Human Resource Management

Structured to navigate the dynamic global landscape of HR, the MSc in Human Resource Management combines an in-depth theoretical grounding with the latest practical skills and approaches. Human Resource Management is an increasingly vital component of business strategy and vision. This programme shapes the skills and expertise to manage any organisation’s talent, drawing together stimulating strands of behavioural and human sciences, personnel management, sustainability, employment law and industrial relations.



This programme is designed to provide a research-led professional education to students wishing to pursue a career in HRM and employment relations and is open to applications from students with an undergraduate degree in Business, or degrees in areas such as Social Science, Psychology, Economics, Politics or Law.



The Human Resource Management and Employment Relations Group at UCD pioneered research in these fields at University level in Ireland and is now a centre for internationally-renowned research and studies. Students will benefit from learning values based on research, independent inquiry and critical but constructive engagement with major debates and issues. The UCD HRM and ER Group combines professional expertise in practice and policy development with a commitment to research. Engagement with the practical worlds of industrial relations and human resource management is a core programme feature. The modules are taught by a mixture of full-time academic faculty researching in the field of HRM and Employment Relations and HR practitioners. This ensures that students graduate with a range of theoretical, analytical, critical and practical skills and knowledge.



A unique feature of the programme is the opportunity to participate in two exchange programmes, with the ILR School, Cornell University and the EMLS (European Masters in Labour Studies), a network of leading European universities offering postgraduate programmes in labour studies. (Places on these exchange programmes are limited and students are invited to apply to apply in mid- September. There is no guarantee that places on these exchange programmes will be available every academic year).



Further details about the ILR School are available at www.ilr.cornell.edu/about-ilr. Further details on the EMLS programme can be found at www.mest-emls.eu.



CIPD Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is a CIPD Approved Centre. The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development. It offers clear learning and career pathways and sets the international standard for the HR profession– the values, knowledge and behaviours that equip HR practitioners in their work. CIPD membership is recognised and highly regarded by employers. Students completing the programme will be eligible for CIPD Associate Membership.

In the Autumn Trimester, students must complete 2 core modules and 1 option module.

In the Spring Trimester, students complete 3 option modules.

In the Summer Trimester, students complete 3 option modules OR a Research Project plus 1 option module.



To qualify for CIPD membership students must complete specific CIPD-accredited modules.



Autumn Trimester

Core Modules

Concepts in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Human Resource Management



plus 1 option module

Managing Conflict in Organisations

Employment Law



Spring Trimester

Choose 3 option modules

Employment Relations in Ireland

International HRM

HRM Technology, Analytics and Digital Innovation

HRM Business Alignment and Change



Summer Trimester

Choose 3 option modules OR a Research Project plus 1 option module

Developing Competencies for HR Leadership

Dissertation

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Developing Talent in Organisations

HR Management Research Project

Reward & Performance Managemet



Please be advised that the above reflects the 2023/2024 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Option modules listed are indicative of what has been delivered in previous years and are also subject to change.

Please review the entry requirements below. The UCD Smurfit Admissions Office staff have expertise in reviewing international qualifications from around the world and will be able to assess your application's comparability to the Irish entry requirement.



A minimum second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Business/Commerce/Business Administration, Social Science, Psychology, Economics, Law, Accounting or a related area.

OR

A primary degree with a minimum of three years’ work experience in Human Resource Management or employment relations.

12 months full-time, 24 months part-time.

Fees Full-Time EU:

€14,460 (academic year 2020/2021)


Full-Time Non-EU:

€19,900 (academic year 2020/2021)


Fees Part-Time EU:

€7,855 per year (academic year 2020/2021)


Part-Time Non-EU:

€9,950 per year (academic year 2020/2021)


Important Note: Tuition fees and other charges are subject to change each year.

NEXT INTAKE: September 2024.

Career Opportunities

Students of the MSc in Human Resource Management are prepared for a career in private and public sector organisations, employer associations and trade unions and the research, consultancy and teaching professions.



Graduates are traditionally employed in a wide range of sectors (private and public sector organisations, trade unions, research and consultancy) and companies (Google, Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn, Diageo, Accenture, Mercer and PwC, amongst others).



91% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in December 2022.



Potential careers for our graduates include:



Recruitment Consultant

Talent Performance Specialist

HR Business Partner

Staffing Associate

Personnel Officer

Client Services