MSc 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 to help bring theories to life, along with possibility of a UK or overseas study trip
- Tailor the programme to suit your needs through a selection of optional modules
- Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates
- Students have the opportunity to connect with Henley Corporate Development’s Centre for HR and Organisation Capability.
- Our masters graduates secure positions at prestigious employers worldwide, earning competitive salaries. Explore our graduate outcomes.
- Locations
- Henley Whiteknights
- Subject area(s)
- International Business, People & Organisational Change
- Start Date
- September 2025
- Duration
- 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Programme Director
-
Professor Elizabeth Houldsworth
Overview
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
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.
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), AACSB and EQUIS, thus providing students a route to CIPD membership.
"University of Reading and Henley Business School offered many opportunities that promote inclusion and diversity. Also, they encourage students to get involved and engage in influencing positive changes."
What is unique to Henley’s Masters in International Human Resource Management?
In the module Managing Transformation, students learn about managing change at both a personal and organisational level and have the opportunity to develop change management skills. One of our recent students reported that: “For me personally as a new professional working in the world of consulting, Managing Transformation is the MSc element closest to the real-life business world that equips students with the skills and confidence to proceed in successful career paths.”
Graduate success
Key statistics from our 2023 graduates
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Masters Career Survey 2024)
2023 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
- Capita
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- OpenText
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Leeds City Council
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- AtkinsRéalis
- Levi Strauss & Co.
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2024, which was completed by our 2023 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
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).
Careers, accreditation & progression
Prepare for your successful 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.
Receive dedicated support from our award-winning careers team
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.
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.
Course structure
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.
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
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.
Study skills for success (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
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.
International Strategic Management (MMM001)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This course provides key analytical and conceptual tools from strategic management, international business and economics as applied to international strategy. The course examines the complexity that accompanies international operations as a result of geographical diversification, and changing market and technological, conditions.
Managing People and Organisations (MMM048)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This modules introduces students and encourages them to reflect on what is known empirically about how people behave in organisational settings, the theories that inform this knowledge and the practical implications for managers.
Principles of Human Resource Management (MMM122)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module provides an overview of the principles of Human Resource Management (HRM) and its main practices. It provides a grounding in the key constructs and principles of HRM. It considers approaches to HR strategy as well as key HR processes including selection, motivation, development and performance 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.
Managing Transformation (MMM080)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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 leadership of transformation.
International Human Resource Management (MMM081)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This is an advanced module focusing on the challenges and approaches in managing human resources in the multinational context, based on an understanding of basic concepts and practices in human resource management and cross-national contexts. Students will explore key issues and concepts and critically evaluate alternative approaches to the practices of human resource management in multinational organisations.
Sustainability and Business Ethics for Responsible Management (MMM171)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module introduces students to the related theory and practical applications on sustainability, business ethics and responsible management and develops students on how these theories are enabling business leaders, professionals and their organisations to integrate well ethical, humanistic, social and green impact in business and management and purposefully serve the common good, without sacrificing economic responsibility and performance.
Business Finance (ACM015)
20This module aims to introduce students to the nature of business finance and its role in business decision-making and provide a suitable foundation for advanced study.
Digital Marketing (MMM077)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Leading in the Digital Organisation (MMM140)
20The aim of this module is to explore the role of leadership and frontiers in leadership practice in a pervasive digital environment. The module builds awareness of key digital technologies and discusses their impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies.
Equality Law (LWMEL)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module aims to provide students with a critical awareness of how Equality Law is framed in the UK and a detailed knowledge and understanding of key Equality Law topics.
Managing Across Borders (MMM172)
20 [10 ECTS credits]Managers are increasingly faced with the challenge of operating across borders, while simultaneously expected to have general knowledge across wide range of business functions. The module gives a cross functional perspective of undertaking business in different countries, showing the challenge of managing successfully in an increasingly complex and global environment.
The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises (MMM173)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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 and performance of these companies.
International Business Environment (MMM071)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module studies the contemporary international business environment from different theoretical perspectives while drawing on relevant empirical evidence. Students learn about the role of multinational firms, institutions and political economic systems, technological changes, and geography in shaping the international business environment.
Management in Creative and Cultural Industries (MMM035)
20 [10 ECTS]This module examines organisations that are engaged in creative or cultural activities and the industries they create from an interdisciplinary management perspective. Students will define and understand the parameters of the creative or cultural industries; alongside identify the management challenges faced by organisations in these sectors; and examine strategies for addressing them.
Applied Project in People Management (MMM165)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The project is intended to enable the student to show their ability by organizing, managing and completing an independent study to answer a business challenge. The problem or issue needs to be set in a business context and the final report should be related to an area of HRM.
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.
How we teach you
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.
Master the Language of Business: Your Competitive Edge at Henley
Success in business isn’t just about practical skills but also how you communicate your ideas, influence others, and collaborate across cultures. That’s why, as a Henley Master’s student, you have the exclusive opportunity to join our Effective Communication: Language Skills for Business module, designed to boost your confidence and fluency in English for academic, professional, and networking success.
This free, non-credit-bearing course runs in parallel with your studies and is delivered by Henley Business School in partnership with the International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) at the University of Reading. It is part of a series of innovations at Henley designed to support your academic and professional development, ensuring you graduate with the skills to succeed in a global business environment.
The course is designed to help you:
- Express yourself clearly and persuasively in seminars, presentations, and discussions.
- Write with impact, from emails and reports to case studies and reflections.
- Master the language of business, learning industry-specific terminology and communication styles.
- Boost your employability with key professional communication skills, from networking to interview preparation.
Who Can Join?
- Students who meet the selection criteria based on their English level will be invited to take part.
- Any other student who wishes to enhance their communication skills can voluntarily join, ensuring everyone has access to this career-boosting opportunity!
Taught in an interactive, business-focused format, this module integrates real-world business scenarios, digital tools, and personalised feedback to help you thrive at Henley and beyond.
Fees & funding
UK/Home
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £14,500 |
International (incl. EU)
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £26,500 |
Scholarships
We're pleased to announce that, following the recent closure of our previous scholarship scheme, we’ve now been allocated additional funding to support more students on their postgraduate journey to Henley. This new funding allows us to provide further financial support to high-potential applicants. If you’re considering postgraduate study, now is a great time to apply!
Current scholarships
Entry requirements
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 5.5 in any sub-skills |
Pre-sessional English Programme
The Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements. Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.
Find out about our comprehensive range of Pre-Sessional English courses
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We 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.
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.
How to apply
Apply for 2025 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 July |
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.
Chat to our students
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.
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.”
University of Reading and Henley Business School offered many opportunities that promote inclusion and diversity. Also, they encourage students to get involved and engage in influencing positive changes.
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.
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.
