Master of Arts – Human Resource Management

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The Programme

The MA – Human Resource Management is a two-year part-time programme that explores the key issues in human resource management. An informed appreciation of the theories, debates and legislation that dominate HR practice is a huge advantage to any manager. This programme seeks to raise the level of analysis in public sector human resource management and to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management of people. On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study three key topics in human resource management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific human resource management issue. Year two will normally only commence in the autumn of each year. Students that do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.

Is This Programme for you?

This programme will be of particular interest to those who want to gain some expertise in the management of people and in the development of human resources. As with the other MA programmes, students study through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars at the IPA. Students can, therefore, pursue this programme no matter where they live and can remain in full-time employment. 

Subjects

Year One

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (Interim Award)

The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three key subjects in public management.

Semester One

• Economics
• Managing Human Resources
• Finance

Semester Two

• Organisation and Strategy
• Research Methods
• Managing Service Delivery/Managing in Europe

Year Two

Semester One

Human Resource Strategy

This module will appeal to anyone interested in the theory and practice of human resource management from a strategic perspective. It explores a wide range of issues around the strategic development of human resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance and competencies appraisal, industrial and employee relations, reward management, evolving organisational environment, and contemporary employment trends in the Irish context.

Managing People

The effective management of people – ensuring that they both enjoy their work and contribute to organisational success — is a central concern for all managers. This course considers, among other things, individual diversity, attitudes and behaviour, perceptions, values and ethics, managing motivation and rewards, leadership and group dynamics, inter-group effectiveness, politics and authority influence, stress and conflict management, and work-life balance.

Employment Law

There is a very significant body of legislation and case law governing employment. Managers should have a solid understanding of the central legal requirements that employers and employees must meet, including the contract of employment, individual protection, discrimination and harassment, health and safety, unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancies, trade union legislation, arbitration and tribunals.

Semester Two

In the second semester of year two students write a dissertation on a particular human resource management issue.

Assessment

Students submit assignments, sit examinations and complete a minor dissertation.

Seminar Dates

Autumn 2018

• Orientation Seminar: September 7-9
• Review Seminar: October 6-7
• Final Seminar: November 3-4
• Examinations: Week of December 10

 

Spring Semester 2019

• Orientation Seminar: January 4-6
• Review Seminar: February 2-3
• Final Seminar: March 2-3
• Examinations: Week of April 8

Prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus 2018 / 2019

Full details on all IPA postgraduate programmes are available in the prospectus, which you can view or download here.

Click here for Application Form

View Postgraduate Prospectus