Postgraduate study
Edinburgh: Extraordinary futures await.

International Human Resource Management MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time

Accreditation

Funding opportunities

Our MSc in International Human Resource Management will develop your understanding of real-world HR issues, and will provide you with key insights specific to the demands of working for multinational organisations and across national borders.

Accreditation

Not only is the University of Edinburgh Business School part of a world renowned University, but it is also accredited by the three most influential business accreditation bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This triple accreditation highlights the quality of teaching and excellence of research at the Business School.

The Business School's MSc in International Human Resource Management is also a fully accredited programme of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Learning will primarily be through:

  • lectures
  • set reading
  • class discussions
  • exercises
  • group-work assignments
  • problem-solving in tutorials
  • case studies

Assessment methods include examinations, assignments, presentations or continuous assessment.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScInternational Human Resource Management1 YearFull-timeProgramme structure 2024/25

The MSc in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) gives students the knowledge, understanding and key skills required by HR professionals working in an international context with multinational organisations and to enable students to effectively contribute to dynamic organisations.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of key terms, theories/concepts and practices within the field of HRM
  • obtain, through elective courses, an in-depth knowledge of specific HRM-related theories, skills and practices
  • appreciate the implications of increasing globalisation for the management of human resources, with particular reference to HRM in multinational corporations
  • develop an ability to undertake qualitative and quantitative research and apply this knowledge in the context of an independently constructed work (i.e. dissertation)
  • be able to identify and appreciate the significance of ethical issues in HR practices and the management of people in the workplace

  • MSc International Human Resource Management learning outcomes

Industry opportunities

We regularly bring guest speakers to the School to talk to International Human Resource students about real, current practice. From company sponsored dissertations to career and employability treks, you will also have a variety of opportunities to learn from and network with industry and business professionals.

Career development

International Human Resource Management graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

Career outcomes

The success of our programmes is reflected in the career destinations of our graduates. Hugely respected by global employers, our programmes provide the perfect learning experience with access to world-class academics and programmes that are underpinned by real world insights.

Job titles of our recent graduates include:

  • associate consultant
  • associate HR business partner
  • change and business solutions graduate
  • employee benefits consultant
  • HR consultant
  • HR practitioner
  • HR regional centre lead
  • learning and talent management supervisor
  • people operations and culture coordinator
  • recruitment consultant
  • recruitment manager
  • reward specialist - benefits & wellbeing
  • senior associate HR
  • talent acquisition officer
  • talent development officer

  • MSc International Human Resource Management career outcomes

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 10 July 2025.

Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

Academic requirements

You will need a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

Candidates must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Human Resource Management.

Supporting your application

Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
  • Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Application fee

This programme requires a non-refundable application fee.

  • £60

Deposit

You will need to pay this deposit within 28 days of receiving your offer of admission (either unconditional or conditional).

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Additional programme costs

See the programme website for more information on additional costs, as well as application fees and deposit payment.

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies. Below you can find a breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh and other studying costs to help you calculate your finances.

Tuition fees

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScInternational Human Resource Management1 YearFull-timeTuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money

    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • University of Edinburgh Business School
  • 29 Buccleuch Place
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9JS

Due to high demand, the School operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through the competitive process described on the School website.

Full details on the admissions process and the selection deadlines are available on the Business School website:

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2025/26:

Round Application deadline Decisions by
1 16 October 2024 5 December 2024
2 11 December 2024 20 February 2025
3 12 February 2025 24 April 2025
4 23 April 2025 5 June 2025
5 11 June 2025 24 July 2025

You must submit one reference with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • University of Edinburgh Business School
  • 29 Buccleuch Place
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9JS