Masters in International Human Resource Management
You will combine theory and practice in the study of HR Management within a global environment on this programme, which is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
At a glance
- This programme will equip you with a range of analytical, diagnostic and facilitative tools to prepare students for work as human resource management professionals within international organisations
- Gain an understanding of the development of HRM into a strategic function and the growth of International HRM
- With an emphasis on relevance and employability you will develop an awareness of the various elements of human resource management practice
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), AACSB and EQUIS, thus providing a route to CIPD membership
- Benefit from having professional guest speakers and study trips to put theories into practice
- Tailor the programme to suit your needs through a selection of optional modules
- Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates
- Level
- Masters
- Subject area(s)
- International Business, People & Organisational Change
- Award
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Programme Director
-
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
Overview
Our Masters programme will prepare you to work as Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals or people managers within international organisations.
You will receive grounding in international HRM, focusing on its development into a strategic function within global organisations. You will develop an awareness of the various elements of HRM practice, notably training and development, recruitment and selection, talent management and performance management. With this MSc course, you will be equipped with a range of analytical, diagnostic and facilitative tools to support your future work. You are required to complete a research-based project in the summer term.
(The Economist 2021)
(Financial Times 2021)
The Henley pre-study course suite
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
Study skills for success (-)This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters. |
N/A |
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (-)A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty to introduce you to the world of coding in Python. According to recent employer surveys, coding is a top 5 employability skill in the new world of work. The World Economic forum includes technology design and programming in the top 10 skills of 2025. Coding is an extremely powerful skill to have going forward in all areas of business and finance. Due to the importance of coding skills in your future, you will be using coding in some of your courses depending on your choice of programme at Henley Business School. So, this pre-study course can be seen as a stepping stone in your learning journey. Even if coding is not directly utilised as a part of your programme, completing this course, earning the certificate and complementing this with some further independent learning, could set you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Python is the most utilised programming language in the world and so the purpose of this course is for you to learn the fundamentals of Python, and how to use it to solve practical problems in your area of interest. |
N/A |
Part one: Autumn term
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Strategic Management (MMM001)This module aims to introduce students to the core concepts and models underlying contemporary strategic management, their theoretical and empirical foundations, their limitations, the arguments surrounding them and their practical application to real issues facing real companies. This module provides students with an understanding of the conceptual and analytical tools of strategic management and economics.
Academic authors
Professor Rajneesh Narula
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Managing People and Organisations (MMM048)The module examines existing knowledge about how people behave in organisational settings, the theories that inform this knowledge and the practical implications for managers. It relies on the tacit knowledge of students and on social and human sciences such as management, philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Principles of Human Resource Management (MMM122)This module provides an introduction to the field of human resource management in terms of the development of the function; its approach to strategy and the deployment of the key practices of human resource management. It is relevant for any students considering a career where they will be managing others or for those interested in a career specialising in HRM. Academic authors
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Study and Research Skills: Sources, Methods, and Practice (MMM070)To strengthen students’ ability to make best use of the learning opportunities during the MSc degree course. To provide students with an understanding of what is required to perform well in essays, dissertations, report writing and examinations at Henley Business School. To provide students with an awareness of the appropriate use of methodology, theory, data, literature reviews and original research in a Masters dissertation/project.
Academic authors
Professor Peter Scott
|
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
Career and Professional Development (MMM132)What am I going to do when my course ends, and how am I going to achieve it? This module has been designed to help Accounting, Informatics and Business Management students answer those two questions, and empower them to take the actions required. It’s a suite of sessions that pays close attention to the general pathways Business Management, Accounting and Informatics students tend to take, and their aspirations as expressed during pre-sessional career activities & induction surveys. Students will choose this the mix of custom-made sessions that best suit their stage in life and supplement them with the open careers programmes offered at the University, the online content on the Henley Careers Blackboard site and 1-2-1 careers consultations. |
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Leading in the Digital Organisation (MMM140)In this module learners will explore the role of leadership in a digital environment. They will build their awareness of key digital technologies and discuss the impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies. Read moreBy the end of the module, learners will gain a critical understanding of:
Academic authors
Professor Norbert Morawetz
|
20 |
Theories of the Multinational Enterprise (MMM073)The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the changes in our theoretical understanding of international business. The understanding of multinational enterprises (MNE) can serve as a basis for practical evaluation of the behaviour, strategies and performance of these companies. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Part two: Spring term
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Human Resource Management (MMM081)This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the choices made by multinational organisations with regard to managing their employees across different countries by introducing key concepts, theories and contemporary practices. It also aims to develop skills required to work in the international context through practical group work in multi-cultural teams.
Academic authors
Dr Chul Chung
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Managing Transformation (MMM080)This module considers the management of transformation from both an organisational and personal perspective. Students are introduced to key models of change and consider how they might be applied and the barriers to their effective implementation. The module also provides an opportunity for students to learn about and to practice some of the skills required in the management of transformation. Academic authors
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Business Ethics and International CSR (MMM157)Students will learn key knowledge enabling ethical management and corporate responsibility. Academic authors
Professor Kleio Akrivou
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Business Environment (MMM071)This course studies the contemporary international business environment from a macro, meso, and micro economic perspective. Theories from economics, political science, economic geography, and international business are examined. Students learn about global economic developments, the role of institutions and political economics systems, and the impact of technological changes and the differences of regional and national locations in business.
Academic authors
Dr J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Digital Marketing (MMM077)This module aims to introduce students to digital marketing and the increasingly important role of technology in both marketing practice and society. By the end of the module students should be able to apply a range of skills to implement digital marketing approaches and understand the key strategic drivers behind the growth of the digital economy. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Innovation Management (MMM162)To provide an understanding of how organisations utilise core capabilities and entrepreneurial approaches to deliver innovations for future profit. Academic authors
Keith Heron
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Part three: Summer term
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Project in Human Resource Management (MMM082)This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to define and execute an independent piece of research in international human resource management on an approved topic of their choice. Under the guidance of a supervisor, the module also aims to develop student’s ability to research, problem-solve, learn independently and make effective use of their time and the resources available. Academic authors
Dr Chul Chung
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen, it also requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Our Masters programmes offer you a unique practice-centred approach to teaching equipping you with the tools to become a compelling leader. This approach creates emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes.
Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.
You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry. This gives you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills with confidence.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average examinations form between 50 - 70% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, in class tests, written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme.
Ongoing support
While Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your academic tutor can meet with you regularly. Support staff are here to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| 2023 entry | £13,500 |
Scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships for UK/Home and International applicants. Please note that scholarship application is via the University of Reading applicant portal once an offer has been made. You can only apply when you have received an offer (conditional or unconditional). When you view your offer in the portal you will see the link to apply for scholarship(s) relevant to your offer.
Current scholarships
Although a good first or second class UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, will usually be required. Professional experience will be taken into account and applicants will be considered on their overall suitability for the programme.
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised university |
| Degree discipline | Any discipline |
English Language Requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 6.0 in any sub-skills |
| IELTS with pre-sessional English | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in each of the four sub-skills |
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We appreciate the difficulties that some students are having with the availability of English Language tests, as the impact of the global pandemic continues. As a result of this, we are pleased to announce that we can now accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.
For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone at +44 (0) 118 378 5289.
Pre-sessional English language programme
UK visa requirements
If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions: intoff@reading.ac.uk.
Graduate Route
The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
Where are our 2020 graduates now?
2020 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
EY
Hejun Consulting
Borealis
Capgemini
Tesla
Amazon
Pepsico
Ferrari
Tencent
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
2020 graduates in this area have secured the following roles:
Assistant Manager
Assistant Strategic Consultant
Associate
Associate Consultant
Delivery Experience Specialist
HR Business Partner
Integrated Marketing
Marketing Specialist
People Management
Project Manager
Industry of employment for 2020 graduates
Function of employment for 2020 graduates
2020 graduates are employed in the following locations:
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2021, which was completed by our 2020 graduates.
Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Business and Finance, MSc Management, MSc Management (International Business), MSc Marketing (Consumer Marketing), MSc Marketing (Digital Marketing) and MSc Marketing (International Marketing).
How can Henley Careers work with you?
We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
- Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
Our International Human Resource Management graduates follow a variety of paths upon graduation. Some enter (or return to) traditional HRM roles with the benefit of CIPD membership. Typical career paths include roles in learning and development or recruitment. The programme is relevant to you if you are seeking senior managerial positions in international organisations with responsibility for the management of people.
Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The CIPD is the world’s largest chartered HR development professional body and has members from over 120 countries worldwide. Successful students currently in CIPD student membership will also qualify to achieve professional associate status (Assoc. CIPD) at the end of their studies. Contact pgmanagement@henley.ac.uk for more information on how this programme can help lead to professional recognition from CIPD.
Apply for 2023 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 June |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.
When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.
Speak to a current student
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.
“The MSc in International Human Resource Management and Level 7 CIPD qualification, has provided me with a deeper understanding of the critical components within Human Resources, enabling me to fulfil my career ambitions.”
“The program was very interesting and useful for building a professional career in human resources. The professors were creating activities to better understand the theories and this was a small simulation of a professional environment.”
I personally loved that the course was so international. It provided me with so much knowledge on different ways of working, different team dynamics and how to work better as a team member.”
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