Prospective Students

Degree Information:

The effective management of human resources is now recognised as a key element in an organisation's strategic capability. This MSc satisfies the increasing demand for competent graduates who can undertake and advise on this core activity. Graduates are particularly well placed to tackle such challenges as their postgraduate education provides them with the research capabilities and problem-solving skills that are crucially important to organisations operating in changing national and international contexts.

The innovative and distinguishing features of the Masters programme are its focus on international elements of management, its emphasis on enhancing leadership capability, and the importance given to building professional competencies through skills workshops.

This postgraduate programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which isthe leading professional body in HRM. Graduates who successfully complete the programme qualify for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Aims and Objectives:

The objectives of the programme are to provide graduates with:

• An in-depth understanding of the theories and conceptual frameworks underpinning people management.

• Insights into the latest developments in HRM.

• An understanding of the strategic level of analysis at which business decisions are made and of the links between management of human resources, business strategy, finance and performance.

• Expertise in cross-cultural management, industrial relationsand managing human resources internationally.

• Opportunities to acquire the professional competencies required to work successfully in a human resource management environment or as a manager engaged in managing human resources.

• The skills to undertake and implement organisational level research.

Programme Structure:

This one year, full-time programme requires the completion of 13 modules over two semesters, and a final management report/dissertation. Upon successful completion you will be awarded the Masters. Those who successfully complete only the taught component will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in HRM.

The programme employs lectures, case studies, seminars, projects and presentations. There is a strong focus on leadership and personal and career development within the programme, as well as an emphasis on teamworking, communication skills, problem-solving, and the application of theory to the practice of HRM and industrial relations. Assessment is based on assignments and end of semester examinations.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Provides graduates with a conceptual foundation for a career in the field of human resource management.

• Provides the research capabilities and problem-solving skills essential to organisations across the world.

• Support from highly qualified lecturers who are active researchers in HRM and related areas.

• Restricted class size to ensure active learning opportunities and promote student interaction in class.

• Recognised and fully accredited by the leading professional body in the field of HRM, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Testimonials

I think the course was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. It was very challenging and very worthwhile. It helped give me an edge when entering a very competitive market which employers responded positively to.
John O Neill, Recruitment Consultant at CPL Resources plc, Graduated 2009

The course provided me with a great overview as well as an indepth understanding of all things HR. I came away with skills that could be used straight away in my everyday work-life and skills that will frame the way I approach future work challenges. The course is a great mix of academic and practical information. I would recommend to both fledgling and experienced HR professionals.
Niamh O Reilly, Staffing Advisor at Dell, Graduated November 2007

I acquired expansive knowledge that has equipped me for a career in HR and I am delighted that I chose DCU for my masters. I would happily recommend the course to anyone who is considering a career in HR.
Ann Darmody, HR Administrator, Voxpro, Graduated November 2009

The programme has made me more confident and the experience, knowledge and skills I have gained have made me more marketable to employers. It is often the benchmark that differentiates me from other prospective employees.
Claire Carlin, Invesco Ltd (Ireland), Graduated 2009

Career Prospects:

Graduates will find employment with multinational companies, consultancy firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Graduates pursue specialist or generalist roles in human resource management, training and development, employee relations, research, consultancy, or as general managers particularly in international firms. Recent employers include Intel Ireland, ESB International, Bristol Myers Squibb, Trinity Mirror Group PLC, Tesco Ireland, DELL, Google Ireland, Mazars Ireland ePeople Recruitment and Smurfit Kappa Group. There are also opportunities for those wishing to undertake further study to doctoral level.

Accreditation

This programme is fully accredited by CIPD. Successful graduates thus qualify with both the Masters degree and a professional qualification (graduate membership of CIPD). It equips students to become leaders in the fast-changing world of HR or in international business where there are responsibilities for people management.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirements for the programme are:

• A second class honours grade 1degree (or international equivalent) in a Business discipline

OR

• A second class honours grade 1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a non-Business discipline

OR

• Professional qualifications in Human Resource Management coupled with significant relevant professional experience.

If you have achieved a second class honours grade 2 honours degree in a Business discipline with a significant specialism in Human Resource Management, you may still obtain a place on the programme. This will depend on the availability of places and on obtaining high grades in core HRM and Organisational Behaviour modules in your programme. Core Human Resource Management modules include Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations and Organisational Behaviour. You may be called for interview.

If, as is normally the case, demand from qualified applicants exceeds available places, applicants will be ranked for admission purposes on the basis of prior academic performance and, where relevant, professional experience. Candidates who have not received their degree results by the application closing date may receive conditional offers.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2012

This programme will commence in September 2012.

EU Applicants
We have added a limited number of extra places to this programme, apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 24th August 2012.

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 13th July 2012.Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme use the PAC code DC632. Please submit a C.V. along with other supporting documentation to PAC.

Queries on Completed Applications
Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

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Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)