M.Sc. in Human Resource Management

The effective management of human resources is now recognised as a key element in an organisation's strategic capability. This MSc satisfies the increasing demand for competent graduates who can undertake and advise on this core activity. Graduates are particularly well placed to tackle such challenges as their postgraduate education provides them with the research capabilities and problem-solving skills that are crucially important to organisations operating in changing national and international contexts.

The innovative and distinguishing features of the Masters programme are its focus on international elements of management, its emphasis on enhancing leadership capability, and the importance given to building professional competencies through skills workshops.

This postgraduate programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which is the leading professional body in HRM. Graduates who successfully complete the programme qualify for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Aims and Objectives:

The objectives of the programme are to provide graduates with:

• An in-depth understanding of the theories and conceptual frameworks underpinning people management.
• Insights into the latest developments in HRM.
• An understanding of the strategic level of analysis at which business decisions are made and of the links between management of human resources, business strategy, finance and performance.
• Expertise in cross-cultural management, industrial relations and managing human resources internationally.
• Opportunities to acquire the professional competencies required to work successfully in a human resource management environment or as a manager engaged in managing human resources.
• The skills to undertake and implement organisational level research.

Programme Structure:

This one year, full-time programme requires the completion of 13 modules over two semesters, and a final management report/dissertation.

Modules include:

• Leadership & Career Development
• People Management & Development
• International Employee Relations
• Managing Employee Performance & Reward
• Organisational Change & Transition
• International HRM

The programme employs lectures, case studies, seminars, projects and presentations. There is a strong focus on leadership and personal and career development within the programme, as well as an emphasis on team working, communication skills, problem-solving, and the application of theory to the practice of HRM and industrial relations. Assessment is based on assignments and end of semester examinations.

Why DCU:

• DCU is Ireland's University of Enterprise, which influences and drives our industry engagement strategy and the MSc in Human Resource Management programme design
• This Masters is ranked in Eduniversal's Top 50 Best Masters in Human Resource Management in Western Europe and is ranked within the Top 200 Best Masters in Human Resources Management Worldwide
• Recognised and fully accredited by the leading professional body in the field of HRM, the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)
• You will learn from academic experts with a high level of industry relevant experience and translational research. This ensures graduates have the most up-to-date knowledge of theory and practice
• Exposure to top-performing experienced professionals from international and national business who share their insights on such themes as strategy, leadership, people management, and organisational psychology
• Work on real-world industry projects, connecting theory, research and practice
• Heavy emphasis on applied and skills based learning providing graduates with the foundation for a career in the field of human resource management.
• Opportunities to enhance knowledge of new and emerging technologies through workshops and optional activities and events
• A participatory and action-learning teaching approach consisting of case studies, problem-solving, participant experience and discussion

Graduates will find employment with multinational companies, consultancy firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Graduates pursue specialist or generalist roles in human resource management, training and development, employee relations, research, consultancy, or as general managers particularly in international firms.

Recent employers include Intel Ireland, ESB International, Bristol Myers Squibb, Trinity Mirror Group PLC, Tesco Ireland, DELL, Google Ireland, Mazars Ireland, ePeople Recruitment and Smurfit Kappa Group. There are also opportunities for those wishing to undertake further study to doctoral level.