International Human Resource Management

Available as a one-year master's or a master's with professional practice (two years).

International organisations draw on talent and expertise from all over the world. They rely on human resource professionals with cultural awareness and a global perspective. The MSc International Human Resource Management course prepares you to meet that need.

The course is one of a small number in the UK to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and aligned with standards set by the US Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It's also mutually recognised by the Australian Human Resources Institute. Since the professional qualification you'll earn is respected all over the world, you'll be a competitive candidate for jobs in any location.

The curriculum incorporates a global perspective enabling you to:

• Develop the expertise to effectively manage people in a diverse national and international environment
• Study contemporary theories of international human resource management
• Develop knowledge of innovative people management practices in the industry
• Expand your cross-cultural awareness to successfully navigate multicultural contexts.

This MSc International Human Resource Management course is distinguished by attention to:

• Reflective learning-based development of professional identity as ethical HR professionals and people managers
• Structured progressive development of your employability potential by developing key skills required to succeed in future local and international careers
• Vital contemporary organisational concerns including managing equality, diversity and inclusion, leading change, and strategic considerations of varied people and management priorities.

The course is both practical and challenging, incorporating real-world learning from case studies, investigative projects and talks by industry experts. Our specialist staff, with a background across a range of national and international organisations, including some well-known blue-chip giants, will guide you.

You will conduct a hands-on research project in international human resource management in the form of a master's research project (MSc).

By building workforce talent, encouraging employees to become international leaders and supporting a diverse and welcoming workplace, you will contribute to your company's success - as well as contribute to the Common Good.

A unique feature of the course is the collaborative partnership with the University of Milano-Bicocca. This also involves the opportunity to engage in a shared online classroom with tutors and students at the University of Milano-Bicocca. The aim is to develop your inter-cultural capabilities in technology-mediated contexts.

Please note, from January 2024 MSc International Human Resource Management will also be available as a two-year master's, MSc Human Resource Management with Professional Practice. Both options are available below under study options. Further information about studying a two-year master's.

Business and management studies research

Two-thirds of GCU research impact for business and management studies courses was rated as outstanding or very considerable (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Find out more.

Your career

The course will prepare you for a career as an effective human resources manager in an international or multicultural environment. It will also make you a more competitive candidate for any leadership or management role.

Our graduates are in high demand and find work in public, private and third-sector organisations all over the world. Previous graduates have secured employment internationally as HR Manager (M H Alshaya Co, United Arab Emirates), HR Executive (Hyperoptic Ltd, England), HR Consultant (Ascension Consulting Services, Nigeria), HR Advisor (Optimus Aberdeen Ltd, Scotland; Aberdeen City Council, Scotland), and Lecturer in HRM (University of Ilorin, Nigeria). Others have pursued careers in other roles, for example, Project Coordinator (Ernst & Young, Germany). A number of graduates have also embarked on a PhD and other doctoral study programmes.

Due to significant demand, applications for this course are now closed to international applicants for January 2024. Please consider our following intake in September 2024.