International Human Resource Management, MSc

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 help you to be able to critically measure HR interventions using quantitative/qualitative, scientific and psychological approaches to managing human resources. 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. It will cover the financial, project management and relationship skills you need to succeed in global HR management.

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 and Digital Engagement and Relationships. 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 Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More
MSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time January Aberdeen More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category Cost
UK £15,700
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
EU / International students £26,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 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?

  • 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.
  • 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
  • You will develop a deep understanding of the key issues, institutions, opportunities and managerial processes that are central to international human resource management                                                                                                 
  • This MSc covers core areas in HR such as Resourcing and Talent Management, Managing Performance and Digital Engagement and Relationships.
  • You’ll develop a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, theories, practices and legislative frameworks underlying international human resource management.             
  • 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.

What Our Students Say

Priya Purdy

Priya Purdy

Priya Purdy

The diversity of nationalities and age groups present in the participants of the MSc provided invaluable insights and perspective into the world of HR internationally and, paired with a carefully curated degree was aimed at understanding HR.

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).

Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.

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

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

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)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

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.

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, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.

This degree holds accreditation from

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MSc International Human Resource Management

This MSc programme will produce graduates who are able to critically evaluate and apply current research and advanced scholarship in the field of international human resource management

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.

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.

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Sir Duncan Rice Library

Sir Duncan Rice Library

The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.

Find out more
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Aberdeen City

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).

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Affordability

Affordability

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.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX