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Overview

Structured to navigate the dynamic global landscape of Human Resource Management (HRM), our MSc combines an in-depth theoretical grounding with the latest practical skills and approaches. HRM is a vital component of business strategy and vision. This course equips future HRM professionals with the skills, expertise and knowledge required to pursue a successful career in HRM. You will develop capabilities in a range of critical areas including HR analytics, performance management, talent development, sustainability, employment relations, international HRM, strategic HRM, and change management. 

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the course is suitable for students with an undergraduate degree in Business, or degrees in areas such as Social Science, Psychology, Economics, Politics or Law.

The Human Resource Management and Employment Relations Group at UCD is an internationally recognised centre for the study of HRM and ER. The UCD HRM and ER Group combines professional expertise in practice and policy development with a commitment to excellent research.  Engagement with the practical worlds of employment relations and human resource management is a core programme feature. The modules are taught by a mixture of full-time academic faculty researching in the field of HRM and Employment Relations and HR practitioners. This ensures that students graduate with a range of theoretical, analytical, critical and practical skills and knowledge.

A unique feature of the programme is the opportunity to participate in two exchange programmes, with the ILR School, Cornell University and the EMLS (European Masters in Labour Studies), a network of leading European universities offering postgraduate programmes in labour studies.

Note:  Places on these exchange programmes are limited and students are invited to apply in mid-September. There is no guarantee that places on these exchange programmes will be available every academic year.

Further details about the ILR School are available at www.ilr.cornell.edu/about-ilr.
Further details on the EMLS programme can be found at www.mest-emls.eu.

CIPD Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is a CIPD Approved Centre. The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development. It offers clear learning and career pathways and sets the international standard for the HR profession– the values, knowledge and behaviours that equip HR practitioners in their work. CIPD membership is recognised and highly regarded by employers. Students completing the programme will be eligible for CIPD Associate Membership.

 

Quick Facts

95%*

% Employed after 6 months

12 Months

Full-Time Programme Duration

24 Months*

Part-Time Programme Duration

September 2025

Starting

Class Profile

Based on the class of 2023/2024

44

Class size

23

Average Age

7

Nationalities

64%

International class %

80%/20%

Females/Males

The Smurfit Experience

View our Video Gallery and Webinars On-Demand to gain a deeper insight into our programmes and the student experience. These videos and webinars provide valuable and practical insight as you consider your Business Masters options.

Events

Oct

21

Meet us in Galway

Galmont Hotel, Galway city

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Oct

22

Meet us in Limerick

Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick City

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Oct

23

Meet us in Cork

River Lee Hotel, Cork City

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Nov

13

Masters and MBA Open Evening

UCD Smurfit School, Blackrock

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Sep

30

Admissions Recruitment Fairs

Locations worldwide

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Scholarships and Awards

Two awards are normally available to Human Resource Management students who demonstrate exceptional ability on the programme.

Discover our Rankings and Accreditations