Study human resources abroad

Human resources (HR) refers to the management, administration, and development of employees within a business or organization.

People are the heartbeat of most companies, so their welfare and motivation are crucial to business strategy and success. As an HR student, you’ll explore the processes and principles behind successful personnel management across a range of organizational settings. You’ll be introduced to key HR practices, including recruitment, budget management, health and safety, and employee relations.

In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, companies are always developing innovative ways to get the best out of their workforces. By studying HR abroad, you’ll gain an insight into the HR practices of thriving multinational companies. You’ll have the chance to connect with industry experts and learn from international leaders in the field.

HR can be studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Bachelor’s degrees are usually offered as a BA, but BSc courses with a more mathematical and economic focus are available. You’ll study over a minimum of three years, but you’ll be encouraged to undertake an additional placement year, usually after your second year of study, to gain practical experience in the sector.

Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can enroll in a postgraduate program. A master’s usually takes one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. A PhD can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

All HR programs will be taught slightly differently, but most will be made up of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and placements. Some universities will also arrange for you to hear from industry experts at guest lectures and visit the HR departments of local companies.

The way you’re assessed will depend on the exact module you’re taking, but exams, essays, written assignments, in-class tests, and presentations will probably feature at some point during your degree.

HR is renowned for being a flexible program with a wide range of elective modules to choose from. However, most courses around the world will cover these core study areas:

• HR in the workplace
• HR policy, practice, and law
• Global business issues
• Financial decision making and reporting
• Academic and career development
• Organizational behavior
• Resolving workplace disputes
• Management and strategy

Businesses are always looking for ways to outperform their competitors and reach their targets. As an HR graduate, you’ll have the tools to help organizations take their performance to the next level. You can apply your skills across several sectors and roles, including:

• HR manager
• Recruitment manager
• Talent director
• Organizational development professional
• Diversity and inclusion manager
• Corporate communication specialist
• Training and development officer
• Careers adviser

To boost your employability, try and secure some work experience or an internship during your gap year or university holidays. This will help prove your commitment and capabilities to prospective employers.