Bachelor in International Human Resource Management

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 behavior, work, and organizations. You will study business economics, organizations and work design, and human talent development.

The IHRM program is structured around the following themes:

People Development

If you want people to reach their full potential, you need to understand what makes them tick. That is why we emphasize understanding human psychology throughout many of the courses.

Personal Development

You need practical skills to navigate the complexities of the business world. For that reason, many of the courses are about enabling you to become a great communicator and credible professional.

Human Resources and Business

In HR you need to be the bridge between people and business. Therefore we offer courses in international business, leadership, economics, strategy, organizational design, and culture.

HR and Technology

New technologies are influencing the way we work. In the program, we will show you how to use social media and develop new and innovative tools for job market communication.

Practical component

You may develop a new training system, advice on how to handle differences in culture, or how to adapt the reward system.

​Study counseling

​​The study counselor helps you to find your way in Saxion and will also help you to make your study a success.

Subjects year 1

• Introduction to psychology
• Learning at Saxion
• International business and ethics
• Basic communication skills (1, 2, 3)
• Intercultural communication
• Organizational Psychology
• Introduction to people and labor
• Business economics
• Group dynamics
• Professional communication skills
• Organizations and work design
• Introduction to international HRM
• International labor law
• Job evaluation and reward systems
• Introduction to human talent development
• Project management
• Research skills

The Second Year

Understanding human resource management

The emphasis during the second year of IHRM lies in understanding human resource management about business disciplines and principles. You will also further develop your research and basic communication skills.

Subjects year 2

• Strategic management and organizational structure
• Operational HRM
• Financial management
• Intercultural communication skills 2
• Organizational communication and culture
• International HRM reward systems
• Labour law 2
• Group dynamics 2
• Managerial Processes and decision-making
• Making a business plan
• Tactical HRM
• Research skills 2

Practical quarter:

• Recruitment
• Business game
• Training and Education
• Training in academic writing

The Third Year

Practice your skills

After gaining knowledge about IHRM during the first two years, you will apply what you have learned and practice your skills in labs. With other students, you will analyze real HR problems that organizations face and develop innovative and practical solutions. You will also do a compulsory minor in human resource development.

​The Fourth Year

Internship and thesis

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

Upon successful completion of this Program, you'll receive a Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree.

Job opportunities

When you graduate you will be a well-trained professional with in-depth knowledge of change processes and a broad set of intercultural communication skills. You demonstrate a professional approach to working with diverse groups of people in an international environment. Possible positions in organizations worldwide are:

Strategic management advisor

You contribute ideas on strategy and policy and deal with all personnel issues within the organization, for example as a human resource manager or business partner. You are the link between management and employees. You advise management on organizational changes and on how employees can continue to get satisfaction from their work and develop their careers.

Coach/trainer

As an IHRM manager, you know how to coach and motivate employees and how to further develop their potential. You advise organizations, teams, and individual employees on issues related to development and change. You know all about team development, career counseling, psychology, talent development, training, and coaching.

Recruiter

As a recruiter you select and employ staff to fill in vacancies, using your knowledge of that particular labor market, your network, and various other sources, such as LinkedIn. Your core task is to match the wishes of your employer with those of a future employee.

Talent development manager

People have to work for longer, which makes vitality, job satisfaction, and continuous learning increasingly important to employees. As a talent advisor, you look at how they can be deployed in the long run and where their passion lies.