Apply now Request free information

Human Resource Management

Master

Navigate today’s changing job market successfully – and help employees and businesses reach their full potential. Earn a Master’s in Human Resource Management.

Online Studies
QS Stars
FIBAA
AACSB
EQAR
CHE
Wissenschaftsrat
UNESCO

Open doors to opportunities around the world

Apply by June 22nd and save at least €1444 

APPLY NOW

Earn a degree that will elevate your international career prospects. Build a global network with students from over 140 countries around the world. 

*You can start anytime. 

Overview

Get started with an online Master’s in Human Resource Management

As a Human Resource (HR) Manager, you’ll play a key factor in helping companies and their workforce work together in order to achieve their shared goals. Your skills, empathy, experience and sense of responsibility will be required in order to help bridge gaps, settle disputes and represent both the interests of employers and the interests of employees at the same time.

Fortunately, IU’s online Master’s Human Resource Management programme covers all of the information you need in order to face these challenges with confidence: from business knowledge, to personnel management and personal development approaches. After successfully completing your studies, you’ll have a holistic understanding of how to best support employees, manage their needs and support managers in their efforts to increase productivity.

Your online degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
Study model
Master of Arts (M.A.)
60 or 120 ECTS
Language: English
Study duration
12 - 48 months (depending on time model)
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 299 (US$ 321)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
Accreditation
60 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1134722

120 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 161216
Past education recognised
Save time and earn your degree faster by having your previous achievements/experience recognised
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Versatile & Innovative

Your digital learning journey with personal support!

Top-Level Education

First-class study programmes with a recommendation rate of 96 %

Study contents

Online course overview

In this online Master’s programme in Human Resource Management, you’ll build a unique set of skills based on personal development theories, business principles and psychology, and establish your abilities as an expert in Human Resource Management. The programme has been designed to give you the best tools for succeeding in today’s challenging business world, with special attention given to current trends such as changing demographics, new workplace values, digitalisation and globalisation. Gain an understanding of how the global job market is changing, and what’s necessary in order to succeed in it – for teams and employees.

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

Human Resource Management I

5

Human Resource Management II

5

Employer Branding and Recruiting

5

Talent Management & HR Development

5

People Analytics and Big Data

5

Advanced Research Methods

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS

Seminar: International Human Resource Management

5

Elective A

10

Master Thesis

15

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 2nd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Human Performance

10

Work and Organizational Psychology

10

Diversity Management

10

International Labor Law

10

Negotiation and Intercultural Management

10

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

Human Resource Management I

5

Human Resource Management II

5

Strategic Management

5

Advanced Research Methods

5

Aspects of International Labor Law

5

Seminar: Current Issues in International Labor Law

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS

Applied Statistics

5

Employer Branding and Recruiting

5

Talent Management & HR Development

5

Project: Human Resource Management

5

Leadership

5

New Work

5

Semester 3

Module

ECTS

People Analytics and Big Data

5

Seminar: International Human Resource Management

5

Elective A

10

Elective B

10

Semester 4

Module

ECTS

Master Thesis

30

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Human Performance

10

Work and Organizational Psychology

10

Diversity Management

10

E-Commerce

10

Accounting

10

Artificial Intelligence

10

Negotiation and Intercultural Management

10

Elective B

In your 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Human Performance

10

Work and Organizational Psychology

10

Diversity Management

10

E-Commerce

10

Accounting

10

Artificial Intelligence

10

Negotiation and Intercultural Management

10

Module guide

Module guide (60 ECTS)

Module guide (120 ECTS)

Online course schedules

Course schedule (60 ECTS)

Course schedule (120 ECTS)

Each course in this study programme has a live teaching session

At IU, we want you to feel supported, and to give you the best learning experience possible. 

In keeping with our mission, we now offer two-hour, monthly intensive live sessions in every course.The live events are recorded, so you can access them whenever you want. Each monthly session will cover all the course contents, so you only need to attend or watch it once. 

Admission

Entry requirements

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here. 

General admission requirements

Admission Requirements for 120-ECTS: 

  • Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS with a focus on economics or business administration  
  • Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university  
  • You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 

Admission Requirements for 60-ECTS  

  • Completed, undergraduate degree with 240 ECTS.  
  • Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university  
  • You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 
  • Proof of at least one year’s professional work experience completed prior to the start of study programme. Work experience must have been gained after completion of your undergraduate studies


Further admission opportunities

For the 60 ECTS programme: 

Depending on your previous education, the following entry options are applicable for the 60-ECTS Master’s degree: 

  • undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 30 ECTS with the proof of one year qualified work experience 
  • undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 60 ECTS with the proof of two years qualified work experience 

Recognition of knowledge and abilities acquired outside of higher education is possible in principle. 

Is your undergraduate degree not in the required subject field for this programme's 120 ECTS points variation admission requirements? You can still apply! You'll have to take 2 specific courses at the start of your studies, and pass them successfully in order to continue with your studies. That way, you don't have to take an entrance examination, and can prove your skills while earning ECTS points as part of your studies. 

Work experience

For the 60 ECTS programme:

  • Proof of at least one year’s qualified work experience completed prior to the start of the study programme (the work experience must be gained after the completion of your undergraduate studies).
  • Don’t have a year’s worth of qualified work experience? Don’t worry! With the Online Degree Saver Programme, you can start your studies right away, and gain your professional experience alongside your studies. You’ll need to achieve the one year’s worth of experience before you complete your Online Degree Saver Programme.
  • You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:
    Proof of work experience (EN)
    Proof of work experience (NL)
    Proof of work experience (ES)
    Proof of work experience (IT)
    Proof of work experience (FR)

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or  
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or  
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)*   

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency.  

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

Careers

Your Human Resource Management career outlook

With an internationally recognised online Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from IU, expect to find promising career opportunities in a wide variety of industries and enterprises. Thanks to your practical skills, experience in an international setting and theoretical expertise, you can find a role in a wide variety of positions, such as In-House Human Resource Management, Hiring Expert and People Development Management.

Geschäftsleute in Büro

HR Business Partner

As an HR business partner, you’ll act as the first point of contact between managers and employees. You’ll advise businesses regarding labour law issues, and provide assistance to employees with any difficulty they might face when dealing with their employer. You’ll have the mandate to identify problem areas in everyday business conduct, and offer solutions that would be acceptable to both staff and management.

Team Meeting im Besprechungsraum

Recruiting Manager

Hunt for new talent, and lead team recruitment efforts as an internal recruiting manager. Develop a strong professional network, and the delicate skillset of assessing talent and compatibility. You’ll be expected to create talent pools, review job application documents and conduct initial interviews for promising talents.

Zwei Frauen unterhalten sich auf Gang im Büro

People Development Manager

People development managers are responsible for the professional growth of employees. They work on analysing individual staff member development, and coming up with the right strategy and work plan for each employee. This is balanced with keeping the employers’ interests in mind, by performing costs analysis and assuring work quality. Be the engine the drives workplace development, and help mentor, coach and direct employees towards personal and professional growth and prosperity.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • “The knowledge gained at IU helped me immensely in my role, building the recruiting and employer branding from scratch and helping my company scale up.”

    Anna Zakaryan

    Graduate, Armenia

  • “The bachelor's degree has opened new doors for me.”

    Anna Haslbeck

    Graduate

  • “After completing your Master’s studies at IU, you can quickly start a management career.”

    Denise Piko

    Online student

Read our success stories
Tuition fees

Online Study models & fees for your Master degree in Human Resource Management

On campus study model and fees for your Master degree in Human Resource Management

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

At IU, we believe in full transparency – so there are no hidden fees. You only pay for your tuition and the one-time campus fee of €1,500.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

Full-Time

Duration 12 Months

US$ 828
US$ 708 /mth* Apply now
* € 655 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time I

Duration 18 Months

US$ 614
US$ 534 /mth* Apply now
* € 495 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time II

Duration 24 Months

US$ 507
US$ 447 /mth* Apply now
* € 415 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Full-Time

Duration 24 Months

US$ 594
US$ 534 /mth* Apply now
* € 496 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

US$ 445
US$ 405 /mth* Apply now
* € 377 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

US$ 351
US$ 321 /mth* Apply now
* € 299 based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Monthly live and recorded tutorials
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn German and English for free
  • On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
  • Access to all on-campus services
Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning, and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for a study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to study@iu.org to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Do you need help with your application for recognition? Our student advisors will be happy to help. Simply arrange a personal call-back appointment.Arrange a personal video consultation appointment to discuss recognition

Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for recognition (60 ECTS)

Individual application for recognition (120 ECTS)

You might also be interested in these study programmes

Master

Learn more

Master

Learn more

Master

Learn more