Study Human Resource Management in Groningen and gain knowledge in topics like leadership and consulting, team management, HR analytics in personnel management and employee well-being.
How do organisations develop strategies and policies that are beneficial for both employees and organizations? Can you use data and AI to improve productivity, staffing, personal development, motivation and a positive work-life balance?
In the MSc Human Resource Management , you will study these questions in the context of current societal and technological developments and be in charge of your professional development. The programme in Groningen is small-scale , diverse , and takes an integrated approach combining the latest academic breakthroughs with real-world business practices . You can also customise your programme :
You will start by studying the recent developments in the strategic HRM field and how this knowledge can contribute to an individual's (performance, well-being) and organizational outcomes (profits, market share, corporate social responsibility). In the HR analytics course, you learn how to use personnel instruments and make fair and ethical decisions; and how to use data analytics to predict the well-being of employees.
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.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| 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) | ||||
| Professional Based Staffing (5 EC) | ||||
| Master's Thesis HRM (20 EC) | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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. |
| Leadership and Governance Focus Area (specialization) . Gain a deep understanding of both macro-level governance frameworks and micro-level leadership processes to understand the broader implications of governance and leadership and how they shape behavior, decision-making and organizational dynamics. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). This programme offers customized entry packages: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-hrm. If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Engineering | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| International Business | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Analytics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
| Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Analytics | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 15 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-hrm |
| Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| International Business | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Sociology | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements with a maximum of In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 15 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-hrm |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management. |
| Computer Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Governance | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | University of Twente | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
| Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
| Specific requirements | More 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. |
| 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 . |
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.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
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.
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.
