Introduction to Global Human Resource Management

Globalisation is creating companies that are more diverse and international than ever before, and with this comes a new set of considerations that employers must face. Enter global human resource management. From recruitment to retention, to compensation and company culture, this function considers how global variations (both subtle and pronounced) are considered by employers.

Global human resource management helps companies realise their global business goals, which makes human resource (HR) professionals who can manage diverse workforces highly sought-after. Gain the skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage human resource issues on a global scale with this part-time Master’s course.

CIPD accreditation

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This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Graduates are entitled to apply for Associate Membership of the CIPD.  

SHRM alignment

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This course is aligned with the standards laid out in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) curriculum. With over 300,000 HR and business executive members spanning 165 countries, SHRM is the largest human resource management association on the planet. This recognition confirms the high level of HR education we uphold, and our role as a springboard for exceptional human resource professionals.

Course details

MSc Global Human Resource Management 

3 start dates per year: January, May and September

Next welcome week: 22 January 2024

Next course start date: 29 January 2024

Application deadline: 15 January 2024. Apply as soon as possible to secure your place.

Duration: 2 years (part time). 

Format: Online, with optional face-to-face events. You can also study an MSc in International Human Resource Management on campus.

Total course fees: £9,500 (including a £250 acceptance fee)

Tailored support: Contact our course adviser team today for application advice 

Application form: Start your application for January 2024 now

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Why this MSc Global Human Resource Management?

Our MSc in Global Human Resource Management takes an international approach, giving you a unique skill set to help you stand out from the competition as organisations increasingly expand across borders.

On this course, you’ll be introduced to key HR practices and will investigate the impact that the globalisation of businesses has had on the HRM industry. You'll explore why HR measures that are effective in one country can fail within another, even though they’re part of the same organisation.

On this practical course, you'll use case studies of real organisations to develop your knowledge, so you can immediately apply what you learn to your place of work. You’ll also have the option to develop a real HR action plan for your current organisation as your dissertation, which could help you land a promotion or new job.

You’ll leave this course with the practical skills necessary to effectively manage employees from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. And because knowledge of the HR industry on a global scale is sought-after in the workplace, you’ll become a valuable asset to businesses around the world.

What you’ll study

This course benefits from a global cohort of students that can provide unique insight into HRM practices around the world.

Together, you'll:

  • Examine the strategic role and practical application of key HRM functions across the globe, taught by experienced experts and industry professionals
  • Develop analytical, critical and information technology skills, as well as people skills, to allow you to connect with employees of varying attitudes, perceptions and values
  • Develop your knowledge and experience to support your approach to problem-solving exercises, case studies and other activity-based learning
  • Learn to communicate proposed global HR solutions and critical knowledge effectively
  • Identify sustainability issues affecting the resolution of international HR problems, along with international HR ethical issues 
All course materials are available in our easy-to-use Digital Learning Environment and can be accessed from wherever you're based. Find out more about learning online with us.

Course webinar

In our globalised world, employers must face new considerations with an increasingly diverse and international workforce. MSc Global Human Resource Management Course Leader Lisa Harding discusses how you can achieve your career goals with this CIPD-accredited Master’s degree.

Watch the webinar:

Read the video transcript on this page

Modules

As the first module on your course, Managing Human Resources will give you an overview of the field. You’ll investigate key HR functions and responsibilities of HR professionals, building a base on which the rest of your modules will expand.

You’ll consider key HR theory and practice within a global environment. You’ll examine HR through a global, international and comparative perspective, and discuss and explore leading research into HR policy and practice. By the end of this module, you’ll have developed a critical understanding of how HR practices and policies differ across a global business environment, as well as the implications of a strategic and global perspective.

Companies don’t operate within a vacuum, so it’s important to understand the influence external environments can have on an organisation. On this module, you’ll critically evaluate how national and global contexts can impact organisations and HR strategies, and influence the characteristics of effective HR leadership.

You’ll investigate the key theory, policy and practices associated with the employee lifecycle. You’ll develop and evaluate resourcing and talent management strategies, and gain professional knowledge on managing recruitment, selection and performance reward activities that are effective, efficient and lawful. Another key component is understanding HR’s financial impact. For this, you’ll explore various learning and development interventions, learning techniques for their identification, creation, delivery and evaluation.

In your final investigative project, you’ll evaluate an organisational issue in an ethical way from an HR perspective. This organisational issue can be one within your current organisation. You’ll then propose a solution based on critical analysis in a persuasive report for decision-makers. Because this project represents a key function you would need to perform within an HR role, it’ll provide you with invaluable experience that you’ll be able to apply immediately to your current role, and carry forward into your career.

How you're assessed

All assessments for the course are based on coursework submitted online. Your performance is assessed through coursework such as:

  • Written assignments
  • An investigative project

Opportunities for formal and informal feedback will be provided so you can improve your work for the future.

Global Human Resources student walking down the street

Teaching team

Dr Foteini Kravariti

Dr Foteini Kravariti

Course Leader

I'm a Senior Lecturer in Talent Management Studies at the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Portsmouth, a Fellow of the British Higher Education Academy and a member of the steering committee at the British Academy of Management.

Must-read blog post

The benefits of CIPD accreditation for human resource managers: 

Read the blog

Looking for a full-time course?

You can study an MSc in International Human Resource Management on campus:

Find out more

Entry requirements

To join this course, you must have:

  • A second-class honours degree or equivalent in any academic subject seeking to pursue/continue a career in HR.  Applicants with appropriate work experience and professional qualifications may also be considered.  Applicants may be subject to interview
  • English language proficiency at IELTS level 6.5 with no component score below 6.0 (or other acceptable proof), if English is not your first language

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to apply, please speak to one of our course advisers on +44 (0)23 9400 3692, or email info@study-online.port.ac.uk

Career prospects and opportunities

Our MSc Global Human Resource Management has been built to give you the specialist knowledge and practical expertise you need to secure a successful career in your industry of choice.

Your assignments will not only familiarise you with key theories and practices in Global HRM, but help develop the soft skills valued by employers as well.

Through investigative projects and group tasks, you gain the thoroughness and collaborative capabilities needed to excel within a workplace.

These skills, coupled with the support you can receive from our exceptional Careers and Employability Service, will help position you as a valuable hire to employers across the world.

To learn more about the paths of progression available to you after graduation, visit our Careers and opportunities page:

More on career options

Ready to join us in January 2024?

Apply now
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