MSc in International Human Resource Management

International organisations draw on talent and expertise from all over the world. They rely on human resource professionals with cultural awareness and a global perspective. The MSc International Human Resource Management programme prepares you to meet that need.

The programme is one of a small number in the UK to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and aligned with standards set by the US Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It's also mutually recognised by the Australian Human Resources Institute. Since the professional qualification, you'll earn is respected all over the world, you'll be a competitive candidate for jobs in any location.

The curriculum incorporates a global perspective enabling you to:

• develop the expertise to effectively manage people in a diverse national and international environment
• study the contemporary theory of human resource management
• learn the best practices in the industry
• expand your cross-cultural awareness to successfully navigate a multicultural context

The programme is both practical and challenging, incorporating real-world learning from case studies, investigative projects and talks by industry experts. Our specialist staff, with a background across a range of national and international organisations, including some well-known blue-chip giants, will guide you.

Students will conduct a hands-on research project in international human resource management in the form of an HRM Research Project (MSc) or Business Investigation Report (PgD).

By building workforce talent, encouraging employees to become international leaders and supporting a diverse and welcoming workplace, you will contribute to your company's success - as well contribute to the common good.

A unique feature of the programme is a week-long visit to the University of Milano-Bicocca where you will attend classes, participate in industrial site visits to leading organisations and engage in cultural visits and activities.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include: essays, reports, class tests, written exams, presentations, and skills-based assessments.

"I chose the MSc International HRM because I wanted to work overseas. The programme was enriching and gave me the platform I needed to be able to apply for international roles; SHRM recognition was a draw." Marion Anderson, HR Manager, M.H. Alshaya (Dubai, UAE), MSc International Human Resource Management graduate

Professional accreditation

Our programme is distinguished by recognition from both globally renowned HR professional bodies, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Only seven programmes in the UK have achieved this status, two of which are taught by GCU.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

The CIPD is the world's largest Chartered HR professional body for those involved in the management of people aimed at setting the global benchmark for HR excellence within the profession. Our HRM courses are fully CIPD accredited.

Students, who successfully complete our CIPD accredited programme, including assignments and skills assessments, will achieve the full 'knowledge bank' required for Associate Membership of the CIPD. CIPD qualifications are 'recognised by large employers inside and outside the UK, as a standard for human resource practice' (CIPD, 2010). Independent research reveals that individuals with professional qualifications and membership stand to earn £81,000 in additional earnings over a lifetime.

As part of the programme, students are required to take out student membership of the CIPD.

Benefits of student membership

• access to West of Scotland Branch events
• subscription to the professional HR journal 'People Management'
• a discount on CIPD published texts
• access to a large collection of online resources and communities of support via the CIPD website

Information on how to join the CIPD will be given to students in the class. Students are responsible for the payment of their membership fees directly to the CIPD. Students should refer to the CIPD Membership pages for more information

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Society for Human Resource Management has officially recognised that both the GCU MSc International Human Resource Management and MSc Human Resource Management programmes fully align with SHRM's HR curriculum guidelines. GCU was the first institution in the UK to achieve this recognition.

SHRM is the largest association devoted to HRM and is committed to advancing the human resource profession to ensure that HR is an essential and effective partner in developing and executing organisational strategy.

Headquartered in the USA, the SHRM represents more than 285,000 members in more than 165 countries worldwide. SHRM provides resources, global best practices and a network of valuable contacts to all members. As part of SHRM's commitment to developing the HR profession globally, they have offices in Mumbai (India), Beijing (China) and the United Arab Emirates.

On graduation, you will be encouraged to engage further with SHRM to undertake the examinations that will upgrade your professional status.

Teaching methods

The HRM programmes are delivered by specialist staff with expertise and recognition both in academia and industry with a background across a range of national and international organisations including some well known blue-chip giants across both public and private sector organisations.

Colleagues from across the Glasgow School for Business and Society contribute expertise in areas including Strategic Management and Finance. In addition to the specialist teaching staff, we also bring industry experts into our classrooms and take our students out of the university and into workplaces to learn. You will experience case-based learning and will have the opportunity to engage in real-life project work. We aim to make your learning meaningful and relevant to the world of work.

Overseas Study Trip

As part of the Managing Workforce and Workplace Diversity module, you will have the opportunity to participate in an overseas study trip to Milan. You will receive 12 hours of teaching from faculty at the University of Bicocca which will be supplemented by case studies looking at the HR and diversity experiences of Italian companies. During the visit to Milan, you will take part in site visits to leading Italian organisations and engage in a range of cultural activities. The purpose of the trip is to broaden your international outlook and cross-cultural awareness which is essential in becoming an IHRM practitioner. The ethos of the trip underpins research by the CIPD (2018) which recognises globalisation as a key trend affecting the world of work and encourages HR practitioners to develop a stronger international outlook.

Glasgow Caledonian University is a distinctive, inclusive and forward-looking university that is committed to its social mission to promote the common good. We have become an international centre of excellence in higher education, promoting employability and global citizenship in our graduates. We win awards for our support and commitment to the student experience, whilst delivering innovation through our world-class research in key areas of strength. We have a tradition of widening access to higher education for talented individuals regardless of their backgrounds, and we leverage our intellectual and social capital for the benefit of the communities we serve in Scotland and internationally.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a vibrant, innovative and multi-award winning University for the Common Good.

We aim to contribute to society in a manner that embraces yet goes beyond the traditional role of a university. GCU’s For the Common Good commitment is brought to life and delivered by students and staff across academic schools and departments.

Welcome to the Glasgow School for Business and Society

We thrive on ideas, support innovation and value the importance of social responsibility. Students come to us for our knowledge and experience to enhance their career and personal ambitions. Our external partners come to us to find the latest research-led thinking and to access the talent of our students.

Corporate responsibility and sustainability are fundamental concerns for every organisation. The Glasgow School for Business and Society seeks to address the complex challenges of the global economy while delivering social benefit to local and global communities.

Global citizenship, responsible leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice are core to our teaching, research and public engagement activities.

Our distinctive, research-led portfolio offers excellent and accessible higher education opportunities in Glasgow, London and New York. Our programmes are endorsed by professional and academic accreditations confirming that your qualification is among the best in the world.

Corporate responsibility and sustainability are now fundamental concerns for every organisation. As a University for the Common Good, we are playing a key role in the global transformation of business management education. We seek to address the complex challenges of the global economy in the 21st century while delivering social benefit to local and global communities.

We are particularly pleased that our success at embedding ethics, responsibility and sustainability across all aspects of life at Glasgow School for Business and Society has been acknowledged through our membership in ASHOKA U, United Nations Global Compact and PRME, as well as local initiatives such as WRAP and Business in the Community.

We have also become the first university in Scotland to join the prestigious EPAS global network. I welcome this recognition of our high-quality learning and teaching experience that equips our graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the global market. The EPAS accreditation is indicative of a wider institutional commitment to use the very highest international benchmarks to evidence the quality of our provision. This provides robust reassurance to our staff, students, academic and business partners that we are a globally-networked university that is embedded within our local community.

We challenge our staff and students to be critical and independent learners, to become responsible leaders and to make positive contributions to business and society. We’d invite you to join us in our commitment to the Common Good.

Professional Affiliations

The Glasgow School for Business and Society has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies which ensure our courses are relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest advances in business, but they help our graduates stand-out when looking for employment and in some cases confer a special status on graduation.

Examples of professional bodies with which GSBS is associated include:

• AACSB
• ABS (Association of Business Schools)
• Business in the Community
• CEEMAN
• EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development)
• ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)
• UN PRME Initiative (Principles of Responsible Management Education)
• Gold Approved Learning Centre for ACCA
• Approved Teaching Centre for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
• Centre of Excellence with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI)

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)
• Chartered Banker
• Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)
• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
• Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
• Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
• EPAS (European Foundation for Management Development Programme Accreditation Scheme)
• ICAEW (The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
• ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)
• Institution Of Occupational Health (IOSH)
• Institute of Operations Management (IOM)
• Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
• IOR (Institute of Operational Risk)
• Law Society of Scotland
• National Council for the Training of Journalists (NTCJ)
• British Psychological Society
• SHRM (The American Society for HRM)
• The Institute of Hospitality (IHA)
• The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)
• Tourism Society (TS)
• Tourism Management Institute (TMI)

Our Departments

Law, Economics, Accountancy & Risk

Our Department brings together academics with interests and expertise in law, risk, economics, accountancy and finance. We pride ourselves on our close links with business organisations including not-for-profit organisations and professional bodies that accredited a number of our programmes.

Department of Business Management

Our Department is focused on the contemporary and innovative use of management approaches and techniques, resources and processes to enhance and develop organisations in the private and public sectors in a highly competitive global marketplace

Department of Social Sciences, Media and Journalism

Bringing together over fifty staff, the Department has both a strong research culture and a commitment to teaching excellence. Rated as internationally excellent and world-leading in several areas in the last Research Assessment Exercise.