MSc Human Resource Management and Employee Relations

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The MSc in Human Resource Management and Employee Relations at Atlantic Technological University is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) NFQ Level 9 Master of Science programme that prepares students to lead strategic people-management, employee relations, HR analytics and organisational development in contemporary workplaces. It suits graduates from any discipline who want advanced capabilities in managing people, understanding workplace dynamics, and applying evidence-based HRM and ER practice.

Curriculum structure:

In the MSc year, students build a balanced set of analytical, practical and strategic HR skills. They explore Competing Perspectives in People Management to understand diverse approaches to workforce leadership and organisational behaviour, and Human Resource Analytics & Information Systems to apply data-driven decision making to HR processes. Through Employment Law, Mediation & Negotiation and Employee Relations in an International Context, learners gain insight into legal frameworks, dispute resolution and global labour relations. Modules such as Strategic Talent Management, Organisational Analysis & Management and Managing Learning & Development develop strategic skills for talent growth, organisational effectiveness and continuous HR development, while the programme culminates in a substantial Dissertation that synthesises theory and practice in an independent research project.

Focus areas (in a string):

Strategic HRM, people management perspectives, HR analytics & information systems, employment law & mediation, employee relations, organisational analysis, strategic talent & development, HR research dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Analyse and apply advanced HRM and employee relations frameworks; use analytics and information systems for HR decisions; navigate employment law and negotiation; design strategic talent and organisational development interventions; and complete independent HR research.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This programme is CIPD accredited, aligning with professional standards for HR practitioners and supporting pathways to CIPD membership and recognised HR careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Atlantic Technological University is a recognised public technological university in Ireland with strong industry engagement; its HR postgraduate programmes support employability in HR, organisational development, consultancy and leadership roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The program's experiential learning is structured through several specific components:

Direct Industry Interaction: The program is practice-driven and involves going beyond the classroom. A key feature is that students interact with a variety of organisations as part of the course to learn HRM in practice. Senior practitioners from the industry also teach on the program.
Core Skill-Building Module: A dedicated module, "Developing Skills for Business Leadership and Coaching," is designed to build practical professional competencies directly relevant to HR leadership roles.
Focus on Modern HR Tools: The curriculum includes a specialized module on "HR Digitalisation & Analytics," ensuring students gain applied knowledge of contemporary digital tools and data analysis in HR.
Substantial Research Project: All students complete a 30-credit dissertation, which is a major piece of independent research. This allows them to apply their knowledge, specialize in a specific HR area, and enhance their career potential by tackling a real-world business issue.
Dedicated Career Support: The Trinity Business School Careers & Community team provides tailored, practical career development. This includes workshops, one-to-one coaching, psychometric assessments, company presentations, job fairs, and networking events to connect learning with employment opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) MSc in Human Resource Management and Employee Relations graduates enter a high-demand field, with strong prospects for roles across private, public, and multinational sectors amid Ireland's talent shortage. Typical job roles include HR generalist, employee relations officer, talent management specialist, and workplace wellbeing advisor. These positions draw on blended learning in strategic HRM, labor relations, and organizational challenges for effective people leadership.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

ATU Careers Office supports placements, CV reviews, and networking with regional employers like Medtronic and SMEs.
Employability exceeds 90% within nine months, with starting salaries €38,000–€52,000 in Galway's growing economy.
Industry-informed curriculum fosters skills for SMEs to MNCs, with electives enhancing versatility.
Programme builds CIPD-aligned competencies for professional membership and international mobility.
Graduates advance to HR leadership or consultancy within 5 years, responding to dynamic labor markets.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhDs in HRM or employee relations at ATU or Irish universities like UL, focusing on sustainable practices with research funding.