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.
The MSc International Human Resource Management aims to develop knowledgeable practitioners with an appreciation of multi-cultural international practice. It will provide students with comprehensive knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the pivotal role played by HR in achieving business objectives.
This programme 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 programme 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.
Available Programmes of Study
We build on professional core areas such as Resourcing and Talent Management, Managing Performance and Digital Engagement and Relationships. Recognising the growth of global consultancy, the programme contains the financial, project management and relationship skills needed to perform effectively.
You will critically examine the needs of the global marketplace and the integration of skills, systems and knowledge required to enable organisations to operate efficiently and effectively in dynamic commercial environments.
- MSc
-
International Human Resource Management
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £15,700
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £26,250
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,250
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Stage 1
Please note January start programmes span 1 calendar year (12 months, January to December), but run over 2 academic years (September to August):
Stages 1 and 2 span January-August of your starting academic year.
Stage 3 spans September to December of the 2nd academic year.
Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Human Resource Essentials (BU551Q)
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15 Credit Points
Human Resource (HR) Essentials course serves as the first course in the program to provide students foundational understanding and knowledge of HR, and functions as a sound basis for other courses in the International Human Resources Management Programme. The course is focused on introducing HR theories and the application of theories and ideas into practice. In this course, students engage in a range of theories taught by lecturers as well as interactive exercises such case studies and evaluation of journal articles, through which they can reflect on and critically evaluate different HR theories. In this way students develop cognitive skills by actively and critically reflecting on practice, and practical transferable skills through assignment and in-class activities and exercises.
- Context of Human Resource Management (BU55EM)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to critically analyse the major organisational and external contexts within which organisations operate across the range of business sectors in which Human Resource professionals work. Course members will evaluate the impact of the business environment and a range of stakeholders on organisation’s choices and strategies.
- Research Practice (BU5583)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking business research in practice. Within lectures, tutorials and workshops students will develop an understanding of: Information retrieval and critical analysis; Philosophical issues in the construction of knowledge; Accessing and gathering quantitative and qualitative data; Data analysis; Student/Supervisor expectations.
- Personnel Economics for Ihr Managers (BU55EQ)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the student to key aspects in labour and personnel economics and how these are related to human resource practices. It focuses on how firms seek to incentivise workers to yield efficient outcomes in the labour market.
Stage 2
Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation: Investigating A Business Issue from A Hr Perspective (BU591M)
-
60 Credit Points
Key elements of professional competence are strategic awareness, a business orientation and a concern with adding value through human resource (HR) practice. Qualified professionals should be able to research relevant topics and write reports that can persuade key stakeholders in the organisation to change or adopt a particular policy and practice. This module provides the opportunity for learners to demonstrate the ability to diagnose and investigate a live, complex business issue from an HR perspective, to locate the work within the body of contemporary knowledge, to collect and analyse data, to derive supportable conclusions and to make practical and actionable recommendations for change,improvement or enhancement of current practice. The applied nature of the report requires a critical evaluative approach, empirical investigation and analysis and a combination of academic research and business report writing skills. It requires reflection on the implications for professional practice from an ethical, professional and continuous professional development standpoint.
Stage 3
Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
- The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- Employment Relations: the Domestic and International Context (BU501S)
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15 Credit Points
This course serves as an introduction to the employment relationship. Students will learn the history of the field and how different employment relationships are established in different institutional, legal and national contexts. The focus will be on the interactions of workers and employers and the factors that shape that relationship.
- Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)
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15 Credit Points
Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.
- Learning, Development and Knowledge Management (BU50EN)
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15 Credit Points
Organisational learning is argued to be a critical process affecting the success or otherwise of organisations, for example in achieving competitive advantage. The efficiency and effectiveness of the process influences performance outcomes. Therefore attention needs to be given to examining and improving organisational learning. This is often achieved through mechanisms and techniques associated with knowledge management. Learning and knowledge are intertwined, as the former is a necessary condition for the creation of the latter. There is therefore an established connection between the two concepts. This module will explore that connection to develop a critical understanding of the concepts of knowledge management and of organisational learning and associated theories and the personal and professional skills associated with designing and implementing knowledge management strategies that promote organisational learning. The module explores the implications for professional practice and requires learners to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £15,700
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £26,250
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,250
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Funding Opportunities
Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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. By the end of the course, you should be able to demonstrate a clear grasp of the concepts and an ability to link theory to practice.
150 hours are expected to be spent on learning of a module with 15 credit points (24-30 lecture/tutorial hours and the rest for self-learning and assessment hours).
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Why Study International Human Resource Management?
- The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, less than 300 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
- The University of Aberdeen was ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
- We are ranked 6th in the UK for Positive Responses in Business Studies (National Student Survey 2026).
- This CIPD-accredited programme will provide you with an understanding of international human resource management, in an operational, economic, 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.
- You’ll develop a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, theories, practices and legislative frameworks underlying international human resource management. You will also be able to critically examine and translate your learning of organisations within a changing global environment using quantitative and qualitative skills.
- This MSc covers core areas in HR such as resourcing and talent management, managing performance, employment relations and negotiation, and cross-cultural management.
- In a recent Harvard Business Report, 76% of respondents identified skills such as communication, conflict management, and empathy as essential skills for the modern workforce. All of our postgraduate Business students develop these soft skills, valued by employers across sectors, with our Soft Skills Development Programme.
- With a community of over 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.
- Students can access world-leading facilities such as our Bloomberg Terminal and Bloomberg for Education courses. These courses offer the opportunity to work with industry-standard data and tools to develop practical financial skills.
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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).
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. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
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.
This programme aims to develop knowledgeable practitioners with an appreciation of multi-cultural international practice. The programme will help you to be able to critically measure HR interventions using quantitative/qualitative, scientific and psychological approaches to managing human resources.
Career Opportunities
- Cultural Advisor
- Employee Relations Advisor
- Human Resources
- International Business and Organisations
- Management Consultant
- Office Manager
- Training and Development Specialist
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. Attaining a CIPD accredited qualification is beneficial for our graduates as it adds credibility to their profile. After registering on our IHRM programme, students’ contact details will be provided to CIPD as part of our agreement with them, and our students will then be provided with further information to enable them to decide if they would like to pursue the opportunity to become student members of CIPD.
As members of the CIPD, students will have access to numerous member resources, career development tools and online communities that will enhance their knowledge of the HR profession.
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, less than 300 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
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.
- Programme Leader
- Shainaz Firfiray
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX