Course Summary
Structured to navigate the dynamic global landscape of HR, the MSc in Human Resource Management combines an in-depth theoretical grounding with the latest practical skills and approaches.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Please review the entry requirements below. The UCD Smurfit Admissions Office staff have expertise in reviewing international qualifications from around the world and will be able to assess your application's comparability to the Irish entry requirement.
A minimum second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Business/Commerce/Business Administration, Social Science, Psychology, Economics, Law, Accounting or a related area.
OR
A primary degree with a minimum of three years’ work experience in Human Resource Management or employment relations.
If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required for admission to all of our programmes. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in an English speaking country.
https://www.smurfitschool.ie/admissions/internationalapplicants/englishlanguagerequirements/
Some students might have to get a student visa in order to come and study in Ireland. Please check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website to see if you require a visa. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/
Non-EU students cannot typically study part-time in Ireland if they require a student visa, as student permission is granted for full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Non-EU students who are not residents of Ireland can apply for part-time courses that are 100% online, and in this case, a visa is not required.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
B265 Human Resources Master of Science Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught UCD (Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
B266 Human Resources Master of Science Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught (UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
Fees
Fees Full-Time EU:
€15,760 (academic year 2024/2025)
Full-Time Non-EU:
€22,600 (academic year 2024/2025)
Fees Part-Time EU:
€8,610 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)
Part-Time Non-EU:
€11,300 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)
Important Note: Tuition fees and other charges are subject to change each year. *Part-Time students may be subject to fee increases in Year 2.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Students of the MSc in Human Resource Management are prepared for a career in private and public sector organisations, employer associations and trade unions and the research, consultancy and teaching professions.
Graduates are traditionally employed in a wide range of sectors (private and public sector organisations, trade unions, research and consultancy) and companies (Google, Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn, Diageo, Accenture, Mercer and PwC, amongst others).
92% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in September 2025.
Potential careers for our graduates include:
HR Consultant
Talent Performance Specialist
HR Business Partner
Client Services
Duration
B266 24 months part-time.