MSc in Human Resource Development
This programme adopts both a ‘performative’ and a ‘learning’ perspective of HRD in organisations.
HRD is organized learning experiences provided by employers, within a specified period of time, to bring about the possibility of performance improvement and/or personal growth (Nadler and Nadler, 1989:4)
The modern organisational environment requires learning and development professionals to understand and appreciate both a performative and learning approach to development in organisations. With scarce resources, organisations are scrupulous about investing in portable skills embodied in mobile individuals. Individual employees are keen to develop a portfolio of competences that will ensure marketability in times of uncertain employment demand. Alongside these concerns is the requirement for business entities to achieve organisational development and transformation to keep pace with rapidly changing environments.
Accordingly, this programme will equip learners to understand how to achieve organisational and individual development in this environmental context. It will develop in them an in-depth knowledge of up to date relevant theory and concepts. It also requires them to deploy analytical, conceptual, technical and social skills. This programme will introduce students to this broad range of business and management topics and develop their understanding of the application of these concepts through group and individual assignments.
The programme aims to contribute to the development needs of future managers and employees in both public and private sector organisations. Providing graduates with disciplinary expertise with an additional set of management and business tools will significantly enhance their employment potential.
Who is this course for?
This programme is for graduates with non-business degrees who wish to gain an understanding of business and management practices as they plan and develop their career options. The programme is suitable for graduates of science and technical disciplines, arts and humanities, business related fields such as, economics or finance and many others.
Candidates should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (level 8) degree in a non-business discipline or equivalent. In exceptional circumstances consideration will be given to candidates who do not hold a primary degree, but who do have at least 10 years relevant work experience at least 3 of which must be in a management position. Consideration will be given on a case by case basis to students who have a minimum 2.2 honours degree in a business related discipline where the degree was completed at least 5 years previously, where the business components were minors, or where the masters content differs substantially from the applicant’s degree content.
How is the course delivered?
This is a one year 12 month full-time (24 months part-time) taught masters programme. Students work individually and in teams on projects between classes. During the summer semester, students conduct an individual research project. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of the classes.
The learning experience is challenging and participatory. Student engagement in the process is key and classes and tutorials utilise considerable interaction between student and teaching staff. Extensive use of blended learning technologies is the norm as students build a portfolio of work over the duration of the programme.
How will this help my career?
The course contributes to the development needs of future human resource development executives in both public and private sector organizations. The course material takes a broad, cross-sectoral and international approach. Accordingly, as management concepts and frameworks are generic and applicable across all contexts and sectors, this course prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in all types of organisations. The breadth and depth of the programme, plus its in-company research dimension renders the graduate attractive to an array of future employers.
What qualification will I receive?
Students will graduate with an MSc in Human Resource Development. This qualification is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification from the National University of Ireland. It is a 90 credit, level 9 (masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications
How is the course assessed?
The course is 100% assessed through continuous assessment in the form of group and individual written assignments in each module followed and a minor applied research dissertation in the third semester. There are no end-of-term of module examinations.
Timetable
Further Information
For further information please contact
Dr Marian Crowly Henry
Email: marian.crowleyhenry@nuim.ie
Phone: +353 (01) 7084756
