MA in Human Resource Management

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

National College Ireland

Program Overview

The MA in Human Resource Management at National College of Ireland is a one-year full-time NFQ Level 9 master’s designed to develop deep understanding and practical skills in strategic HRM, people-centred leadership, employment relations, talent development and organisational effectiveness. It suits graduates from business, social sciences or related fields — and those seeking CIPD-aligned HR professional credentials — who want to pursue advanced roles in HR, organisational development, consulting or people management.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students build core competencies across strategic and operational aspects of HR. They study Human Resource Management in a Strategic Business Context to understand how HR aligns with organisational goals, and People Resourcing which covers recruitment and workforce planning fundamentals. Through Employment Law and Employee Relations, learners gain insight into legal frameworks and workplace dynamics that underpin effective HR practice. Managing and Developing Talent and Leading and Managing develop skills in performance management and leadership, while Research Methods lays the foundation for independent inquiry that culminates in a Dissertation, enabling students to conduct substantial research into a contemporary HR issue. Elective options may include themes like Strategic Reward, Organisational Design and Development, HR Analytics, Mediation and Conflict Management, and International HRM to tailor expertise to specific career interests.

Focus areas (in a string):

Strategic HRM, people resourcing, employment law & relations, talent management, leadership, HR research methods, HR analytics, organisational development, dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply strategic HR frameworks; interpret legal and relational aspects of work; design and manage talent and performance systems; use data and research methods in HR decisions; and complete an independent research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 MA, the programme is developed in consultation with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), supporting pathways to CIPD membership and recognised HR professional standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):

National College of Ireland is a long-established third-level institution in Dublin with around 70 years of business and HR education tradition; while specific global rankings aren’t published for this programme, its CIPD-alignment and industry links enhance employability in HR and organisational development 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

National College of Ireland MA in Human Resource Management graduates achieve strong employability, with 72% in employment nine months post-graduation and 85% of those in graduate-level roles, primarily HR-focused positions. Typical job roles include HR manager, talent acquisition specialist, organizational development consultant, and employee relations advisor. These leverage CIPD consultation, block teaching with case studies, and practical skills for dynamic business environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

NCI Careers Service provides CV support, interview preparation, and employer connections for roles at firms like Uber.
72% employment rate, 75% of employed graduates in HR roles, with starting salaries €38,000–€52,000 in Dublin's competitive market.
CIPD-aligned curriculum enables chartered membership eligibility after three semesters plus experience.
Programme supports senior management advancement through strategic HR focus and electives.
Graduates progress to leadership in multinationals or consultancies within 5 years.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhD research or level 10 doctoral programs at NCI or Irish universities, building on QQI level 9 award.