MSc in International Human Resource Management
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
11 Jun 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
15 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
Request tuition fees
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Our MSc in International Human Resource Management will develop your understanding of real-world HR issues and will provide you with key insights specific to the demands of working for multinational organisations across national borders.
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1
September–December
Compulsory courses
- Core Competencies for HR Professionals
- International HRM Policies and Practices
- Organisational Behaviour
- Reward Management
Semester 2
January–May
Compulsory courses
- Methods of Research in HRM
- Multinational Enterprises and Comparative Employment Relations
Option courses (Group 1) - Choose 1 or 2
- Emerging Market MNCs: Internationalisation and HRM
- Global Diversity and Equality Management
Option courses (Group 2) - Choose 0 or 1
- Change Management
- HR/People Analytics
- Performance Management
Summer
May-August
Dissertation
Details of the Dissertation
Program Outcome
The MSc in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) gives students the knowledge, understanding and key skills required by HR professionals working in an international context with multinational organisations and enables students to effectively contribute to dynamic organisations.
The University of Edinburgh Business School's MSc in International HRM is at the forefront of research-led, practically and theoretically-informed management education.
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key terms, theories/concepts and practices within the field of IHRM
- Obtain, through elective courses, in-depth knowledge of specific IHRM-related theories, skills and practices
- Appreciate the implications of increasing globalisation for the management of human resources, with particular reference to IHRM in multinational corporations
- Develop an ability to undertake qualitative and quantitative research and apply this knowledge in the context of an independently constructed work (i.e. dissertation)
- Identify and appreciate the significance of ethical issues in HR practices and the management of people in the workplace.
Graduate Attributes
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Critically assess existing theory and practice in the field of IHRM and be able to challenge these
- Identify and analyse problems in the field of IHRM and provide innovative solutions for these
- Be critical and reflective in the process of evaluating all knowledge;
- Demonstrate competence in communicating and exchanging ideas in large and small group contexts
- Be able to advance well-reasoned and factually supported arguments in both written work and verbal/oral presentations
- Work effectively with colleagues with diverse skills, experience levels and ways of thinking
- Demonstrate competence in the field of professional HR management and be able to locate/identify practitioner and academic resources for strategic development and/or problem-solving
- Be able to identify and evaluate social, cultural, ethical and environmental responsibilities and issues in global contexts.
Scholarships and Funding
Applicants to the MSc in International Human Resource Management can apply for a range of scholarships both from the University and external organisations.
Programme and School scholarships
We are keen to recruit the very best talent from all over the world. To this end, several programme-based and School-funded Scholarships are available, as well as others which are generously sponsored by industry and alumni.
Other scholarships and funding
You may be eligible for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or an external organisation.
Accreditations
Career Opportunities
Career Development
International Human Resource Management graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.
Graduate Employment
Graduates from the MSc in International Human Resource Management will typically pursue positions such as:
- Equality & Diversity Officer
- Global Talent Manager
- HR Manager in multinational organisations
- HR Rewards, personnel, or recruitment manager
- International HR Analyst
- Management Consultant
Typically students will be able to pursue professional and business roles in public and private institutions, including:
- Government Departments
- International Companies
- Non-governmental Organisations
- Not-for-profit Organisations
- Trade Unions
Since the programme offers sound academic training, it also prepares students for future research at the PhD level.