Program Overview

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MSc Human Resource Management

The MSc Human Resource Management is a dynamic, one-year programme designed for future-focused professionals. Accredited by CIPD and aligned with SHRM, this future-focused programme blends research-led learning with real-world experience, empowering you to transform people, workplaces, and the world of work.

Programme Overview

• Title of Award: Master of Science
• Course Code: MSC-HRM
• Average Intake: 50
• Delivery: On Campus
• NFQ: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Next Intake: September 2026
• Duration: 1 year, full-time
• ECTS Weighting: 90

Why Choose This Course?

• Accreditation: Gain Associate Membership of the CIPD and benefit from SHRM-aligned curriculum with global recognition.
• Employability: Graduates go on to work in companies like LinkedIn, PwC, Medtronic, Amazon, and Boston Scientific.
• Work Placement: Choose between a hands-on internship or a consultancy project tailored to your career goals.
• Unique Course: Explore cutting-edge themes like sustainability, ethical leadership, and people analytics.

Course Information

Who is this course for?

The MSc Human Resource Management at University of Galway is for changemakers, people who want to do more than just manage people; they want to lead, influence, and transform the modern workplace. Whether you're a recent graduate ready to fast-track your career or a professional looking to pivot into HR with purpose, this course is designed to empower you.

What will I study?

This full-time, one-year programme blends research-led learning with practical, hands-on experience. In Semester 1, you will build a strong foundation in HRM with core modules such as:

• Human Resource Management in Practice
• Employment Relations and Law
• Sustainable HRM
• Business and Professional Skills
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

In Semester 2, you will explore advanced themes including:

• Leading Change and Business Transformation
• Digital Business and People Analytics
• Business and Society

You will then choose one of two applied pathways:

• Internship Pathway: Secure a placement with a leading company and complete an Applied Management Report based on real-world experience.
• Consultancy Pathway: Engage in a live consultancy project with an organisation, backed by modules in Project Management, Negotiations, or International HRM.

Curriculum

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required Modules

• MG5157: People Management Skills
• MG5132: Sustainable Human Resource Management
• MG6103: Employment Relations and Law
• MG5131: Human Resource Management in Practice
• MG5141: Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
• MG5133: Digital, Business and People Analytics
• MG5113: Business & Society
• MG5138: Leading Change and Business Transformation

Optional Modules

• MG5122: Internship and Applied Management Report
• MG5137: Applied Consultancy Report
• MG5142: International Human Resource Management
• MG5130: Project Management
• MK5116: Negotiations

Unique Features

• Global Recognition: One of a select few MSc programmes in Ireland accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and aligned with the global Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards.
• Two Custom Career Pathways: Choose your route: gain practical experience in a professional internship or develop strategic insights through a live consultancy project, both built around real business challenges.
• Award-Winning Student Experience: Stand out with the Opportunity CIPD Student Award and the Medtronic Award for HRM, which celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in HR.
• Future-Focused Curriculum: Explore vital HR themes including sustainability, ethical leadership, digital transformation, and people analytics, equipping you for today's and tomorrow's HR challenges.
• Practice-Driven Learning: Work on real-world projects and applied assessments that go far beyond theory, allowing you to develop solutions for the challenges facing HR teams globally.
• Expert Faculty with Industry Links: Learn from experienced academics and professionals who are leaders in their field, combining research expertise with practical insight from industry.
• Engagement with HR Leaders: Participate in guest lectures and career development panels with HR professionals from top organisations, helping you stay connected to industry trends and career opportunities.

Careers

Graduates of the MSc in Human Resource Management have gone on to secure diverse roles across the HR landscape, including talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, HR analytics, and HR business partnering. Many have progressed to management positions in both national and international organisations.

Accreditation and Awards

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD): The MSc Human Resource Management is professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The MSc Human Resource Management is also aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the largest HR membership organisation in the world, based in the United States.

Work Placement

A key feature of the MSc Human Resource Management is the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world setting through one of two career-focused pathways:

• Internship Pathway: From March to July, students on this pathway undertake a competitive placement with leading national and international organisations.
• Consultancy Pathway: Students who opt for this pathway work in teams on a live consultancy project with a partner organisation.

Entry Requirements and Fees

Entry Requirements

• Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in business or a related discipline.
• 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.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• EU Tuition: 11,700
• Student Contribution: 0
• Non-EU Tuition: 21,500
• Levy: 140
• Total Fee: 11,840 (EU), 21,640 (Non-EU)

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: This scholarship is valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU.
• Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics: At J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, we are committed to attracting top students from around the world. Our Merit Scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee coverage across our Taught Master's programmes for high-achieving students.