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Human Resource Management Master - HR Manager

A master's degree in Human Resource Management prepares students to tackle the key tasks and challenges in the human resources sector of companies. In an increasingly complex and globalized world of work, specialists in human resource management play a key role: they ensure that companies find, develop and retain the right talent, promote a positive corporate culture and implement strategies for employee retention and development. This article explains what a Master's in Human Resource Management involves, what skills are taught and what career opportunities are open to alumni.

What is Human Resource Management?

Human Resource Management encompasses all strategic and operational tasks related to the administration, development and leadership of employees. It aims to attract the right talent, develop their skills in a targeted manner and create a positive working atmosphere that contributes to the achievement of corporate goals. This includes areas such as workforce planning, recruiting, training, performance management and employee retention, as well as administrative tasks such as payroll and labor law. Human Resource Management is therefore a central factor in the long-term success and competitiveness of a company.

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Human Resource Management Master Requirements

To start a Master's in Human Resource Management, you usually have to fulfill certain requirements. These may vary depending on the university and country, but typically the following requirements can be expected:

General Requirements

  • Minimum grade in the bachelor's degree: Many universities set a minimum grade, often between 2.5 and 3.0 (according to the German grading system), as a requirement for admission. Particularly renowned programs sometimes require higher grades.
  • Professional experience or internships: Some master's programs in Human Resource Management expect or prefer applicants who have already completed internships or gained initial work experience in the HR field. This is particularly common for part-time or practice-oriented courses.
  • English language skills: Since many programs have an international focus and offer courses in English, English language skills are often required. Depending on the university, a language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS may be required, especially if the course is offered in English.
  • Aptitude test or selection process: Some universities conduct specific aptitude tests or selection interviews to assess the motivation and suitability of applicants. These may be in writing, in the form of essays, or oral, such as in an interview.
  • Letter of motivation and letters of recommendation: Many master's programs require a letter of motivation in which the reasons for the study and career goals are presented. Recommendation or reference letters, for example from former professors or employers, may also be required.
  • Knowledge in specific areas: Some programs require knowledge in specific areas such as labor law, organizational psychology or management. If this knowledge is lacking, it may be necessary to take preparatory courses, depending on the university.

First Degree

  • Business Studies: A degree in Business Studies provides a solid foundation for Human Resource Management, as it imparts fundamental knowledge in Corporate Management, Organization and Economics, which are important in the HR field.
  • Economics: Degree programs that offer a foundation in economics are also a good basis, as they promote a broad understanding of economic interrelationships and management skills.
  • Social Sciences and Psychology: These degrees are often particularly relevant to the HR field because they provide knowledge about human behavior, communication, and group dynamics – all crucial skills for human resources.
  • Law: Since labor law plays an important role in Human Resource Management, degrees in law or business law are also beneficial, especially for positions with a legal focus.
  • Pedagogy or Education: These subjects are particularly useful for human resources and talent management because they offer pedagogical and developmental approaches that are relevant in the area of employee development and training.
  • Sociology or Political Science: Degree programs that deal with social structures and the political environment can also be helpful, especially when it comes to human resources strategies and diversity management.

In general, a background in economics or social science is ideal for many Master's programs in Human Resource Management, but other Bachelor's degrees may also be accepted, depending on the curriculum and specialization.

Master's Degree in Human Resource Management at Munich Business School

At Munich Business School, you can study for a Master International Business. This will give you the perfect mix of Business Studies knowledge and experience in Human Resource Management, enabling you to shape your future according to your own ideas. These are the most important facts about studying at MBS:

Duration of study

18 or 24 Months

Degree

Master of Arts

Start of studies

February & September

Degree program

Master of International Business

Language of study

English

Tuition fees

EUR 8.580 per Semester

Highlights

Dual Degree, Mentoring Program & 57% International Students

Areas of focus

Choose 2 out of 7 specialization areas

Master's in Human Resource Management Course content

A master's program in Human Resource Management typically includes a combination of business fundamentals, in-depth HR-specific topics, and practice-oriented and interdisciplinary content. These course contents provide comprehensive preparation for various positions in the HR field and give a deep insight into current challenges and developments in Human Resource Management. Here is an overview of the common course contents:

Topics Course content
Human resources management and business administration Fundamentals of strategic and operational human resources management as well as insights into the management and organization of companies.
Labor law and social security law Important knowledge of labor and social security law that is necessary to confidently master legal aspects of human resources work.
Organizational Psychology Fundamentals of psychology applicable to dealing with employees and promoting employee motivation and satisfaction.
Talent Management and Recruiting Methods for identifying and promoting talent, as well as strategies for effective recruiting, employer branding, and building an attractive employer brand.
Personnel Development and Training Design and implementation of training programs and courses to promote employee skills in the long term.
Compensation & Benefits Design of salary structures, benefits, and performance-based compensation models that contribute to employee motivation and retention.
Strategic Human Resource Management Development and implementation of HR strategies that are in line with corporate goals and contribute to long-term planning and development of the workforce.
International HR Management Fundamentals of human resource management in international contexts, including intercultural competence and the management of international workforces.
Digitalization and HR Tech Introduction to the digitalization of HR, for example through the use of HR software and analysis tools to optimize HR processes.
Diversity & Inclusion Management Strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace to create an inclusive corporate culture.
Change Management Methods for accompanying change processes to support and motivate employees during organizational changes.
Communication and Conflict Management Techniques for successful communication and conflict resolution, which frequently arise in the field of human resources.
Project Management Fundamentals of project management to effectively plan and implement HR projects, such as the introduction of new personnel development programs or change processes.
Management and leadership skills Development of management and leadership skills that are particularly necessary in senior HR positions.
Internships or company projects Many programs include an internship or practical projects that enable students to directly apply their theoretical knowledge.

Should I study HR Management or Business Studies with a focus on HR?

A Master's degree in Business Studies with a focus on Human Resource Management offers you a more comprehensive and versatile foundation than a degree program that focuses solely on Human Resource Management.

This broad economic understanding is particularly valuable because human resource management is directly related to corporate goals and processes, and knowledge from these areas can significantly improve the quality of your work in human resource management.
With a solid foundation in Business Studies, you can understand the importance of the HR area in the context of the entire company and better assess how your work contributes to value creation and the achievement of corporate goals. In your master's degree, you can then deepen your knowledge of human resource management and specialize in strategic and operational topics in the HR field. The combination of general business skills and HR know-how will give you greater flexibility in the job market and open up a wider range of career opportunities, including business consulting, strategic management positions, or related fields where pure HR knowledge may not be sufficient.
In summary, a Business Studies degree with a focus on Human Resource Management enables you to better understand the company as a whole and to strategically shape the role of the HR department, which can give you a clear advantage in the competition for demanding positions.

Studying Business Administration at MBS

Munich Business School not only offers you a degree in business administration, but also focuses on international business, so that after graduation you can pursue your chosen career anywhere in the world. At MBS, you can expect small study groups, dedicated teachers, and award-winning programs. But more importantly, your name matters to us. Here, you are not an anonymous member, but the driving force that motivates us every morning. As a small, private university, we take the time to address your concerns and offer you a tailor-made study experience. Our lecturers have extensive practical experience and teach you skills that really count. Studying at MBS offers many highlights such as business projects, internships, semesters abroad, plenty of networking opportunities, and much more. In addition to sound business knowledge, we also promote values and skills that will give you an understanding of sustainability and social responsibility as a future professional and prepare you optimally for a wide range of careers.

Benefits of the Munich Business School

Learn from Experts

Professors with business experience and specialists as guest lecturers

Individual Support

Small class sizes & support through, for example, numerous networking opportunities, mentoring programs, etc.

Double Education

Education in Business and Management

Become a Generalist and Specialist at the same time

Broad business studies program & specialized knowledge through specializations and focus options

International Prospects for the Future

Recognized degree abroad, support from the Career Center, studies in English, and much more!

MBS Experience Report

Nicolas on StudyCHECK First-class studies in an international environment ★★★★★
“In my view, MBS is a very special university because it offers professional studies in small learning groups in a family-like and supportive atmosphere, while also providing a very wide range of courses, partner universities and additional events.”
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Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

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English Proficiency

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Application deadlines in detail

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Application Process

Step 1: Written Application

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Step 2: Admission

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Step 3: Study Contract

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Step 4: Student Visa

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Scholarships

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Glas voller Münzen mit wachsender Pflanze – Symbolbild für nachhaltige Finanzen und langfristigen Vermögensaufbau.

HR Management Salary

The salary prospects for graduates of a Master's degree in Human Resource Management are attractive and vary depending on professional experience, company size, industry, and location. Here are some average salary ranges that can serve as a guide:

  • Starting salary: Immediately after graduating with a master's degree, Human Resource Management graduates in Germany earn an average of between €40,000 and €50,000 gross per year. In large companies or corporations, the starting salary can be higher, especially in highly sought-after industries such as IT, automotive or finance.
  • With professional experience (3–5 years): After a few years on the job, the salary often increases significantly. Depending on the company and the position, HR managers with more experience can earn between 55,000 and 70,000 euros gross per year. At this stage, many are already taking on their first management tasks or specializing in certain HR areas such as talent management, personnel development or labor law.
  • In management positions: Those who make it to the position of personnel or HR manager can expect an annual salary of between 80,000 and 120,000 euros gross. In large international companies, salaries of over 120,000 euros are even possible, especially for positions of responsibility such as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
  • Differences depending on industry and region: In certain industries, such as financial services, pharmaceuticals or business consulting, salaries in human resource management are generally higher. There are also regional differences, with locations such as Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg often offering higher salaries than smaller cities.

Master Study Program in Numbers

53% International students
60+ International partner universities
100% Munich as a business location
1 Semester abroad
1 Business Projects

3 Job Examples in the field of Human Resource Management

The diversity of Human Resource Management is reflected in a number of exciting professional fields. Here is a closer look at three examples of professions:

HR Consultant

A human resources consultant supports employees and managers in all personnel-related matters. This includes recruiting, personnel development, labor law, day-to-day support, and strategic HR issues. The job requires strong social skills, discretion, conflict management skills, and the ability to balance company interests and employee concerns.

Frau leitet lächelnd ein Team-Meeting – steht exemplarisch für BWL Berufe wie den Change Manager im Veränderungsprozess.
Change Manager

A change manager supports and manages change processes in organizations. Their tasks include analysis, planning, communication, stakeholder management, and implementation of measures. The job is conflict-laden, highly strategic, and requires psychological sensitivity, assertiveness, and the ability to deal professionally with resistance and uncertainty.

Sales Manager

A sales manager is responsible for establishing and managing sales activities to increase revenue. This includes customer acquisition, offer negotiations, pipeline management, forecasting, and team management. The job is highly numbers- and target-driven, competitive, and requires strong closing skills, resilience, and excellent communication skills.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Master's program in Human Resource Management

What does Human Resource Management involve?

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What areas are there in Human Resource Management?

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What do you need for Human Resource Management?

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Why do I want to study Human Resource Management?

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