:format(webp)/799x0:4001x3202/prod01/channel_5/courses/media/maynooth/content-assets/course-images/Branded20Jumper.jpg)
MSC IN STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
- Qualification
- Master Of Science Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH24E
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management prepares graduates to work in HR at a strategic level, where decisions about people are tied to how an organisation performs. The programme combines core HR practice (talent and performance management, reward, employment relations and international HRM) with leadership and organisational behaviour. It is taught by School of Business faculty who research these areas.
Students learn to work with people data. In hands-on labs they use spreadsheet tools and Power BI to build HR dashboards, see HR information systems such as Workday and SAP SuccessFactors in use, and examine the ethical and legal questions raised by AI in HR. The programme ends with a choice of capstone: a consulting project with a real client organisation, a work placement or a research dissertation.
The programme suits graduates in business, psychology and the social sciences who want to start a career in HR. It also suits people already working in HR, organisational development or management who want a postgraduate qualification. It can be taken full time over one year or part time over two years.
The programme is aligned with the CIPD Profession Map and is Pending CIPD Approval.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
Full time: 12 months (September to August). Part time: 24 months.
Students take ten compulsory taught modules (65 ECTS) over two semesters, followed by a 25-ECTS capstone, for a total of 90 ECTS.
Semester 1
Strategic Human Resource Management (10 ECTS); People, Organisations and Society (5 ECTS); Performance and Talent Management (5 ECTS); Career Planning and Development (10 ECTS)
Semester 2
Financial Management (5 ECTS); Managing Employment Relations (5 ECTS); People Analytics and HR Digitalisation (10 ECTS); Leadership (5 ECTS); International Human Resource Management (5 ECTS); Introduction to Sustainability in Business (5 ECTS)
Capstone (25 ECTS, choose one)
Business Consulting Project with a client organisation; Placement Project of about 12 weeks (full-time students, subject to securing a placement); or Dissertation (subject to approval of a research proposal)
Teaching takes place on campus in block format. Each module is taught over four full days spread across the semester, with time between teaching days for reading, assignments and project work. Modules are supported online through Moodle. All modules are assessed by continuous assessment, with no written examinations.
Part-time students take Strategic Human Resource Management, People, Organisations and Society, Managing Employment Relations, and People Analytics and HR Digitalisation in Year 1, and the remaining modules and the capstone in Year 2.
Students who complete 60 ECTS of taught modules may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
Graduates are prepared for roles such as HR generalist and HR business partner, talent acquisition and talent management, performance and reward, learning and development, employee relations, people analytics and HR technology, and organisation development consultancy. Experienced professionals can use the programme to move into senior HR and people-leadership roles.
Once CIPD accreditation is confirmed, graduates will be eligible for Associate membership of the CIPD, with a route to Chartered membership.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in Business, Psychology or an allied social science discipline. Applicants with a minimum second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) degree in another discipline who can demonstrate significant experience in human resource management, organisational development or leadership roles will also be considered.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.