International Business and Human Resource Management MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

This MSc blends international business knowledge with practical HR skills, giving you the tools to understand global markets and manage people across cultures. It’s perfect if you want a career that combines business strategy with helping organisations get the best from their teams.

Curriculum structure
Your journey begins with a two-week Foundation Programme, helping you settle in, meet classmates, and get ready for the main modules. This sets you up for success and makes sure you’re confident with your course choices.

During the main MSc year, you’ll dive into international business with modules like Internationalisation Strategies (BU51014), where you learn how global trade policies affect companies, and International Business Strategy (BU51016), which shows you how firms compete and grow across borders. International Business Finance (BU51019) gives you practical insight into managing money and investments in a global context.

On the HR side, modules like Human Resource Management Strategies (BU51018) and International Human Resource Management (BU52021) teach you how to design effective HR policies, manage cross-cultural teams, and handle the challenges of global workplaces. Behavioural Insights for Managers (BU52024) and Managing People and Organisations (BU51024) help you understand what drives people, how to lead teams effectively, and how to create a positive organisational culture.

Finally, the International Business Project (BU52020) gives you the chance to put your learning into action, whether through an internship, independent research, or a real-world project. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and show future employers what you can do.

Focus areas: “Global business strategy, international finance, cross-cultural HR, leadership, real-world projects and internships.”
Learning outcomes: “Apply international business and HR knowledge, design effective HR policies for global teams, lead people across cultures, analyse business challenges, and deliver practical projects.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This MSc is CIPD-accredited, meaning you can become an Associate Member after graduation. You can also work towards the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Management and Leadership. The university’s business school holds AACSB accreditation, highlighting the quality of teaching and graduate success.

Reputation (employability / outcomes)
Graduates have gone on to careers as business analysts, HR managers, project coordinators, and marketing or sales professionals in multinational companies. With its strong blend of business and HR skills, this programme opens doors to global opportunities across industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Dundee, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience that makes your degree really come alive. From group projects and case studies to internships and consultancy opportunities, everything is designed to help you apply what you learn in real-world business and HR settings. You’ll also have access to modern libraries, IT resources, and supportive campus facilities, giving you all the tools you need to succeed.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Global Internship Opportunity: As part of the International Business Project (BU52020), you can complete an eight-week internship with a real company, gaining practical work experience and seeing how international business and HR practices operate in the real world.
Consultancy Project Option: If an internship isn’t the right fit, you can work on a consultancy project, tackling a real business challenge for an organisation and building problem-solving and analytical skills.
Interactive Modules & Group Projects: Modules like International Human Resource Management (BU52021) include group work, seminars, and case studies that simulate real cross-cultural HR situations, helping you build teamwork and leadership skills.
Library & Research Resources: Dundee’s libraries offer quiet study spaces, online databases, and research support — perfect for assignments, projects, or exploring topics in depth.
IT & Campus Facilities: You’ll have access to IT suites, campus-wide WiFi, and essential software like Microsoft Office, giving you everything you need for coursework, collaboration, and data analysis.

All of these experiences — from internships to group projects — mean you graduate with more than a degree: you’ll leave with real skills, confidence, and experiences that make you attractive to employers worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc often step straight into exciting roles around the world — think business analysts, HR specialists, project coordinators, or marketing and operations roles in global companies. Many alumni have gone on to work as junior analysts, marketing assistants in FMCG, project coordinators in banking, investment analysts, sales managers in retail or real estate, or communications specialists in industries like energy and corporate services.

Because of this, you’ll be well-prepared for careers in: business analytics and consulting, international HR and talent management, marketing or sales in global firms, or project and operations coordination across industries.

Here’s how the University helps you make it happen:

Tailored Careers Support: Dundee’s Careers Service provides workshops, CV and interview coaching, recruitment fairs, and an International Students Careers Symposium — giving you practical help to secure your first role.
Strong Industry Connections: With hundreds of employers visiting campus each year, you’ll have opportunities for placements, consultancy projects, and direct networking with potential employers.
Solid Graduate Outcomes: Many graduates land roles immediately after finishing the MSc, across sectors like banking, FMCG, real estate, retail, and energy.
Professional Accreditation: The CIPD accreditation means you can become an Associate Member after graduation — a credential recognised worldwide in HR and people management.
Versatile Skillset: The combination of international business and HR expertise gives you flexibility, making it easier to move across roles in HR, business development, operations, marketing, or consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies with a specialised master’s or postgraduate diploma in HRM, organisational psychology, international management, or corporate strategy. Professional certifications, especially leveraging the CIPD accreditation, are also an option to advance your HR career. If you’re inclined towards research, a PhD in international business, HR, or organisational behaviour could open doors to academia or strategic consultancy roles.