International Human Resource Management MSc | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course

Programme duration: approximately30 months for MSc(part-timeand online)
Upcoming starts: 14 January 2025, 27 May 2025, 7 October 2025
Entry awards: MSc/PGDip/PGCert
Awarding body: University of Liverpool
Delivered by:

As Human Resource Management becomes an increasingly globalised discipline, it requires people who can continually learn and adapt professional and organisational knowledge to new needs and contexts.  

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What is international human resource management?

The most crucial element of any business is the people who work there. Recruiting and keeping the best talent in your industry is key to building out your company, giving you a workforce that is just as passionate about the success of the business as those at the executive level. To do that, modern companies need dedicated international human resource management teams that have the necessary abilities to empower employees and employers.

With remote working rapidly becoming a desirable solution across a number of industries, never has the global environment and global context been more important. International human resource management is all about opening up positions to an international audience, and that starts with a proven HRM team with the requisite training and education.

About the programme

This programme is designed to equip managers, HR professionals and those seeking a career in HR with the intellectual learning and professional skills needed to make an outstanding contribution in an organisation.  Organisations of all sizes, whether global or local, increasingly need to be able to operate in an international and globalised environment.  The programme considers the international dimension and implications of HRM practices and their impact on business functions, including the complexities of managing people across multiple countries, legislative frameworks and cultures.   

Developed by experts at the University of Liverpool’s AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accredited Management School, the curriculum blends core HRM skills such as managing performance, learning and development and managing change and conflict, with core business skills. These have been tailored specifically to meet the needs of professionals in this area, including leadership, data and financial management, business ethics and sustainability. 

You will graduate not just as an HRM practitioner but as an HRM champion, able to engage with, inspire and lead organisational colleagues, divisions, and disciplines at all levels. You will possess enhanced skills and knowledge capable of strategically influencing your organisation through people development.    

Download a prospectus for more details on this programme including module information. 

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Programme structure

What will I study?  

This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of Science (MSc), 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) and 60 credits to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PG Cert).  

ModulesMScPGDipPGCert
Strategic Human Resource Management (15 credits)
x
x
x
Becoming a Leader (15 credits)  
x
x
Ethical and Sustainable Business Practice (15 credits)
x
x
Finance and Data Analysis for Managers (15 credits)
x
x
Strategic Learning, Training and Development (15 credits)
x
x
x
Managing Change and Conflict (15 credits)
x
x
x
People and Performance Management (15 credits)
x
x
x
Research Methods (15 credits)
x
x
Dissertation (60 credits)
x

For more information on the modules, including syllabus and learning outcomes, please download our programme booklet

Entry requirements

All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to discuss your previous qualifications and experience before applying, please contact us now via LiveChat.

Applications should possess: 

  • A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or 
  • Professional work experience in a related field and/or other prior qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.

If you don’t have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Fees for the academic year 2024/25

MSc: £16,868
PGDip: £11,246
PGCert: £5,623

These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.  

Executive Scholarship

An Executive Scholarship of 15%** is available for our January 2025 intake. Contact our admissions team for more information. 

Other scholarships and discounts

You may also be able to benefit from the following scholarships and discounts:

  • Regional Scholarships of up to 20%. To find out the scholarship offered in your region, please make an enquiry now
  • 10% UK Scholarship for students residing in the United Kingdom is available for our intakes in the 2024/25 academic year for all full master’s awards.
  • 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni.
  • 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment. 

Further support

We aim to make it as easy as possible for you to cover the costs of your studies. You could benefit from:

  • Simple monthly payment plan provided to spread the cost over the duration of study 
  • Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the programme cost. 

Please speak to our admissions team for more details of fees, scholarships, discounts and support.

*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.

**Please note that the Executive Scholarship can only be used with the Up-Front Payment Discount.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and assessment 

The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship. 
 

Teaching methods 

Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access. 

All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes: 

  • innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals 
  • forums for you to discuss programme content with peers 
  • support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team 

Assessments 

Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting. 

We are committed to: 

  • providing frequent and transparent feedback 
  • ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear 
  • making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform 
  • delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules 
  • ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours 
  • providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues 

Online learning experience 

We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform. 

Typically, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours 
  • self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding 
  • assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment 

On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

Study duration 

Our master’s award has an approximate study duration of 30 months, studied online and part-time. Our PG Diploma award has an approximate duration of 20 months and our PG Certificate has an approximate duration of 10 months.  

Please note, that the actual study duration may be longer depending on study options chosen, speed of study, and module availability. 

Students pursue the programme in a linear fashion, which is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules, and a three-week break for the Christmas period. You will receive an indicative module timetable during the enrolment process.  

On successful completion of your degree, and payment of any outstanding tuition fees, you will receive an invite to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in the vibrant city of Liverpool  

Academic staff 

We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.  

They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.  

All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool. 

Quality and assurance  

As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards. 

The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.  

Applying

Apply for this course by completing a simple online form

In order to apply, you will need to provide copies of the following supporting documentation: 

  • School or college transcripts/certificates 
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable 
  • Degree certificates 
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (EU and international applications only) 
  • Personal statement 
  • An up-to-date CV. 

Acknowledgement of your application 

The admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application and will pass it to the Department Head and/or appropriate academic department(s) for consideration. 

Students with disabilities 

We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform the University so that you receive appropriate support. 

Deadlines 

We have start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. As an applicant, you are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if you have special needs. 

Career prospects

As a programme graduate, you will be able to advance an existing career in Human Resource Management, move into a HRM role, or enhance a managerial career.  You will also be well-placed to pursue specialist career paths in areas such as learning and development, conflict resolution or recruitment.  This could include positions on a worldwide scale for organisations such as multinationals, government bodies and major international retailers.       

You will have developed your professional capabilities as a whole, understanding the role of HRM within an organisation and within a global context, and with knowledge of core business practices.  You will be equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also practical judgement, critical self-awareness and the ability to reflect on and learn from experience, making you highly desirable in a competitive global market.     

About us

The Management School is amongst an elite group of business schools to hold the gold standard triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). Our vision is to be a globally connected Management School, with our transformative research and teaching, placing us at the forefront of influential knowledge leadership. The latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 rated us 9th in the sector for research power, and 100% of our research environment was classified as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). 

The Management School is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year of special events to mark two decades of transformation from a newly established school in 2002 to a triple-accredited internationally recognised research powerhouse. Learn more about the 20th anniversary celebrations and the history of the school.

By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university and a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.  

The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.

Study Online with the University of Liverpool

Student testimonials

In this student testimonial, recent graduate Carole Talbot discusses her experience on the University of Liverpool’s online International Human Resource Management programme. Find out why she chose to study with the University of Liverpool, her advice for prospective students, and her career plans for the future.