Course content

During the IHRM programme you will gradually gain the knowledge and develop the skills that will enable you to design innovative solutions to people-related challenges, such as human well-being, ecology, inclusion, sustainable careers and employability, in organizations.

THE FIRST YEAR

In-depth knowledge

During the first year of International Human Resource Management you will get in-depth knowledge of the relationship between human behaviour, work and organizations. You will study psychology, management and organization, communication skills and bussiness economics.

Internationally focused

The international HRM programme is taught in an intercultural classroom with teachers and students from various nationalities. The courses and materials are specifically developed for this programme and are entirely in English. Internationally renowned literature is used as well as practical cases provided by internationally oriented organizations.

Study load

  • 40% Theory
  • 50% Practical and group work
  • 10% Study career counseling

The IHRM programme is structured around the following themes:

  • People Development
    You initiate and realise desired development in individual employees, teams and (parts of) them organization regarding current and future needs. You realise that the right employees, at the right time, are available at the right place in the organization (physically, mentally and emotionally).
  • Personal Development
    You work from a professional attitude and demonstrate personal leadership. You initiate, facilitate and implement change processes in organizations and other partnerships (in collaboration with stakeholders).
  • Human Resources and Business
    You translate business, organisational and social objectives, needs and developments into the required contribution of HR and you realize this contribution in close cooperation with those involved.
  • HR and Technology
    Based on collected and analysed data, you prepare decisions on the deployment of HRM tools and on business organisational adjustments.
  • International competencies
    • language skills: adequate level of English in speaking, listening, reading and writing;
    • intercultural skills: effective and adequate communication in an intercultural environment;
    • international professional knowledge: understanding of the HR discipline in the international context;
    • international involvement: engagement with the world as a whole; commitment and willingness to participate in the constructive development of social issues, at a national, European and international level.
  • Home group / Study coaching
    ​​The student coach helps you to find your way at Saxion and will also help you to make your study into a success. You work together in small, consistent groups on your personal and professional development, guided by the same student coach throughout the four years of study.

  • Introduction to HRM
  • Psychology & People Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Staffing and Rewarding
  • Financial Literacy
  • Intercultural Skills
  • HR Business Management
  • Management & Organisation
  • Research Skills
  • Managing Performance and Developing teams
  • Introduction Labor Law
  • Homegroups

More about the study structure

Would you like more information about the content, courses and tests of this program within the various years? Click on the button and view this training in the Saxion Course Catalog for detailed information.

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THE SECOND YEAR

Global Engagement

The emphasis during the second year of IHRM lies on understanding human resource management in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), business disciplines and future oriented principles. You will also further develop your practical skills. You are invited to work on challenges from society related to selected UN sustainable development goals. This semester is mostly project-based and relates to actual challenges from the professional field and international society at large. After that, you work on practical assignments following a project-based approach in so-called labs. A lab is an interactive learning environment in which groups of students work on authentic assignments from the professional field.

  • Decent Work and Sustainable Growth
  • Mental Health and Well-being
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Governance Law and Ethics
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Industry and Innovation
  • Stragegic HRM Lab
  • Business Consultancy Lab
  • Coaching Lab
  • HR Analytics Lab
  • Learning Organization Lab

​THE THIRD YEAR

Interdisciplinairy

​In the 3rd year, in the first semester, you will have a choice of options, centered around interdisciplinary work, ranging from participating in the Smart Solutions Semester, to participating in a Business Game, together with students from other academies or doing an additional internship.

In the second half of the 3rd year, you have a free choice of minor, which students often spend abroad.

Open ruimte Saxion Academie Mens en Arbeid

Don’t be afraid, it might look scary to begin this new chapter but I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun!

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​THE FOURTH YEARInternship and thesis

During the fourth and final year of your studies you will do your internship and write your Bachelor thesis within an international organization. Most students spend a full year abroad.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

When you have graduated you hold a Bachelor of Arts degree. With this you can start your international career as a junior HR advisor or a specialist in the HR Department of an organization.

👩‍🎓 This is what your education looks like!