Course Summary
The MSc Human Resource Management at University of Galway is for changemakers, people who want to do more than just manage people; they want to lead, influence, and transform the modern workplace. Whether you're a recent graduate ready to fast-track your career or a professional looking to pivot into HR with purpose, this course is designed to empower you.
You might be curious about how culture shapes performance, how to champion inclusion, or how analytics can drive better decision-making. You might dream of a career where you can make work better for individuals, teams, and society at large. If you care deeply about people, value ethical leadership, and are excited by the idea of building fairer, more sustainable organisations, this is your space.
You'll join a close-knit learning community of like-minded peers and be guided by expert faculty and real-world HR leaders. Together, you'll explore bold ideas, tackle live business challenges, and prepare to thrive in roles that shape the future of work from talent development and employee wellbeing to organisational strategy and transformation.
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
Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in business or a related discipline. However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience will also be considered. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.
Application Details
Closing Date: Offers are made on a rolling basis.
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date September 2026
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
Our alumni have been hired by leading employers such as LinkedIn, Amazon, PwC, Accenture, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Fidelity Investments, and Hays Recruitment.
The programme prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving HR profession by developing key skills in leadership, ethical decision-making, change management, and people analytics. The consultancy and internship pathways ensure graduates are workplace-ready and confident in applying strategic HR thinking to real-world challenges.
In addition to career readiness, the MSc HRM provides a strong foundation for further study or professional advancement. Graduates achieve Associate Membership of the CIPD, with clear pathways to Chartered status, and benefit from the programme’s alignment with SHRM standards - offering global recognition and career mobility.