Human Resource Management

Course Overview

The professionally accredited MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM) at University of Galway, is a one-year taught programme that is research-led and practice-driven. Students will go beyond the traditional classroom by developing insights into new and emerging themes in HRM, based on sustainability, managing change and the employment relationship, ethics, business and society and analytics. The programme is designed with a focus on decent work and leadership of self and others, and building professional and academic competencies such as critical thinking and business and people development skills.



We have designed the programme such that students can pursue one of two pathways; an Internship or Consultancy, thus allowing students to gear their Masters towards their own particular interests and focused career path. This personalisation of the Master’s offers students an opportunity to tailor the programme to suit their aspirations and ambitions in the way that best suits them.



The programme covers: HRM in Practice, Employment Relations and Law, Sustainable HRM, Business and Society, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills, Business and Professional Development Skills, Leading Change and Business Transformation, Business Negotiations, International HRM and Project Management.



This is one of very few CIPD accredited MSc. Programmes in Ireland, that offers an Internship and Consultancy pathway. Both pathways require the student to undertake an applied project, where students will get to tackle a real business problem and develop suitable recommendations.



The MSc Human Resource Management programme has achieved alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is the third programme in Ireland and among the first 10 in Europe to have achieved this recognition.

Two pathways to completion:

This programme offers a choice of learning pathway; students choose between:

• Internship

• Consultancy Pathway



The Internship:

Our programme is among the first in the country to offer management internships at the postgraduate level. All internships run from March to July. They may be longer if the student and company wish to extend the internship.



We will source as many work placement opportunities as possible, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. Students may also self-source their own work placement subject to the approval of the Placement Office.



For more information about the internships, please contact our Placement Officer Ms. Brid Connolly (brid.connolly@nuigalway.ie).



The Consultancy Pathway:

The students undertaking this pathway will complete optional modules over the second semester. Students will choose from specialist modules in Negotiations and International HRM.



In the Consultancy Project module, students, as a team, with some individual assessment elements, will have the opportunity to investigate and diagnose ‘live’ business and management issues, to review and draw on best practice / academic literature, to further explore the issues, to collect and analyse relevant research data, derive logical conclusions and make recommendations.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in business or a related discipline. However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience will also be considered. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Our MSc HRM recognises prior learning and acknowledges that learners’ knowledge and skills can be acquired through various learning experiences. Thus, applicants who hold a Second-class honours, (2.2) degree and possess at least two years of relevant work experience will also be considered. Our RPL approach to eligibility encourages broader accessibility. The facilitation of a diverse group of learners amplifies the advantages of peer learning and contributes to a richer classroom experience, fostering an environment that is conducive to robust discussions, collaboration, and growth.

Closing Date: Offers are made on a rolling basis.



Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Our students have gone on to pursue careers in a wide range of human resource management roles right up to senior executive level including recruitment and talent acquisition, HR generalist roles, Business Partners, compensation and benefits, learning & development, subject matter experts e.g. pensions. Employers of previous graduates of the MSc in Human Resource Management come from a wide variety of industry sectors and include Aerogen, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Merit Medical, Eli Lilly, MSD, Charles River, Zimmer Biomet, Hollister, Sanofi Aventis, L’Oreal, Glanbia, ESB, KPMG, PwC, Accenture, EY, Mazars, Sigmar Recruitment, INTEL, Dell, AWS, LinkedIn and Paypal to name a few.