The DCU MSc in Human Resource Management prepares students to become leaders in people management and organisational change. The innovative and distinguishing features of the programme are its emphasis on enhancing HR and leadership capability, the importance given to building professional competencies and a focus on international elements of management. You will also develop insights into the latest developments in HRM, including cross-cultural management, people management, and the strategic importance of the HR function. 

The CIPD Dissertation Prize and the Michael Loughnane Prize are awarded for the best dissertations in the MSc in Human Resource Management at Dublin City University. These prestigious awards are presented to deserving candidates during the autumn graduation ceremony by the respective sponsors.

MSc in Human Resource Management: Accreditations

This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and recognised by the Society for Human Resource Management. On successful completion, graduates obtain Associate Membership of the  CIPD and are eligible to become Certified SHRM practitioners.

DCU Business School is SHRM aligned. SHRM Academic Alignment Program participants are recognised as SHRM academic partners and as such, are seen as a top choice for students seeking a career in Human Resources. Students enrolled in SHRM HR aligned programmes are provided with the opportunity to earn their SHRM-CP credential prior to graduating, providing them with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Clare Fitzpatrick, People and Organisation Consulting Associate, PwC:

“This programme covers all levels and areas of HR, from the basic to the complex. The balance of academic and practical assignments made the course highly engaging. This masters provided me with extensive knowledge, practical tools, qualifications and relationships that have already proven highly valuable to me in my career.”

Ranked 2nd in Ireland among Eduniversal’s top 60 HRM Master’s programmes in Western Europe.

DCU Business School is ranked in the top 95 Business Schools in Europe in the 2022 Financial Times Ranking, one of only three Irish Business Schools to achieve this ranking.  The Financial Times Ranking for Business Schools is one of the most highly acknowledged and widely cited authorities on quality and performance of institutions globally.

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Why Do This Course?

• Graduates qualify for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)

• The MSc in HRM was overall winner of the gradireland National Business Postgraduate Course of the year in 2016 (shortlisted 2017)

• Ranked in the World’s Top 30 MSc in Human Resource Management by Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings 2016

• Recognised by the Society of HRM (SHRM), the largest global HR professional body.

• A strong focus on leadership and personal and career development, and the application of theory to the practice of HRM

• DCU Business School is accredited by AACSB, placing it in the top 5% of business schools globally. We have an established international reputation for high-quality graduates.

•The MSc in HRM has a strong track record in the marketplace with alumni holding senior HR positions in leading organisations.

View Academic Course Structure →

Fees & Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the M.Sc. in Human Resource Management candidates must hold:

• A 2.1 Honours degree in a Business discipline, or equivalent international qualification

OR

• A 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant non-Business discipline eg. Social Sciences or Humanities, or equivalent international qualification

OR

• Professional qualifications in Human Resource Management and/or 5 years or more relevant professional experience in people management

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english-language-requirements-non-native-sp…

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above

How to Apply

Make an Application

To apply for this programme:

All applicants should apply here.

Here’s a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:

• Closing date for EU applicants is 15th August 2026
• Closing date for Non-EU applicants is 1st July 2026

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2026.

Fees & Charges

Fees Description

All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.

EU Status

€12,500

Non EU fee

€23,000