University of Edinburgh Business School

MSc in International Human Resource Management

Semester 1

September–December

Compulsory courses

• Core Competencies for HR Professionals
• International HRM Policies and Practices
• Organisational Behaviour
• Reward Management

Semester 2

January–May

Compulsory courses

• Methods of Research in HRM
• Multinational Enterprises and Comparative Employment Relations

Option courses (Group 1) - Choose 1 or 2

• Emerging Market MNCs: Internationalisation and HRM
• Global Diversity and Equality Management

Option courses (Group 2) - Choose 0 or 1

• Change Management
• HR/People Analytics
• Performance Management

Summer

May-August

Dissertation

Details of the Dissertation

The MSc in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) gives students the knowledge, understanding and key skills required by HR professionals working in an international context with multinational organisations and enables students to effectively contribute to dynamic organisations.

The University of Edinburgh Business School's MSc in International HRM is at the forefront of research-led, practically and theoretically-informed management education.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of key terms, theories/concepts and practices within the field of IHRM
• Obtain, through elective courses, in-depth knowledge of specific IHRM-related theories, skills and practices
• Appreciate the implications of increasing globalisation for the management of human resources, with particular reference to IHRM in multinational corporations
• Develop an ability to undertake qualitative and quantitative research and apply this knowledge in the context of an independently constructed work (i.e. dissertation)
• Identify and appreciate the significance of ethical issues in HR practices and the management of people in the workplace.

Graduate Attributes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

• Critically assess existing theory and practice in the field of IHRM and be able to challenge these
• Identify and analyse problems in the field of IHRM and provide innovative solutions for these
• Be critical and reflective in the process of evaluating all knowledge;
• Demonstrate competence in communicating and exchanging ideas in large and small group contexts
• Be able to advance well-reasoned and factually supported arguments in both written work and verbal/oral presentations
• Work effectively with colleagues with diverse skills, experience levels and ways of thinking
• Demonstrate competence in the field of professional HR management and be able to locate/identify practitioner and academic resources for strategic development and/or problem-solving
• Be able to identify and evaluate social, cultural, ethical and environmental responsibilities and issues in global contexts.

Career Development

International Human Resource Management graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

Graduate Employment

Graduates from the MSc in International Human Resource Management will typically pursue positions such as:

• Equality & Diversity Officer
• Global Talent Manager
• HR Manager in multinational organisations
• HR Rewards, personnel, or recruitment manager
• International HR Analyst
• Management Consultant

Typically students will be able to pursue professional and business roles in public and private institutions, including:

• Government Departments
• International Companies
• Non-governmental Organisations
• Not-for-profit Organisations
• Trade Unions

Since the programme offers sound academic training, it also prepares students for future research at the PhD level.