Human Resource Management

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.



You might be curious about how culture shapes performance, how to champion inclusion, or how analytics can drive better decision-making. You might dream of a career where you can make work better for individuals, teams, and society at large. If you care deeply about people, value ethical leadership, and are excited by the idea of building fairer, more sustainable organisations, this is your space.



You'll join a close-knit learning community of like-minded peers and be guided by expert faculty and real-world HR leaders. Together, you'll explore bold ideas, tackle live business challenges, and prepare to thrive in roles that shape the future of work from talent development and employee wellbeing to organisational strategy and transformation.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required MG5157: People Management Skills

Required MG5132: Sustainable Human Resource Management

Required MG6103: Employment Relations and Law

Required MG5131: Human Resource Management in Practice

Required MG5141: Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Required MG5133: Digital, Business and People Analytics

Required MG5113: Business & Society

Required MG5138: Leading Change and Business Transformation

Optional MG5122: Internship and Applied Management Report

Optional MG5137: Applied Consultancy Report

Optional MG5142: International Human Resource Management

Optional MG5130: Project Management

Optional MK5116: Negotiations

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

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2026

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.



Our alumni have been hired by leading employers such as LinkedIn, Amazon, PwC, Accenture, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Fidelity Investments, and Hays Recruitment.



The programme prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving HR profession by developing key skills in leadership, ethical decision-making, change management, and people analytics. The consultancy and internship pathways ensure graduates are workplace-ready and confident in applying strategic HR thinking to real-world challenges.



In addition to career readiness, the MSc HRM provides a strong foundation for further study or professional advancement. Graduates achieve Associate Membership of the CIPD, with clear pathways to Chartered status, and benefit from the programme’s alignment with SHRM standards - offering global recognition and career mobility.