International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management

The MSc in International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics that shape workplaces and employment practices in a global context. This programme provides students with essential theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary for understanding and managing human resources across diverse cultural and institutional settings. Through a rigorous curriculum, students examine core areas such as employment relations, organizational behavior, international labour markets, and strategic HR management, alongside contemporary issues like globalization, technological change, and social justice in employment. The programme emphasizes critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates for careers in HR departments, multinational corporations, policy-making institutions, and NGOs. Students benefit from LSE’s distinguished faculty, who are leading experts in employment law, industrial relations, and HRM, offering insights grounded in both academic research and real-world experience. The programme also encourages engagement with current debates on Labour standards, employee rights, and workplace diversity, fostering a global perspective on employment issues. Through internships, workshops, and collaborative projects, students develop practical competencies to address complex HR challenges in international contexts. The MSc aims to cultivate analytical thinkers and ethical practitioners committed to advancing fair and effective employment relations worldwide. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to influence policy development, improve organizational practices, and contribute to building equitable workplaces worldwide, aligning with LSE’s mission to promote understanding of social sciences and their application to real-world issues.

The MSc in International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and manage work and employment issues in a global context. The programme focuses on the complex interactions between employers, employees, governments, and international organizations, providing insights into the material and institutional aspects of employment relations across different countries and cultures.

Students will explore key topics such as the nature and development of employment relations, the role of trade unions and collective bargaining, workplace diversity and inclusion, employment law, and the impact of globalization on labour markets. The programme also emphasizes strategic human resource management, covering areas such as recruitment and selection, performance management, employee motivation, and organizational change. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, students gain not only a deep understanding of current employment practices but also develop analytical and research skills to address contemporary employment challenges.

The programme also addresses critical issues such as labour standards, social dialogue, employment policies, and the future of work in the context of technological advancements and economic shifts. Core modules are complemented by optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the broader field of employment relations and HRM.

In addition to theoretical insights, the programme incorporates practical elements through guest lectures, company visits, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates their capacity for critical analysis and applied knowledge.

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in human resource management, labour relations, policy analysis, consultancy, and related fields in both the public and private sectors. They benefit from LSE’s vibrant academic environment and extensive networks, positioning them to make meaningful contributions to improving workplace practices and employment systems worldwide.

The MSc in International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) requires applicants to demonstrate a strong academic background with a good undergraduate degree, typically a first or upper second class honours in a relevant discipline such as social sciences, business, or economics. Relevant work experience is not mandatory but can enhance an application. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a curriculum vitae (CV), and a statement of motivation outlining their interest and career aspirations related to employment relations and human resource management. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers, with accepted tests including IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0 overall, or TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 overall. The program values applicants with analytical skills, international outlook, and an interest in the socio-economic aspects of employment and HR policies across different countries. Although there are no precise prerequisites for prior coursework, familiarity with topics such as labour law, industrial relations, economics, or management can be advantageous. The selection process considers academic merit, professional experience, motivation, and the potential contribution to the program’s learning environment. In addition to academic requirements, applicants may need to provide references, usually academic or professional, who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study. The program is designed to be intensive, combining core modules in employment relations, HR strategy, and theories of management, with elective courses allowing specialization. There is also a requirement for participation in group projects and possibly internships, designed to prepare students for work in international HR environments. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of global labour market issues and a commitment to advancing human resource practices in diverse organizational settings.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Fee reductions and rewards
LSE undergraduates starting taught postgraduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction in the region of ten per cent of the fee. These reductions are available for UK, EU and non-EU students. The School offers a range of rewards for early payment of fees for all self-financed students.

Scholarships for study at LSE

LSE makes available over £12 million annually in financial support for its students via a range of scholarships, bursaries and award schemes, details of which can be found on these pages. LSE's world class programmes attract a consistently high calibre of applicants, many of whom seek financial support from the School, so there is always much competition for our awards. Securing the necessary funds to attend LSE can be a difficult and time consuming process so you should start to think about it as early as possible. Please be aware that the School will be unable to offer you any financial assistance if you knowingly register under funded. The relevant link on the left will take you to the awards available for your chosen level of study.

The School would like to thank the many donors who have contributed to the New Futures Fund, which provides funds for a number of discretionary scholarships.

Diploma, LLM, MA, MSc and MSc (Research) programmes

There are a range of awards available for study at this level. Approximately 19% of taught masters offer holders are successful in obtaining some form of financial support from the School. The value of support ranges in value from 10% of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award.

Graduate Support Scheme

LSE's major financial support scheme for study at taught masters level is the Graduate Support Scheme (GSS). This scheme is open to all applicants, with the exception of those undertaking specific modular or executive programmes such as the MSc in Finance (Part time) or the MSc in Health Economics, Policy and Management. Around £2 million is available annually in the form of awards from the Graduate Support Scheme. The Scheme is designed to help students who do not have sufficient funds to meet all their costs of study. GSS awards range in value from £3,000 to a maximum of £10,000, and have an average value of £6,000. Application to the Graduate Support Scheme is via the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application form. This form will be made available to you once you have submitted an application for admission to the School. The form will then be available until 27 April 2011.

Awards

If you complete the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application form, and are made an offer of admission by 27 April 2011, you will also be automatically considered for any other awards being offered by LSE, for which you are eligible, with the exception of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding where there are separate, department led processes in place. AHRC and ESRC funding is relevant to Home UK and Home EU applicants only, and there are also subject restrictions in place. We offer a range of awards based on different criteria such as a specific programme of study, nationality, or country of permanent domicile. In addition, a number of external organisations offer funding to support postgraduate study. We recommend that applicants follow up as many avenues as possible to find funding. Please be aware that if you accept funding from an external source, it is your responsibility to check the terms of the award. Some awards are accompanied by specific terms and conditions which you should be sure you able to meet before accepting the award. Information about other Awards offered by LSE or external organisations. Please take some time to look at all the other awards available to support your study at LSE. The details of these awards are updated each October, but new LSE awards may become available during the course of the admissions cycle. We will only write to successful applicants for these awards. Selection for these awards will take place between May and July 2011 and all successful applicants will be notified by 31 July 2011.

The MSc in International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the key issues facing global workplaces today. Designed for students seeking to develop a deep understanding of employment relations, human resource management (HRM), and organizational behavior within an international context, the program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students will examine the changing nature of work, the impact of globalization, and the importance of effective HR strategies in fostering organizational success and promoting fair employment practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including employment law, labor market policies, negotiation and conflict resolution, diversity management, and ethical considerations in HRM. Through a variety of teaching methods such as case studies, seminars, and project work, students are encouraged to critically analyze real-world issues and develop strategic solutions. The program also emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake empirical studies and contribute to academic debates in employment relations. Graduates from this MSc are well-equipped for careers in international HR consultancy, policy-making, union leadership, corporate HR departments, and NGO work related to labor rights and employment standards. The program is housed within LSE’s Department of Management, benefiting from the university’s strong research environment and extensive network of alumni. Entry requirements typically include a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as social sciences, management, or law, along with demonstrable interest or experience in employment relations or HRM. The MSc in International Employment Relations and Human Resource Management aims to prepare students not only for advanced professional roles but also to contribute thoughtfully to debates about improving working conditions globally.