fieldwork Leader and MSc HRM (ID) Programme Director

Dereje Regasa Deputy Director of MSc HRM (ID)

Rukaiyatu Jungudo and Adel Almalki Senior Tutors in MSc HRM (ID)

The Teaching Assistant Team, including Mindy Park, Luis Oyarzun Ibarra, Wenkai Xue and Mengjie Xu.

 

 

Note:  This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.

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