Program Overview

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International Human Resource Management, MSc

Introduction

This CIPD accredited programme will provide you with an understanding of international human resource management – in a operational, economical, political and social context. It will deliver a learning experience designed to give you the confidence and the skills to add value to employers upon graduating.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

This programme aims to develop knowledgeable practitioners with an appreciation of multi-cultural international practice. The programme will provide students with comprehensive knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the pivotal role played by HR in achieving business objectives. This MSc will also equip you with the tools to critically examine and apply contemporary approaches to HR management within organisations that are operating in a global environment. Through a blend of theory and practice, our programme will provide students with a multi-disciplinary foundation in management, economics, psychology and ethics.

The University of Aberdeen draws on ancient heritage and globally recognised excellence in research and teaching to challenge students academically and to connect them with the world of practice. This MSc covers core areas in HR such as Resourcing and Talent Management, Managing Performance, Employment Relations and Negotiation and Cross-cultural management. You’ll develop a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, theories, practices and legislative frameworks underlying international human resource management.

The University of Aberdeen is a leader in teaching and research in the field of business and management and this programme builds on our considerable strengths in these areas. The Department of Business Management is also home to The Africa-Asia Centre for Sustainability research centre. The centre was established on a commitment to undertaking inter and trans-disciplinary research in which expertise across disciplines will be integrated together in order to forge new understanding and new ways of addressing critical sustainability and global grand challenges within the context of the African and Asian regions.

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
UK	£15,700
EU / International students	£26,250

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)
• Employment Relations: the Domestic and International Context (BU501S)
• Learning, Development and Knowledge Management (BU50EN)
• Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• Human Resource Essentials (BU551Q)
• Context of Human Resource Management (BU55EM)
• Research Practice (BU5583)
• Personnel Economics for Ihr Managers (BU55EQ)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation: Investigating A Business Issue from A Hr Perspective (BU591M)

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
• Human Resource Essentials (BU551Q)
• Context of Human Resource Management (BU55EM)
• Research Practice (BU5583)
• Personnel Economics for Ihr Managers (BU55EQ)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation: Investigating A Business Issue from A Hr Perspective (BU591M)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)
• Employment Relations: the Domestic and International Context (BU501S)
• Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)
• Learning, Development and Knowledge Management (BU50EN)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc International Human Resource Management

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
UK	£15,700
EU / International students	£26,250

Funding Opportunities

• The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme.
• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Scholarships

• Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Related Programmes

• Business Consulting and Psychology
• International Business Management
• International Business and Finance

How You'll Study

• You will learn using a variety of engaging methods designed to increase your appreciation of current theory and practice.
• You will attend a variety of lectures, seminars and tutorials, and your work will be assessed by a mix of assignments, case studies, projects and exams.

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Peer Learning
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Why Study International Human Resource Management?

• This CIPD accredited programme will provide you with an understanding of international human resource management – in an operational, economic, political and social context.
• You will be able to critically examine and translate your learning of organisations within a changing global environment using quantitative and qualitative skills.
• The University of Aberdeen was ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Careers

• This MSc programme produces graduates who are capable of critically evaluating and applying current research and advanced thinking in international human resource management.
• You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage within the international HR environment, and will have the potential to enter a wide range of industries around the world as an HR practitioner.

Industry Links

• Experience three Professional Development Weeks annually, providing you with valuable opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects.
• Additionally, participate in our Careers Fair, where you can interact with potential employers, explore diverse career paths, and make connections that can shape your professional journey.

Accreditation

• Accredited by CIPD with more than 160,000 members globally, many employers value CIPD qualifications.
• The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions.

Entry Requirements

• Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is an undergraduate degree at UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).

English Language Requirements

• To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
• The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
  • Degree Transcript
  • Personal Statement

International Applicants

• Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available here.

Our Experts

• For more details on academic experts and those who will be teaching within your programme discipline please visit the People section of the Business School website.

World Class Facilities

• The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University.
• The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century.
• This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.

Aberdeen City

• Named Scotland's Safest University City (Unbroken Britain Survey, Provident Financial, 2018) and is in the top 10 in the UK for places to live and work (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2018).
• Aberdeen has been named the cheapest place for students to rent private accommodation in the UK. In 2024, StuRents reports that the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.