Develop Global Business and People Management Expertise
People are at the heart of organisational success. In today's increasingly global economy, organisations need professionals who can combine business knowledge with the ability to attract, develop and lead talented workforces across international markets. MSc International Business and Human Resource Management will equip you with the strategic business understanding and people-management expertise needed to thrive in modern organisations.
Understand International Business and Global Workforces
Successful organisations must navigate international markets, changing economic conditions and increasingly diverse workforces. Throughout this course, you'll explore how organisations operate in global environments while examining the role people play in driving business performance and organisational success.
Drawing on perspectives from international business, economics, management and human resource management, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of business strategy, organisational culture and people management in an international context.
Develop Strategic HRM Expertise
Effective people management is a key source of competitive advantage. You'll explore contemporary HR topics including talent management, workforce planning, leadership, organisational development and employee engagement, helping you understand how people strategies support wider business objectives.
The course also explores how organisations manage diverse workforces, respond to changing employment challenges and develop inclusive workplaces that support organisational success.
Champion Responsible and Inclusive Leadership
As organisations face growing environmental, social and workforce challenges, responsible leadership has become more important than ever. Sustainability, ethics and inclusion are embedded throughout the programme, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead responsibly in complex international environments.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the programme develops the competencies needed to contribute to more inclusive, ethical and sustainable organisations.
Learn Through Real-World Business Challenges
You'll apply your learning to authentic business and HR scenarios through consultancy-style projects, live briefs, case studies and employer engagement activities. These experiences will help you connect theory with practice while developing the professional skills employers value.
Guest speakers and networking opportunities will provide valuable industry insight and help you build your professional network while gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary business and HR practice.
Prepare for International Career Opportunities
Whether you aspire to work in human resources, talent management, organisational development, business consultancy or leadership roles within multinational organisations, this course will help you develop the confidence and expertise to advance your career.
You'll graduate with advanced knowledge of international business and human resource management, supported by highly valued professional skills in leadership, communication, strategic thinking, analysis and decision-making. The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and further academic research.
The MSc International Business and Human Resource Management course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enroll. You will study modules such as:
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching and Learning
The MSc International Business and Human Resource Management combines academic learning with practical application, helping you develop the strategic, analytical and leadership skills required for careers in international business and people management. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies and applied learning activities, you'll explore how organisations operate across global markets and how effective people strategies support organisational success.
You'll study within Derby International Business School, based in the Cavendish Building in Derby city centre. This purpose-built, seven-storey building has been designed to support collaboration, creativity and innovation, providing modern teaching environments and flexible learning spaces where you can work independently and alongside fellow students. The building is home to specialist facilities including a Creativity Lab, Trading Floor, Supply Chain Lab and Extended Reality Suite, giving you opportunities to develop practical skills and explore contemporary business challenges in environments that reflect professional practice.
As part of Derby International Business School, you'll join a diverse and internationally minded business community, studying alongside students from a wide range of business disciplines and cultural backgrounds. This collaborative environment helps you develop the global outlook, cultural awareness and professional networks that are increasingly valued by employers operating in international markets.
A strong emphasis is placed on real-world business and HR practice. You'll engage with authentic assessments, consultancy-style projects, live business briefs and industry-relevant case studies that allow you to apply your learning to contemporary challenges in leadership, talent management, organisational development and workforce sustainability. Guest speakers, networking opportunities and employer engagement activities will further enhance your understanding of global business environments.
Throughout the course, you'll develop highly valued professional skills including leadership, communication, strategic thinking, commercial awareness, digital literacy, problem-solving and data analysis. You'll also benefit from support provided through Develop@Derby and guidance from academic staff and your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), helping you achieve your academic, professional and career goals.
As you progress through the Research Methods and Dissertation modules, you'll undertake an independent research project under academic supervision, investigating a contemporary international business or HRM issue while developing advanced research and analytical capabilities.
Study Options
Full-time Study
The MSc International Business and Human Resource Management can be studied full-time with either a September or January intake. Full-time students typically complete the programme in one year, studying a combination of core international business and HRM modules, option modules and an independent dissertation project. Core areas include Sustainable International Trade and Investment, International Business for a Sustainable Future, Leading, Managing and Developing People, and International Resourcing and Talent Development.
Part-time Study
The part-time route is designed for students who wish to balance their studies with professional or personal commitments. Typically completed over three years, part-time students study fewer modules each semester and follow an agreed pathway with guidance from the Programme Leader. A recommended pattern is three modules in Year 1, three modules in Year 2, followed by the Research Methods and Dissertation modules in Year 3.
Flexible Entry Points
The programme offers both September and January start dates, providing flexibility for students joining from different educational and professional backgrounds. Students benefit from structured induction activities and ongoing support regardless of their entry point.
Assessment Method
Assessment is designed to reflect the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities required by today's international business and human resource management employers. You'll be assessed through a range of authentic methods that encourage you to apply theory to practical business and people-management challenges.
Assessment methods may include:
- Live business briefs and consultancy projects
- Business and HR case study analysis
- Reports and professional business documents
- Individual and group presentations
- Reflective assignments
- Practical business and HR activities
- Computer-based tests
- Independent research and dissertation work
Throughout the course, you'll receive feedback designed to support your academic and professional development while helping you build the confidence to make evidence-based decisions in international business and HR contexts.
MSc International Business and Human Resource Management prepares you for careers that combine strategic business understanding with expertise in people management and organisational development. By developing knowledge of international business, leadership, talent management and workforce strategy, you'll be well positioned to pursue opportunities across a wide range of sectors and organisations operating in global markets.
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
- HR Business Partner
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Learning and Development Manager
- People and Culture Manager
- Organisational Development Practitioner
- Employee Relations Advisor
- International HR Consultant
- Recruitment Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Management Consultant
The programme's combination of international business knowledge and HR expertise makes it particularly valuable for organisations managing diverse, global workforces. The course also provides a strong foundation for progression to doctoral study and academic research.
You will require:
A bachelor's degree in a business-related subject at 2:2 classification or above (or an international equivalent qualification).
Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered where they can demonstrate appropriate management, supervisory or industry experience together with the potential to succeed at postgraduate level.
English Language Qualifications
If English is not your first language, you will normally require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area, or an equivalent recognised English language qualification.
Note: International qualifications will be assessed for equivalency according to UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) guidelines and the university's international admissions policy.
(August 2026 - July 2027)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £10,125 for the full course* | £1,125 per 20 credits |
| International | £17,500 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni Scholarship for Derby graduates
University of Derby graduates may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship towards postgraduate study.
Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
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