International Human Resource Management MSc - 2028/9
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc International Human Resource Management
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | International Human Resource Management |
| PGCert | International Human Resource Management |
Modes of study
| Mode | Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits |
| Full-time | PKA61174 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University¿s quality assurance processes. These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Surrey Business School
Programme Leader
ROODBARI Hamid (SBS)
Date of production/revision of spec
06/11/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Develop students' critical understanding of the theoretical frameworks, strategic approaches, and institutional contexts that shape human resource management in international and multinational organisations.
- Equip students to analyse the cultural, regulatory, and organisational factors that differentiate international HRM from domestic practice, and to evaluate how these shape policy and decision-making across national boundaries.
- Build competence in people analytics and research methods, enabling students to collect, analyse, and interpret workforce data to generate evidence-based insights for HR and organisational decision-making
- Enable students to apply advanced analytical and research skills to an independent applied investigation of a people management problem, demonstrating professional judgement and academic rigour.
- Develop students' ability to critically evaluate contemporary HR challenges including global talent management, expatriation, employment regulation, and workforce diversity and propose strategically informed solutions in complex international contexts.
Programme learning outcomes
| Outcome | Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref |
| Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of advanced theories, frameworks, and contemporary debates in international and strategic human resource management. | KC | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Critically evaluate how institutional, cultural, political, economic, and sustainability contexts shape people management strategies across national and transnational environments, demonstrating critical awareness of the complexities and tensions within global employment systems. | KCT | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Apply advanced analytical skills to collect, interpret, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence in order to diagnose complex organisational challenges and develop strategically aligned, responsible, and innovative HR solutions. | CPT | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Demonstrate advanced understanding of the complexities, tensions, and power dynamics inherent in employment relationships, and apply analytical and problem-solving skills to address conflict, change, and organisational transformation in diverse settings. | KP | PGDip | |
| Exercise initiative and professional responsibility in designing, defending, and communicating a substantial applied project or research-based investigation that reflects ethical awareness, global perspective, and strategic impact. | KCPT | PGCert, PGDip |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Two in each semester
The programme will include 3 new modules:
Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice - Compulsory Semester 2
People Analytics - Optional Semester 2
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The school/department of Management is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital capabilities: [The programme develops digital fluency and analytical capability appropriate to contemporary international HR practice. A learning model that includes features of platform engagement supports competencies for communication, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Students gain experience in data analysis using professional research and analytical tools, supporting evidence-based HR decision-making. Digital assessments develop the ability to interpret workforce data, evaluate organisational metrics, and communicate insights effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Graduate attributes supported: digital literacy; data-informed decision-making; analytical capability; professional communication]
Employability: [The programme is designed to develop advanced knowledge, professional capability, and strategic competence required for careers in international human resource management and related fields. Through applied assessments, consultancy-style projects, live case analysis, and a dedicated module in HR and leadership skills, students develop the capacity to translate theory into professional practice in complex organisational settings.
Engagement with employers, professional practitioners, and invited speakers from multinational organisations ensures exposure to current international HR challenges, including global talent management, expatriation and mobility, cross-border employment regulation, and workforce diversity. Students are encouraged to attend events hosted by employers and the local Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) branch, strengthening professional networks and career readiness in both domestic and international labour markets.
Graduate attributes supported: professional competence; career readiness; strategic thinking; applied problem-solving.]
Global and cultural capabilities: [The programme adopts an explicitly international orientation, examining comparative employment systems, cross-cultural management, global mobility, international resourcing, and transnational regulatory frameworks. Students critically evaluate how institutional, cultural, and political contexts shape HR strategy across different national environments. A diverse student and staff body, alongside international guest contributors, fosters intercultural awareness and global citizenship. Collaborative learning activities are designed to develop cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in multinational and cross-border organisational contexts.
Graduate attributes supported: global citizenship; intercultural competence; ethical awareness; collaborative capability.]
Resourcefulness and Resilience: [The programme fosters intellectual independence, reflective practice, and adaptability through an intensive and research-informed learning experience. Structured formative feedback, mentoring, and applied project work support students in managing complexity and uncertainty. Students develop advanced critical thinking skills, the capacity to respond constructively to feedback, and the resilience required to navigate dynamic global employment environments. The emphasis on independent inquiry and applied problem-solving strengthens confidence, self-regulation, and professional judgement.
Graduate attributes supported: resilience; self-direction; critical reflection; leadership capability.]
Sustainability: [Sustainability and responsible management are embedded across the curriculum. Students critically examine the role of HR in advancing ethical employment practices, equality and inclusion, decent work, and long-term organisational performance within global supply chains and multinational contexts. The programme engages with the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, encouraging students to evaluate how international HR strategies contribute to organisational legitimacy, stakeholder value, and societal impact. Ethical reasoning and responsible decision-making are integral to learning and assessment
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2028/9 academic year.