Human Resource Management

Course Outline

Our MSc Human Resource Management (HRM) programme is designed to capture the realities of the contemporary Human Resource (HR) profession and seeks to develop the HR careers of our students. The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) whose qualifications are the recognised professional standard for HR and training specialists working across Ireland, the UK, the Middle East and Asia.



A mix of research-led academics and senior HR professionals teach on the programme. Adopting a strategic focus, the MSc HRM equips HR professionals to successfully deal with the challenges facing the HR function in contemporary organisations. The duration of the programme is one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students.



The MSc Human Resource Management programme is delivered twice a week per semester for full-time students and once a week per semester for part-time students. We have a blended approach to teaching with content delivered in-class, online, as well as through a variety of workshops. As a level 9 MSc, there will be considerable reading hours on this programme. Students will work individually as well as in groups. In the Applied Research Project (MG6825), in Part II of the programme, students partner with an organisation to conduct research on a real-life HR issue during which time they receive dedicated mentoring from academic staff.

Modules

This programme comprises two parts with a total of 90 credits.

Part I (60 credits)

• BU6005 Applied Research Methods (5 credits)

• BU6513 Business Case for Analytics (5 credits)

• MG6802 HRM in a Global Context (10 credits)

• MG6805 Managing the Employment Relationship (5 credits)

• MG6822 Talent Management & Development (10 credits)

• MG6824 Developing Skills for Business Leadership (5 credits)

• MG6826 Leadership & Management Development (5 credits)

• MG6827 Creating Healthy Workplaces (5 credits)

• MG6828 Psychology at Work (5 credits)

• MG6829 Managing Human Resources Strategically (5 credits)



Part II (30 credits)

• MG6825 Applied Research Project (30 Credits)

Requirements

Minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8, or equivalent) (eg Higher Diploma)



Applicants who do not meet the minimum primary degree requirement will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on the basis of other qualifications and relevant professional experience in the field of human resource management, industrial relations, training and development, employment policy, or related field. An interview may form part of the application process in this regard.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date: 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

The CIPD professional map sets out standards for HR professionals in terms of skill acquisition, knowledge-building, and professional development. This map is at the core of the programme and the content of the modules has been designed specifically with this in mind. The programme equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop a successful career in the HR domain.