MBM (MSc) with specialisation in Human Resources

This exciting MSc, Master of Business Management, specialised in Human Resource Management, challenges students to study at a high academic standard, combining case studies and research. However, the degree programme also has a practical approach in its design - through project weeks, professional enquiry and a module of professional-based learning in which students complete a short work placement often linked directly to their final project.

The programme offers a combination master of business administration subjects and broader modules in economics and management. Through modules looking at global economics and strategic management, globalisation, society & culture, the programme will enable students to further develop their deeper knowledge of business management and administration.

The specialisation in Human Resource Management specifically looks at human resource management from a strategic perspective, and in combination with the concept that leadership plays an important role.

The HRM specialisation shows a clear link between organisational change, company development and the nurturing, management and embedding of international talent.

Semester 1

(Core Modules)

• Marketing Management
• Globalisation, Society & Culture
• Research Methods Introduction (Final Project)
• The World Economy
• Professional Inquiry

(Specialisation Modules)

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• High-Performance Leadership

Semester 2

(Core Modules)

• Research Methods (Final Project)
• Micro Economics - Global Perspectives
• Strategic Management
• Project Module (3 Project Weeks, linked to Final Project)

(Specialisation Modules)

• Organisation Development & Change Management
• International Talent Management

Semester 3 (Work Placement & Graduation)

• Professional-Based Learning 
• Final Project

The master's programme is delivered in a 'block format', with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. Core module classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules with master's students from different business management specialisations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year), groups are dynamic, extremely international and diverse.

The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the block format, which means that each module has 6 days of teaching split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full-time Wittenborg lecturer and a guest lecturer from a partner university. Modules include regular guest speakers from industry.

The enormous impact of new technology and digitalisation combined with the ever-increasing need to develop, nurture and retain international talent means that business administration is reliant on well-trained and knowledgeable managers with strategic and global vision.

HR managers in companies across the globe are increasingly reliant on motivating employees through involvement and managing their talent in a way that keeps a workforce highly productive.

In recent years, the business community has come to recognise that success depends upon careful Human Resource Management (HRM), a strategic and comprehensive approach to the systematic management of people and the workplace culture and environment. Every manager is confronted with the challenge of keeping staff members motivated, involved, and productive despite any changes that might be taking place.

Graduating from a highly international institute such as Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, which places high emphasis on a combination of academic research and company and professional exposure, means that the career prospects of graduates from the Master of Business Management specialising in Human Resources are multiple and global.

Often, WUAS graduates aspire to continue their studies with a DBA or a Ph.D. research degree; however, many students move directly into business, sometimes as a result of their work placement and their final project, which is often company-based.

Examples of companies where alumni work range from leading global banking, consultancy and insurance companies to more local specialised companies, NGOs or government agencies in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Western Europe.

The admission requirements (criteria) for the Master of Business Management programmes (all specialisations) are as follows:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent recognised qualification.
  • ​Applicants are requested to provide an academic reference from their previous education institute.
  • It is necessary to have obtained a bachelor's degree from the domains of business management, economics or trade. In their bachelor's degree, applicants must have completed an academic piece of work (final project or dissertation) that demonstrates a degree of academic writing and research experience.
• No professional experience is required for these master's programmes.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores.
The TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.

The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.

Selection procedure

There is no specific selection criteria for students wishing to enter the master's programmes at WUAS; however, all students are interviewed and must demonstrate motivation. Students will be advised of their suitability prior to signing an initial study agreement as a pre-requisite to obtaining admission (offer letter).

Non-EU students requiring sponsored visa for study

Non-EU (visa) students are “screened” according to their background, in order for the institute to be able to guarantee their immigration status.

The screening comprises an interview, collection and correlation of all IND-required documents, including proof of sufficient funds, taking into account any scholarships provided by Wittenborg (Orange Tulip Scholarship, for instance) or by third parties (NUFFIC, EU, etc).

Details on scholarships at Wittenborg can be found at http://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-financial-assistance.htm.

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter in which they describe the reasons for choosing Wittenborg’s programme, as well as the reason for wanting to study in the Netherlands (international students). Student motivation is important as the programmes are demanding and, especially for international students, there is a criteria that they complete at least 50% of all their credits in a year.