MSc in International Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

Henley’s MSc International Human Resource Management prepares you to lead people management in multinational organisations. It suits graduates and professionals aiming for global HR careers, offering a blend of academic expertise, practitioner input, and international exposure through modules, projects, and study trips.

Curriculum Structure

Pre-study

Before the main program begins, you’ll access Henley’s Futurelearn platform with short courses such as Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance and Study Skills for Success. These build your confidence in digital tools and academic skills, ensuring you’re ready for postgraduate study.

Semester One

You’ll establish a strong foundation in HRM and international business. Modules include:

International Strategic Management (MMM001) – analysing global strategy and complexity in multinational operations.
Managing People and Organisations (MMM048) – exploring organisational behaviour and its implications for managers.
Principles of Human Resource Management (MMM122) – covering HR strategy, selection, motivation, and performance management.
Together, these modules give you a comprehensive understanding of HRM principles and their global application.

Semester Two

You’ll deepen your expertise in transformation and international HR practice. Modules include:

Managing Transformation (MMM080) – applying change management models and leadership skills.
International Human Resource Management (MMM081) – advanced study of HR in multinational contexts.
Sustainability and Business Ethics for Responsible Management (MMM171) – integrating ethics and sustainability into HR practice.
Optional modules such as Digital Marketing (MMM077), Equality Law (LWMEL), and Managing Across Borders (MMM172) allow you to tailor your degree to your career goals.

Summer

The program culminates in the Applied Project in People Management (MMM165), where you independently research and solve a real HR challenge. You may also take part in the International Applied Challenge (MMM156), an experiential study trip or virtual project exploring HR issues in a global context.

Focus Areas

International HRM, global employment relations, organisational change, sustainability and ethics, HR strategy, leadership, applied HR projects.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and implement HR strategies in multinational contexts, lead organisational transformation, apply ethical and sustainable HR practices, and critically evaluate global HR challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) at Level 7, providing direct membership eligibility. Henley Business School also holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, placing it among the world’s leading business schools.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

84% of graduates employed or in further study within one year of graduation.
£35,160 average salary one year post-graduation.
Employers include Capita, NHS Trusts, OpenText, Levi Strauss & Co., and AtkinsRéalis.
Henley Business School is globally recognised for excellence, with strong rankings in employability and student satisfaction.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Henley’s MSc International Human Resource Management is designed to immerse you in the real-world practice of global HRM, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills. You’ll work on applied projects, engage with international case studies, and benefit from Henley’s strong industry connections. The program also integrates digital tools, study trips, and professional accreditation activities, giving you hands-on experience that employers value.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the program:

Applied Project in People Management (MMM165): Conduct independent research on a real HR challenge, applying theory to practice with academic supervision.
International Applied Challenge (MMM156): Take part in an experiential study trip or virtual project, exploring HR issues in a global context.
Group projects and workshops: Modules such as International Human Resource Management (MMM081) and Managing Transformation (MMM080) involve collaborative work, case studies, and applied HR problem-solving.
Digital learning tools: Pre-study access to Henley’s Futurelearn platform with courses like Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance and Study Skills for Success, building confidence in digital tools and academic skills.
Specialist resources: Access Henley’s ICMA Centre, world-class library, and databases for HRM, business, and international management research.
Industry engagement: Learn directly from guest speakers and HR leaders, with employer connections including Capita, NHS Trusts, OpenText, Levi Strauss & Co., and AtkinsRéalis.
Henley Business School facilities: Study in modern seminar rooms, collaborative spaces, and benefit from Henley’s AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, placing it among the world’s leading business schools.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Henley’s MSc International Human Resource Management are highly sought after in global organisations. Typical career paths include International HR Manager, Global Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Business Partner, and Employee Relations Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Henley’s strong employer links, you’ll be positioned to succeed in both UK and international HR markets.

Here’s how Henley supports your progression and future opportunities:

University services for employability: Henley’s dedicated Careers & Professional Development Service provides one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and tailored workshops to help you secure HR roles worldwide.
Employment stats and salary figures: Official Henley data shows 84% of graduates employed or in further study within one year, with an average salary of £35,160 one year post-graduation.
University–industry partnerships: Henley maintains strong links with employers such as Capita, NHS Trusts, OpenText, Levi Strauss & Co., and AtkinsRéalis, offering guest lectures, case studies, and applied projects.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is CIPD Level 7 accredited, giving you direct eligibility for professional membership. Henley Business School also holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, placing it among the world’s leading business schools.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership, consultancy, and specialist HRM roles, leveraging Henley’s global reputation and employer connections to stand out in competitive job markets.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc International Human Resource Management, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in International Business, Employment Relations, or Organisational Studies at Henley. This pathway allows you to deepen expertise in HRM research, preparing you for advanced consultancy, academic careers, or leadership in global HR practice.