Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Bachelor in International Human Resource Management

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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 organisations. We prepare you to become a future transition leader by educating you as an enterprising, proactive, versatile and flexible professional, well equipped for an ever-changing job market, and capable of reflecting on your own actions.

• Contact moments 20 hours a week
• Self-study 20 hours a week
• Additional costs € 500 for literature (in the first year)
• Continues to second year 66%
• Group size16 students during skills training

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. Essential HR modules are Staffing and Rewarding, and Developing Talent. You will also study Psychology and People Management, HR Business Management, Labour Law and Intercultural Communication Skills.

• Working together is fun!
• Great facilities!
• Work on real life cases
• With very involved and approachable teachers to help you

Internationally focused

You will participate in an international classroom with teachers and students of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. 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

Upon graduation in the four-year International HRM programme these are your learning outcomes:

• People Development
  You initiate and realise desired development in individual employees, teams and (parts of) the 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 or required organisational adjustments.
• ​International Competencies
  • Language skills: you speak, listen, read and write the English language well.
  • Intercultural skills: you communicate effectively and adequately in an intercultural environment.
  • International professional knowledge: you understand the HR discipline in the international context.
  • Global engagement: you understand how you are personally able to contribute in a positive way to the societal solution of environmental, social and governance issues, and you can act as a global citizen.
  • Collaboration and networking: in work-related environments, you function independently and you get easily in touch with people in other disciplines. You communicate clearly and function well in a team.
• Home group / Study coaching
  The study coach helps you to find your way in 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 throughout the first 2,5 years of study, guided by your study coach.

Subjects year 1

• 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 Talent
• 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.

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). The SDG's increasingly help guide the choices that organizations and HR professionals can make in their strategy, policies and practices. Saxion has embraced these SDG's. You will also further develop your practical skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, moral compass, coaching, training other people, and driving change, that will help you to achieve the SDG's. You are invited to work on challenges from society related to selected SDG’s. Each module aims to contribute to the development of your global citizenship. You also work on practical assignments following a project-based approach in two so-called labs. A lab is an interactive learning environment in which groups of students work on authentic assignments from the professional field.

Subjects year 2

• Decent Work and Sustainable Growth
• Health and Well-being
• Governance, Law and Ethics
• Industry and Innovation
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Lifelong Learning
• Career Coaching
• HR Analytics
• Learning Organizations
• Strategic HRM Lab
• Leading Change Lab

​THIRD YEAR

Interdisciplinary semester and minor

In the 3rd year, in the first semester, you will have a choice between two options, centered around interdisciplinary work. You can choose to participate in Saxion’s Smart Solutions Semester, which educates students to contribute to solutions to complex issues from professional practice from a broad perspective, with an innovative and sustainable character. The semester provides opportunities to connect students, teachers, researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders interdisciplinary around relevant themes to increase impact for the region and to learn and build knowledge together.

You can also opt for doing an internship in an organization located in the Netherlands or in the border region. This practical internship offers you experience in working in an HR department, as well as collaborating with other disciplines. Additionally, two modules will be offered at the Saxion location Enschede to further develop your international and intercultural HR knowledge and skills.
In the second half of the 3rd year, you have a free choice of minor, which students often spend abroad.

FOURTH YEAR

You will spend the entire final year of your study doing an HR internship in the international professional field. This internship will last for 10 months, in which you will participate in the daily work of an HR department. You will also engage in projects to enhance and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in people development, human resources and business management, HR and technology, and change. You will continue to work on your personal and professional development as well. You will demonstrate your proficiency as a junior HR professional in a portfolio of professional products. Upon graduation, you are ready to take the first step in becoming a future transition leader, well equipped for an ever-changing job market.

You are ready for your career in a smart world!

This study programme is officially accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), ensuring recognised quality and academic standards across Europe.

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.