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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Human Resource Management
Header image Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management

Study human resource management in Groningen and gain knowledge and skills in topics like leadership and consulting, HR analytics, strategic HRM, team management and employee well-being.

How to develop effective HR strategies and policies that are beneficial for both employees and organizations? Can you use data and HR analytics to predict employee performance and reduce burnout? What strategies do HRM managers employ to prioritize well-being, mental health, and work-life balance?

In the MSc Human Resource Management, you will study these HRM questions in the context of current societal and technological developments and be in charge of your own professional development. The programme in Groningen is a small-scale, diverse, and social programme with strong ties to real-world business practices. A standout feature is the dedicated HR analytics course where you will harness the power of data science, digital HR systems, and data visualization tools (PowerBI) to evaluate organizational HR performance.

You learn about the strategic and operational perspective of HR. How do HRM strategies aim at employee well-being contribute to attracting and retaining top talent, and why is this crucial for an organisation's sustainability? On a strategic level, you will study how to match the supply and demand of personnel and anticipate how this is affected by global and digital changes. On an operational level, you will learn about the recruitment, selection, performance, and well-being of employees. To help you kickstart your career right after graduation, we introduced a new course for you to gain practical skills and work on personal development. Next to the core courses, the MSc HRM includes a wide variety of elective courses on various topics such as stress and health, sustainability, technological development, internationalization of business, business ethics, and digitalization.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Human Resource Management
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60645
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
UN SDG

Employability and career development

This programme prepares you for a professional HR career in any organization at any level (including HR recruiter, HR analytics, HR business partner, or Chief HR officer). Employability and Professionalization activities are integrated throughout the year. You will work with a coach to develop your professional skills, you will have the opportunity to join career development and networking events and take part in the mentoring programme. HR professionals will be the mentors and provide you with feedback on assignments and career advice.

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Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme in Groningen provides state-of-the-art insights on HRM, embeds current societal challenges, and supports you in developing the necessary skills to ultimately prepare you for a wide range of HR jobs. With integrated employability and professional activities (e.g. mentoring programme, guest lectures, case studies), we enable you to make a well-informed decision on what kind of HR career you will pursue.
  • You will study in a small-scale, diverse, and close-knit community, where students and lecturers can easily connect.
  • Our course in HR analytics will teach you how data can revolutionize HR and how to use it ethically to make improvements that support the well-being of employees and the success of the organization. You also learn how to visualize and present the data to your future team by working with the PowerBi tool.
  • You tackle HRM topics from both the strategic and the operational perspectives. This equips you to handle the full spectrum of HR challenges, from day-to-day tasks to high-level strategic decisions.
  • The courses in the programme actively use real-life business cases, and guest speakers from renowned companies, and allow you to actively work with HR professionals during assignments. The mentorship programme allows you to gain insights from an HR professional while determining your future career path.
  • You get to tailor your study journey depending on your interests and career aspirations. You can choose various electives in subjects such as stress and health, technological development, sustainability and innovation, energy transition, internationalization of business, or business ethics.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

You will start by studying the recent developments in the strategic HRM field and how this knowledge can contribute to an individual (performance, well-being) and organizational outcomes (profits, market share, corporate social responsibility). In the HR analytics course, you learn to make decisions based on a combination of data-driven insights and practical considerations. Throughout the whole year, you will work on developing professional and personal skills such as communication, teamwork, and personal leadership. You will practice building up these skills in and outside the classroom in the Professional Skills course.

Applying what you study is a strong feature of the programme so expect to work in project groups on assignments such as: how to use personnel instruments and make fair and ethical decisions; and how to use data analytics to predict the well-being of employees.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Professional Skills for HRM (5 EC)
Strategic HRM (5 EC)
Electives A MSc HRM (15 EC)

Options are: Work Design and Team Processes; Leadership; Personnel Economics; HRM & International Labour Law; HRM & Nederlands arbeidsrecht. More information can be found on Ocasys.

Electives B MSc HRM (5 EC)

A few examples are: Business Research and Consulting; Data-driven Business Processes; Comparative Corporate Governance; Energy Transition & Innovation; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Strategic Supply Chain Management. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

HR Analytics (5 EC)
Personnel Instruments (5 EC)
Master's Thesis HRM (20 EC)
Programme options
Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)

Are you interested in an international career in or involving China?

Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture.

More information about this option

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook.

More information about this option

Healthy Society Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on tackling problems that impact healthcare providers and their societal partners in their day-to-day work. Issues such as scarce human resources combined with a higher, more complex demand for care, and more demanding citizens require solutions, which you will think about and design.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Psychology (NL)University of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-hrm

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements with a maximum of 25 EC

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-hrm

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profile Informatica & Economie: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Economics and Business Economics, International Business.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the  steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our  pre-Master programmes .

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

After completing this programme you can work as a human resource manager in any type of organization. Our alumni are working in companies such as PostNL, Rabobank, Valcon, Kuehne + Nagel, and Inditex.

With the knowledge you gain and the professional skills you develop, you will be ready to take positions in personnel management, training coordination, recruitment and selection, or working conditions management will suit you. It is possible to pursue an academic career as well.

Job examples

  • Talent acquisition consultant
  • HR analytics manager
  • Learning and talent advisor
  • HR manager
  • HR analyst
  • IT recruitment consultant
  • HR account advisor
  • Manager talent management and digitisation HR
  • Senior career consultant
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics.

The MSc HRM is linked to the research department of Organizational Behaviour. Members of this department perform research in the areas of creativity and innovation, teams, diversity, leadership, ethics, compliance, and health. One example of our members is Prof. dr. Floor Rink. As a researcher on diversity, she focuses on the way that people with different opinions or backgrounds function within organizations. She explains how people with different opinions or backgrounds function within organizations, how to promote more career opportunities for minorities, and whether new employees really bring more innovation.

Please visit the website of the research institute Organizational Behaviour to learn more about the research conducted within the MSc programme.


Working in project groups with students from different cultures (Dorien Jonkers)

The choice to study the MSc HRM was not too difficult as I love to work with people. Especially the stress and health of employees and labour law were topics that interested me. I liked the programme in Groningen because of the courses taught and because it has an international classroom.

I get to work in project groups and this way I learn a lot about working with different cultures, which might be helpful when you start a career in an international company. The programme also has a practical side where some group projects include having interviews with someone from the HR work field. During my study, I got involved in the master's committee where I organize events with alumni or companies. These kinds of events really help students to prepare for their future career. If you are interested in getting to know more about the strategic part of HRM, labour law, stress aspect of employees and combining all of this with working in international groups, I recommend the MSc HRM in Groningen.

Are you a student with an HBO Bachelor's degree? In the beginning, I had to get used to the new way of learning. My tip for you is from the beginning to make a clear planning and take enough time to study for the exams. This will help you make the transition from your Bachelor's to the Master's easier.

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Students are in close contact with the professional world (Yannick Pascal van Lee)

After the BSc Business Administration (Bedrijfskunde) at the faculty, I decided to stay in Groningen and chose a master's programme that focused on the human aspect of business and not only on processes and procedures.

What I like about the MSc HRM is that is not just theory-driven but the practice is highly incorporated into the programme. For example, we work on company-based assignments and attend guest lectures from professionals in the field. I take various interesting HR-related courses, such as leadership and personnel instruments. What is interesting about this master’s programme is that you can also take elective courses from other fields, I am taking at the moment marketing and communication. Already during your study, you get help with career preparation. I attended workshops about HR job opportunities and worked on business cases. As part of the programme, all students get to have a mentor. I found somebody via the alumni network of the faculty. A few weeks ago, I visited him in Utrecht and we had an interesting conversation about personal values and how important it is that they should match with the company’s mission and vision.

Do you want to learn more about the programme? My advice is to attend the FEB Master’s Day to get more information and speak to current HRM students to get a feeling for what it is like to study here. This master’s degree is definitely worth it to discover. Besides the interesting courses, you can pursue a lot of (HR) related extracurricular activities, such as the master community and the programme committee to upgrade your CV.

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Study associations

Master Community - HRM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/
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Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.