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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.

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Online Studies

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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 & extension
12 - 48 months (depending on time model)
Free of charge extension period
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 289 (US$ 303)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
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
ModuleECTS

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
ModuleECTS

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:

ModuleECTS

Human Performance

10

Work and Organizational Psychology

10

Diversity Management

10

International Labor Law

10

Negotiation and Intercultural Management

10

Semester 1
ModuleECTS

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
ModuleECTS

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
ModuleECTS

People Analytics and Big Data

5

Seminar: International Human Resource Management

5

Elective A

10

Elective B

10

Semester 4
ModuleECTS

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:

ModuleECTS

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:

ModuleECTS

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)

Admission

Entry requirements

How To Start Your Degree with the Online Degree Saver Programme:

Once you've enrolled and started on your studies, you'll have access to a part of your courses, based on the time model you choose. You will be registered as a student only after 50% of the total ECTS have been successfully completed. Then you will gain access to the rest of your courses, and will be able to finish your degree.

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

At IU, we teach in English to prepare you for the international work market. Therefore, we ask you to provide us with a proof of your English language skills. 

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 skills. 

You can prove your English skills with an English B2 level certificate (no older than 5 years). Don’t have this at hand? No problem! You can quickly get your English certified with Duolingo. 

  • Take the online test in just 45 to 60 minutes 
  • Receive your certified results within 2 days 
  • Save valuable money and time 

Find out if the Duolingo test is suitable for you. Click here to try it for free. In order to be accepted to your study programme, a minimum of 95 points in the Duolingo exam is required. 

Did you take the test and not get the 95 points required? Don’t worry! We’re offering a free English course. By successfully completing the course in 3 months, you'll prove that you have the required level of English proficiency.

We also accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) or 
  • Equivalent proof, such as a B2.2 Certificate from the free IU English course - further information can be requested from our student advisors.* 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.
*Please note that course isn't accepted as a language certificate for on campus study programmes

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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.

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.

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.

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

Personal counselling

Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors. You can also find information about the application process under our Become a Student page.

Tuition fees

Online study model & 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.

Full-Time

Duration 12 Months

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 782
US$ 662 /mth* Apply now
* € 629 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 18 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 594
US$ 514 /mth* Apply now
* € 489 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 24 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 490
US$ 430 /mth* Apply now
* € 409 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Additional charges

Full-Time

Duration 24 Months

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 563
US$ 503 /mth* Apply now
* € 479 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 417
US$ 377 /mth* Apply now
* € 359 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 333
US$ 303 /mth* Apply now
* € 289 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Additional charges

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Online tutorials and guidance from tutors
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
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 an online 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. Make sure you send your application before the end of your 1-month trial. 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)

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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