UCL School of Management

MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management

Overview

Start date: September 2025 
Duration: 12 months (Full-time only)
Fees: UK - £33,000 (per annum). Overseas - £33,000 (per annum). Scholarships available
Application deadline: Applications will open on 14 October 2024 and close as follows - Applicants who require a visa: applications close on 27 June 2025 at 17:00 UK time, Applicants who do not require a visa: applications close on 29 August 2025 at 17:00 UK time.
Entry: A quantitative undergraduate degree at 2:1 Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university. Applicants are also required to meet the Level 2 English Language requirements. Learn more.
Location: This programme is delivered at our Canary Wharf campus.  

Apply to MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management

Developed in partnership with industry leaders, the UCL MSc in People Analytics and Human-Centric Management equips you with the critical and latest knowledge and skills on people analytics, leadership, and the future of work. This programme is designed for those aiming to have outstanding careers in management, people analytics, and human resources. 

About this degree

Organisations today face complex challenges related to people management and leadership, such as attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring employee engagement and well-being, and adapting to rapid technological changes. As a result, jobs in people management, human resources (HR), and employee experience have been on the rise, particularly those that combine data analytics and critical thinking with HR and managerial knowledge.

Developed in consultation with leading industry partners, this programme combines fundamental HR and management knowledge with cutting-edge research and practice in people analytics, strategic management, work design, and employee well-being.

The curriculum goes beyond traditional HR education so that you, as graduates, can lead sustainable change and growth in various organisations. The MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management programme benefits from an advisory board comprised of industry leaders and experts in the people and management space.

Taught by world-renowned researchers and thought leaders in the area of people management, the programme offers you a unique blend of insights based on academic knowledge and industry experience. The programme is led by globally renowned faculty members from the Organisation and Innovation Group, who routinely publish in the top academic journals, write for the business press in outlets like Harvard Business Review and Financial Times, and are regularly sought after for their expertise by leading global firms.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, class discussions and group projects. Assessment is through written examinations, individual/group coursework, and a 12,000-word dissertation project. The dissertation project will typically involve practical topics chosen by students, addressing a range of people-related challenges faced by organisations such as understanding factors affecting employee performance and wellbeing and working on sustainable job and organisational designs.

Typical contact hours 

Students typically study four compulsory modules, each worth 15 credits in each of Terms 1 and 2. Each taught module in Terms 1 and 2 is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. For the preparation of these modules, students spend approximately 7-12 hours per week on assessment and independent study for each module. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the module and the activities being undertaken. The Dissertation project takes place over Term 3.

In addition to the core modules, the programme includes multiple bootcamps throughout the year, where industry leaders visit to teach the latest knowledge and techniques in data analytics, artificial intelligence, organisational design, and future of work.

The programme is delivered across three terms and the summer and is outlined below. Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. For questions about optional modules, please contact us at: mgmt-pahcm@ucl.ac.uk​.

MODULES

Programme diet for the academic year starting 2024/2025

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 and over the summer period

Compulsory

Strategic HR Management

People Analytics

Data Visualisation

Organisational Behaviour

 

Compulsory

Managing Diversity

Leadership and Communication

Influence and Negotiations

Sustainable Work Design

 

 

 

Compulsory

Dissertation Project

 

How is this programme unique?

Our programme stands out through its strong alignment with real-world applications, cutting-edge curriculum, and unparalleled research expertise.

  • Real-World Applications: We’ve collaborated with an advisory board of top industry experts to develop and continuously update our curriculum and educational journey. These experts from our programme’s advisory board will actively engage with students from day one, providing feedback and advice throughout the programme.  
  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Our courses address contemporary and critical topics such as sustainable work design, organisational and job design, data visualization, and inclusive leadership. This equips students with the most current knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders and managers in today’s organisations. We will also organise practitioner-led bootcamps on analytics/AI, HR, and leadership throughout the programme.
  • Research Expertise: All courses are designed and taught by globally renowned faculty who are leading scholars in management. Their research, regularly published in top academic journals, is at the forefront of academic thought and deeply connected to real-world challenges.

Why choose UCL?

UCL is one of the world’s best universities, consistently placed in the global top 20 in a wide variety of world rankings.

UCL School of Management offers innovative undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes to prepare people for leadership roles in the next generation of innovation-intensive organisations. The School works closely with global companies, public organisations and innovative start-ups at the cutting edge of management and associated people-related practice. The research performed in the UCL School of Management was rated as “world-leading” and “internationally excellent” in the 2021 Research Excellent Framework (REF), placing us second in the UK for business and management. 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

During their year at UCL, you will have the opportunity to participate in various student activities on the Bloomsbury campus including clubs, societies, cultural events, sports, etc. You can learn more about the societies on offer at UCL by visiting the Students Union. Further to this, there will be student activities specific to the MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management, such as final-term parties, workshops, and book clubs.

Applications

Who is this programme designed for?

This programme is ideal for you if you want to push yourself in your quest to forge a career in people analytics, HR analytics, management, or HR, or if you want to develop your knowledge of the future of work and management.

MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management applicants are expected to have a basic understanding of statistics, business, and management through formal or informal education and work experience. To reach the next level, we expect a great deal from our students. If you choose to study with us, you can expect to work hard, challenge yourself as we challenge you, and regularly find yourself out of your comfort zone.

Our students come from various academic backgrounds, including business and management, social psychology, and social sciences. Degrees and work experience in other fields are also considered if students have a strong motivation to pursue a career in people and management-related areas. While we welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds into the programme, the MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management programme can be quantitative, managerial, and focused on people management topics, therefore, you should be prepared to be pushed in these areas.

Students can vary in age and experience, as the programme will benefit both those starting out in their careers and those who want to shift their career from a different field into the space of people analytics, HR analytics, management, and human resources.

We are committed to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, and we encourage applications from students of all demographic backgrounds to enrich our learning environment.

We target to enrol a global cohort of 50 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Based on data from the existing MSc programmes at the UCL School of Management, we anticipate a diverse cohort for this programme.

Application Process

Applications opened on 14 October and close as follows - Applicants who require a visa: applications close on 27 June 2025 at 17:00 UK time, Applicants who do not require a visa: applications close on 29 August 2025 at 17:00 UK time. Applications must be complete and submitted by the application deadline, or they will not be considered. Programmes at the UCL School of Management are competitive so students are advised to apply as early as possible.

Apply to MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management

Entry Requirements

We look for students with excellence, drive, critical thinking, integrity, and teamwork skills. Additionally, students need to be genuinely interested in actively accumulating academic and practical expertise in HR, people analytics, and management. To ensure we enrol students who meet these criteria, we use the following methods to assess applications.

Academic Entry Requirements

  • A good undergraduate degree from a recognised university – i.e., a minimum of UK Second Class Honours (Upper Division - 2:1) or the international equivalent. International Students may ascertain qualification equivalents from the UCL international students website. UCL Admissions check qualification equivalencies before forwarding application forms to our School. The UCL School of Management is unable to comment on international qualifications.
  • Prior undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in business and management, social psychology, and social sciences are preferred. Degrees in other fields are also considered if students have strong motivation to pursue career in people and management-related areas.

GMAT/GRE

  • GMAT/GRE are not required for the application.
  • However, you are encouraged to submit your results if you have taken the test and performed well and believe it will add weight to your application.

English Language Requirement

  • An English Language Level 2 qualification is required, that is
    • English as a native language or
    • A Level 2 of English in any English language qualification or test recognised by UCL. 
  • Applicants are encouraged to include evidence of their English language qualification at the time they apply. 
  • Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Application Essay

An application essay is a key component of the application process and must accompany the initial application. This statement should capture your motivation to pursue the MSc in People Analytics and Human-Centric Management at University College London in a genuine and specific manner. You should demonstrate a clear interest in people management, organisational behaviour, social psychology, data analytics, and statistics, as well as prior experience and knowledge in these areas. Moreover, and importantly, the statement should specify your career aspirations after completing the degree, outlining well-researched and grounded short- and long-term professional and personal objectives. We are also interested in why you are looking to pursue this programme, what you will bring to the UCL communities, and evidence of leadership and teamwork. We also require a copy of your CV.

Academic and work experience

Demonstration of an appropriate academic background is essential. Work experience in the management, people, or HR-related sector is beneficial but not a prerequisite. Applications with work experience in other fields will also be considered beneficial.

International profile

Applicants should highlight any international experience they have, including international exchanges, trips, internships, fluency in languages other than their native one, and/or interest in other cultures. These attributes would be advantageous because applicants are likely to be working in a highly diverse and global environment.

Interview Performance

Applicants who meet the entry requirements and provide an appropriate professional statement will be reviewed. Those considered eligible for the next stage will be invited to an online video interview, with the invitation sent by email from Kira Talent. Interview performance is a crucial component of the application process, as it provides evidence of the applicant's genuine interest in the programme and the specific qualities we seek: excellence, drive, critical thinking, integrity, and teamwork skills

Contact

For further information regarding the MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management programme, please contact the team via email: mgmt.comms@ucl.ac.uk. For further queries regarding admissions please see the UCL Postgraduate Admissions Website

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

​The 2025-26 fees will be published in Autumn 2024. Learn more about tuition fees.

Scholarships and Funding

Scholarships are available through UCL for all years of study. Competition for scholarships is fierce, however, and to stand a chance of being chosen you will need to show evidence of commitment and the potential for high achievement.

Application for scholarships and bursaries must be made when confirming your place before the start of your studies.

For more information on scholarships and financial support, please visit Funding and Scholarships
 
Deposit
 
All full-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme.
Additional Costs
 
This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing or photocopying. 
 
This programme may include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips and summer school programmes. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,500 to £2,500 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits as well as the prevailing exchange rates

Careers

As London’s Global University, the UCL School of Management has a talented international workforce and recognises that an organisation is only as strong as the individuals who work for it.

This allied to the innovation and flexibility needed in today’s organisations, means that recruiting the right person has never been more important for employers.

The graduates of this programme will be expected to secure roles such as Data Scientist, HR Data Analyst, People Analytics Specialist, Workforce Planning Manager, Change Management Manager, and other HR-related Manager roles.

The MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management programme enables you to make an early and substantial contribution to your future employer. As a student on the programme you will prepare for your future through career workshops, one-on-one advice, exclusive corporate events and access to our alumni community.

Whatever your nationality, experience or background, you will leave UCL equipped with the tools to become a high achiever in your chosen field.

As an MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management student, you will benefit from a bespoke Careers and Employer Engagement programme and a dedicated careers team who will help you present yourself to leading graduate employers with confidence.

Our portfolio of careers support includes:

  • Individual career coaching sessions with Careers Consultants dedicated to the School of Management
  • Weekly careers and professional development workshops on topics including marketing yourself as a candidate, interviews, assessment centres and planning your next steps
  • Exclusive industry insight sessions and employer-led events, accessible only to School of Management students to help guide your career choice.

For further information on the Careers provision for UCL School of Management, please see our Careers page.

In addition to the bespoke activities within the School of Management, you also have access to the central UCL Careers provision. Every year over 1,000 employers/organisations attend events arranged by UCL Careers, including careers fairs, employer presentations and sector ‘themed weeks’, which may include employer forums, networking events, talks on how to get into the sector, and one-on-one advice sessions.

Graduates from the school’s other MSc programs have secured jobs in a variety of high-profile companies. The UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey (graduating classes 2018-2021) showed on average the top 10 companies graduates went on to secure roles in were:

  • Amazon 
  • Accenture plc 
  • China Merchants Bank 
  • Deloitte LLP 
  • Deliveroo 
  • EY 
  • Grant Thornton LLP 
  • HSBC Bank plc 
  • Huawei Technologies 
  • KPMG LLP 
  • PwC 
  • Siemens 
  • The German Stock Exchange 
  • UBS Investment Bank  
  • Unilever 

Contact

For further information regarding the MSc People Analytics and Human-Centric Management, please contact the Postgraduate Team.

For further queries regarding admissions please see the UCL Postgraduate Admissions Webpage. 

Video Library

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FAQs

How can I apply?
Applications to start the programme in September 2025 opened on 14 October 2024. You can apply via UCL's online portal.
Will it improve my chance of being accepted if I apply for more than one MSc programme?
No, in fact, applying for more than one MSc programme could indicate a lack of focus in career ambitions and is more likely to lead to you being rejected for both programmes. We currently offer a wide variety of MSc programmes, so please refer to the UCL course finder before applying to define the programme which best suits your career goals and ambitions.
I am an international student; how can I find out what the degree equivalency is for my home institution? 
International Students can find their international equivalency by visiting the UCL international students website.
I am currently studying and do not yet have my final results, should I wait to receive my transcript before applying?
If your predicted final results meet our minimum entry requirements, you can apply before receiving your final degree results. You should include details of your predicted results on your application form, and an official transcript of your results so far. If we are able to make you an offer of study, it will be conditional and you will need to prove that you meet the condition before the beginning of the programme.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need to include a degree transcript in one of the suggested disciplines, two references, and a personal statement. Overseas applicants should also supply evidence of their English language ability through one of UCL's accepted English Language Tests.
I am going to take an English test later in the year, can I still apply now?

You may apply now for a place on a programme without a current English test as long as you send your qualification as soon as you receive it. If you are offered a place, it will be conditional on you providing evidence of meeting UCL's English Language Requirements before the start of the programme.

My referees are not able to provide references electronically; can I provide hard copy reference letters? 
References should be provided digitally by your referee unless this is not possible due to accessibility requirements in which case, please contact the UCL referees team for further information.
How long is the programme and what are the term dates? 
The programme lasts for a full calendar year from September to September. Term dates are available each year on the UCL website. It is important to recognise that the programme involves study and engagement across all three terms, and across the summer.
Can I obtain a scholarship or funding?
Information about financial assistance at UCL's Fees and Funding website. 
My application has been unsuccessful. Can I find out why and request to be reconsidered?
Unfortunately, we are not able to give details on why a particular application has been unsuccessful, and cannot reconsider the decision.

 

Last updated Thursday, 28 November 2024