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.

Meet our students

Class of 2022–23

MSc HRM class 2022 2023

Class of 2021–22

MSc HRM Class of 2021-22

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Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Who Teaches this Course

Dr Fiona Sheridan, Programme Director MSc Human Resource Management:

“We are delighted to have this important industry collaboration with CIPD, the largest professional HR body globally, and we thank them for their generous sponsorship of a new award on our MSc HRM and MSc SIPM programmes. This collaboration recognises high performing students and the impact these students can make in the HR community.” 

researcher
Dr Fiona Sheridan
BA, CIPD, DBS, MBS, PhD
Lecturer Above The Bar
School of Business and Economics
NUI GALWAY
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Requirements and Assessment

A range of assessment methods are integrated and assessed throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, presentations, case studies, computer games and 'away day' activities.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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.

Additional Requirements

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.

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

40 (some shared modules)

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Offers are made on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply early.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-HRM

Course Outline

Click here for: HRM modules 2023-2024

2 pathways to completion:

Two Pathways:

This programme offers a choice of learning pathway; the student gets to 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.

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.

 

Why Choose This Course?

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.

HRM new careers graphic 2022

We have a close relationship with the University of Galway Career Development Centre who provide high quality career guidance and information services focused on facilitating and empowering our students to manage their own career development and make effective career transitions.

Services include: Jobs Fairs, Seminars and panel discussions, Employer Presentations / Activities, Workshops and support with applications and work-related skills. Visit our Career Development Centre for more information.

Internship Opportunity

Students have the option to pursue an internship opportunity incorporating an Applied Management Report. The internship gives students an edge in the job market on completion of their programme. Most of our students are offered graduate roles by their internship organisation on completion of their course.  

CIPD Accredited

The MSc HRM and SIPM is accredited at the Advanced Standards Level (the highest achievable) by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), the largest professional HR body globally. Students on this programme can achieve Associate Membership of CIPD

On successful completion of these programmes, students will acquire Associate Membership of the CIPDAfter graduation, as students build professional experience, they can progress through the professional stages of CIPD membership from Chartered Member to Chartered Fellow. 

The MSc HRM and MSc SIPM are some of the 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.

Alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

We are delighted to announce that 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. 

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Virginia, USA, the Society for Human Resource Management is the world's largest HR professional society. SHRM promotes the role of HR as a profession and provides education, certification, and networking to its members.  Since its inception, the Society has been serving the needs of its members and advancing the practice.  Students enrolled in SHRM HR aligned programmes are provided with the opportunity to earn their SHRM-CP credential prior to graduating, providing them with a competitive advantage in the job market. Throughout the world, over 500 programs in approx. 425 educational institutions have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates. 

Student of the Year Award for Msc Human Resource Management

This prize, currently sponsored by Medtronic, will be awarded annually. The prize will be awarded to the student who receives the highest overall aggregate mark in the examinations of the MSc in Human Resource Management programme.  In the event of a tie, the prize will be divided equally.

New CIPD Awards on the MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM) and the MSc in Strategy, Innovation and People Management (SIPM) programmes from 2022/23

J.E Cairnes School of Business & Economics is delighted to announce the establishment of a new award for the MSc HRM and MSc SIPM programmes. 

This new award will be presented to the student with the best Applied Management Report in their respective programmes. The awards are sponsored by CIPD, and will be referred to as:

  • The CIPD Award for the Best Applied Management Report, MSc in Human Resource Management
  • The CIPD Award for the Best Applied Management Report, MSc in Strategy, Innovation and People Management

The winners will receive CIPD membership for one year and a certificate noting their achievement. CIPD Ireland and UK have also committed to disseminating the winning students' research and ideas with other CIPD students and professionals across the world, through a bespoke blog. This is a great opportunity to reward two high-achieving students on the MSc HRM and MSc SIPM. 

Scholarships 

Scholarship for MSc HRM: 

www.universityofgalway.ie/business-public-policy-law/cairnes/scholsprizes/businesspostgraduatemeritscholarships

University of Galway Scholarships:

www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate_scholarships

Alumni Network

The MSc HRM has a strong alumni network and we nurture the ties between the Discipline of Management, our current students and our graduates. To facilitate professional and social contacts between graduates, current students and faculty members we established a LinkedIn Alumni Group. Members communicate regularly through this alumni group sharing job vacancies, knowledge or just helping alumni reconnect with past colleagues. Many alumni support regular activities organised by faculty for our current students. 

Many HRM alumni have supported activities organised by faculty for our current students for example:

  • Graduates spoke to classes about their areas of expertise (training, rewards, employment law) providing specialist input for modules including Human Resource Development, Reward Systems and Employment Law.
  • Graduates discussed their current employment and progression with current students providing career guidance.
  • Graduates have supported our Internship programme.

 

Who’s Suited to This Course

The MSc in Human Resource Management is for you if you:

  • Recognise the importance of professional HR practice and the value it can add to organisations
  • Are seeking to begin or advance your career in management, with a specific interest in people management 
  • Enjoy a variety of individual and team-based assignments that are both academic and practical
  • Are willing to commit one academic year to intensive study and self-development
Faculty and 2021-22 Graduates

HRM Current Students and Faculty 21-22

Learning Outcomes

 On graduation, you will be able to: 

1. Solve business, policy and societal problems within a global context.

2. Make a positive societal impact through critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration.

3. Examine and critically evaluate the challenges of doing business across national boundaries from the perspective of an individual manager, or organisation.

4. Apply knowledge, understanding and competency in a broad range of cross-disciplinary internationally focused fields using theories, concepts and frameworks relevant to contemporary

5. Critically evaluate and apply tools, techniques or different methodological approaches to investigate pertinent questions, scenarios or cases in an international management context.

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€11,140 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€11,000 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€20,000 p.a. (€20,140 including levy) 2024/25


Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here


What Experts Say

Mary

Mary Connaughton |   Chartered FCIPD Director, CIPD Ireland

CIPD Ireland is pleased to recognise the great learning and evidence-based approach undertaken by students studying on the MSc in Human Resource Management and MSc in Strategy, Innovation and People Management at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, supported by their inspiring lecturers
in Connect with Mary

What Our Students Say

Jessica

Jessica Caulfield |   MSc HRM Student 2022-23

The MSc in Human Resource Management is more than an academic course. The lecturers throughout the year have provided so much more than academic knowledge. Throughout the year we were given opportunities to attend various events including team-bonding days, careers in HR events, CIPD events, and law society events. This allowed us to create vital connections and build our own network. The lecturers and faculty as a whole really do care and have gone above and beyond to provide a balance between the professional and personal development in the course. Everyone was equipped for our internships and employability post-graduation due to the dedication of staff. The CIPD accreditation and the recognition of the course will further enhance your employability. The course is even more enriching because of the other students. Everyone is friendly and helpful, and the variety of backgrounds in experience, education, and cultures brings in more real-world scenarios to the classroom. I could not recommend this experience enough! Between the education you obtain, the experience you gain, and the friendships you make, you will never regret joining the graduates of the MSc HRM
Mohanjit

Mohanjit Kaur |   MSc HRM Scholar Recipient 2022-23

I'm humbled to be awarded with the PGT Scholarship as it eliminates my fears since it’s a new culture and country that I'm stepping my foot into. It's a beautiful opportunity where I get to meet and study with people of many different nationalities, age groups and backgrounds. Looking forward to my new home amidst the charming campus and this alluring country as I begin this new chapter of life.

What Our Graduates Say

Joan

Joan Burke |   HR Manager at Boston Scientific

The Masters in HR at NUIG gave me the ideal platform to start my career in HR. The subjects covered provided me with a strong knowledge-base to have confidence in taking on my first role. The practical assignments we completed and the ongoing team based activities developed my communication and collaboration skills. It was an exciting year and contributed significantly to my development!
Thalita

Thalita Pereira Da Silva |   Training Specialist, Scaled Engagement EMEA & LATAM LinkedIn

The quality of the lecturers, the CIPD accreditation and the fantastic support to international students were the factors which made me decide to choose NUI Galway. I would definitely recommend doing the MSc HRM. The balance between academic and practice which improves the quality of research and also the development of theoretical approaches in the workplace. There is a ‘magical’ atmosphere everyone is friendly, helpful and you feel welcome everywhere you go.
Megan

Megan McDermott |   Talent Acquisition Specialist at TE Connectivity

The MSc in Human Resource Management provided so many opportunities for career development, through CIPD networking events, teamwork and panel presentations, which really stood to me in my HR career so far. I would recommend this course to anyone who is considering a career in HR because you develop professionally and personally and that is thanks to the amazing lecturers. I have completed a Talent Acquisition Internship with Creganna Medical.
Ebony

Ebony Wells |   Principal’s Secretary / Bookkeeper at Harlem Middle School

Being over 3000 miles from home has been tough, but I found comfort in my classmates and professors here at NUIG. The professionals and students on campus not only take an interest in us as students, but also as people. Whether it be having a voice through class reps, or having coffee, someone was always available to listen. I'm glad to have spent a year in Galway.
Priyanka

Priyanka Shankaran |   Recruiter at Walmart Labs India - Allegis Global Solutions

"I chose the MSC Human Resources Management at NUI Galway because I received only positive feedback about the college were from my experience, the J.E. Cairnes possesses friendly and understanding faculty, top class facilities and the course is very insightful. The courses here are very practical where projects are based on real-life scenarios that help an individual grow professionally and personally."
Nigel

Nigel Feerick |   HR Information Specialist at Medtronic

I would recommend NUI Galway because it has amazing students, excellent facilities and dedicated lecturers. I would recommend doing the MSc in Human Resource Management as it has improved my chances of employability and sets you up for the workplace. Through opportunities that arose from the programme, I have met a lot of HR professionals during this year and use those connections I have gained to take the next step in my career.

CIPD Accredited

Internship Opportunity

Intern

Alignment with the SHRM

Alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM

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