Lucerne School of Business – Management Programs
Master of Science in Business Administration with a Major in People Management and Organisation
Lucerne, Switzerland
MSc
DURATION
8 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 Oct 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2027
TUITION FEES
CHF 1,300 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
* Applicants from Switzerland and EU/EFTA countries may also apply after the application deadline if there are still places available. Applicants who require a visa can only apply until the application deadline.
** Application fee: CHF 250 | Semester fees for Swiss students: CHF 800 | Semester fees for foreign students: CHF 1,300| Plus additional study-related costs
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Business Administration (Major in People Management and Organisation) at the Lucerne School of Business prepares you to design and lead strategic HRM, leadership and organisational development. You'll gain skills in people management, talent management, change management, HR technology and employee experience. Study modes: full‑time, part‑time, work‑study; most lectures on two required days. Duration: 4 semesters (regular); 6–8 semesters (extended); 3‑semester intensive.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into operational and strategic people roles. Paths include HR Business Partner, People & Culture manager, Talent Acquisition specialist, Learning & Development manager, Change Manager, HRIS/HR Technology specialist, Organisational Development consultant, management consultant or PeopleTech founder. Academic research and doctoral study are possible.
The working world is changing rapidly, transforming many industries and the skills people need. With a Major in People Management and Organisation (PMO), you will be able to initiate, design, and successfully accompany strategically important and complex corporate processes in human resource management (HRM), leadership, and organisational development.
Exciting Career Paths
The People Management and Organisation (PMO) major opens diverse career opportunities in both operational and strategic organisational development and human resource management. Graduates take on challenging roles such as Learning & Development specialists, People & Culture managers, HR consultants, HR Business Partners, or experts in corporate development.
Further specialised HR fields, such as Recruiting & Employer Branding, Talent Management, Employee Experience and HR Technology, are also available to graduates. Pursuing an academic career and completing a doctoral thesis is another attractive pathway.
Many graduates of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Business contribute actively to shaping the future of work and have successfully established themselves as start-up founders and innovators.
Why our Major People Management and Organisation
1. Future-proof skills for the digital and AI-driven workplace
Gain essential future skills in People Management, HRM, leadership and organisational development—competencies that remain crucial despite automation and digital transformation.
2. Learn from leading experts in HRM & global organisational development
Benefit from HSLU’s recognised expertise in People Management, New Work, digitalisation and global HR trends—ideal preparation for careers in Switzerland and internationally.
3. Real-world HR experience and strong industry networks
Work on practice-based projects with partner companies, apply your knowledge in HRM, leadership and organisational development, and access excellent career opportunities.
4. International study environment & strong alumni network
Join a diverse, international community and connect with a global alumni network that supports careers in HR, People & Culture, leadership and organisational development worldwide.
Duration of studies
- Regular study program: 4 semesters
- Extended study program: 6‒8 semesters
- Study in 3 semesters possible: For students who want to complete their studies in three semesters, we have put together a new program. This program is intensive and can be completed with a professional activity of 20-30%.
- Employment up to a half-time job is possible in conjunction with the study program.
- For international students: the study workload demands a commitment of 25 contact hours per week (lectures, group-work exercises, projects)
Time model
- Full-time, part-time, and work-study
- The majority of lectures take place on two days of the week on which attendance is required (currently Monday and Tuesday).
What you will learn
People Management and Digital Transformation
Learn how digitalisation, AI, big data and algorithmisation are changing HRM and people management. Assess the opportunities and risks of digital transformation for organisations and modern working environments. Develop analytical, strategic and implementation skills to successfully shape digital HR and new work processes.
People Management and Strategy
Transform megatrends such as demographic change, changing values and skills gaps into effective people strategy for a specific company. Deepen your knowledge of leadership, organisational design, cultural development and the design of the employee lifecycle (recruiting, talent management, development). Develop strategic HR skills that are crucial for corporate development and future viability.
Developing Creative and Innovative Capabilities
Strengthen the innovation and creativity skills of employees, teams and organisations. Use proven methods of innovation management, design thinking and creative problem-solving approaches. An international block week deepens your role as a people & organisation business partner for innovation.
Collaborative Learning and Organisational Development
Design collaborative knowledge and learning processes, organisational learning and modern new work development processes. Train in network building, moderation and conflict management skills, and change management support. A simulation project provides practical experience in organisational development, transformation and team dynamics.
Psychological Competences for the Flexible, Agile Work Environment
Analyse the psychological factors that influence modern work – motivation, health, collaboration and performance. Learn how HR and leadership can design agile, flexible and hybrid working models in a healthy and effective way. Develop occupational and organisational psychology skills to promote wellbeing, productivity and sustainable performance.
Global HR Perspectives
Understand global HR processes such as international recruiting, talent management, leadership development and global mobility. Learn how HR supports international corporate strategies as a strategic business partner. Case studies and practical insights prepare you for international HR roles, intercultural collaboration and global organisations.
Graduate profile
Graduates from the Major in People Management and Organisation will be well trained for a career in all areas of people management and organisational transformation. They will be well equipped with a practical and hands-on background to develop organisations in all industries.
- At the same time, they have completed a scientifically sound and application-oriented university education at the Master's level of 90 ECTS credits.
- Their knowledge and skills enable them to quickly familiarize themselves with all aspects of people management and transformational processes.
Field of activity
Fields of activity for graduates of the Major People Management and Organisation:
1. People Management & HRM
- HR Business Partner / People & Culture Business Partner
- HR Manager / HR Generalist
- Talent Acquisition Specialist / Recruiting Specialist
- Employer Branding Manager
- Compensation & Benefits Specialist / Total Rewards Specialist
- Talent Management Specialist / Leadership Development Specialist
- Employee Experience Manager
- HR Technology Specialist / HRIS Specialist
2. Organisational Development & Transformation
- Organisational Development (OD) Specialist
- Change Manager / Change Management Consultant
- New Work / Agile Transformation Specialist
- Culture & Engagement Manager
- Learning & Development (L&D) Manager
- Team and Leadership Development Specialist
- Strategy and Transformation Consultant
3. Leadership, Consulting & Business Development
- Project Manager – Transformation & Innovation
- Internal Consultant – Business Development / Organisational Development
- Management Consultant (People, Organisation, HR)
- Innovation & Creativity Manager / Innovation Enablement Specialist
- Start-up Founder in HR, PeopleTech or Innovation
- People & Organisation Research Specialist
4. International HR & Global People Functions
- Global HR Manager / International HR Business Partner
- Talent Mobility & Expatriate Management Specialist
- Global Learning & Leadership Development Specialist
- HR Governance / Ethics & Compliance Specialist
- Intercultural People & Organisation Consultant
Register for one of our online Info-Events and learn more about the programme!


