Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology
The master's programme in Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology prepares graduates for careers related to the management and development of human resources in a demanding knowledge-based work environment.
Overview
Credits
90 ECTS
Language
The language of instruction is English.
Length of study
14 months over three terms: autumn, spring and summer terms.
MSc or qualification at master level
Students can choose between a programme structure leading to an MSc degree and a programme structure for a qualification at master level (Master of Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology, MHRM). Both require 90 ECTS credits.
MSc degree
60 ECTS credits of course work plus a 30 ECTS masters thesis.
Qualification at master level (MHRM)
90 ECTS credits in courses. Students have the opportunity to finish an internship of up to 15 ECTS.
Tuition fees
Please follow the link below to see tuition fees at RU, per term.
Dean´s selection grant
The recipient of the Dean´s Selection Grant pays undergraduate fees instead of graduate fees.
- An application for a full-time graduate programme is also an application for the Dean´s Selection Grant for the first semester.
- Students with the highest grade in a graduate programme each semester are applicable. In order to receive the award students must complete 30 ECTS units per semester and follow the programme structure. More information about the grant can be found here.
Information for current students
Careers
A valuable skillset
Graduates have gained a versatile skillset regarding human resource management, from point of recruitment and onwards. The degree programme prepares individuals for positions in management and employee development in a challenging professional environment.
Graduates go on to have jobs as specialists in human resources departments, in training and development, recruitment counselling, change management or within different kinds of business development.
Graduates work, for example, in management, consultancy, human resource issues, educational issues, business development, or change management.
Academic staff
Researchers and guest lecturers
The main areas of research within RU´s Department of Business Administration are innovation and entrepreneurship, finance and economics, corporate governance, marketing and human resource management.
RU Department of Business Administration is committed to excellence in research and academic staff collaborates with researchers in other fields such as Computer Science and Psychology, within RU and internationally. Students also benefit from the Department's extensive network of international professors and guest lecturers from the business community.
Internship
A great opportunity
By completing an internship a student's knowledge, skills and abilities are enhanced. This is usually done through hands-on projects, and so, graduates are better prepared for their future careers. Students are assigned a supervisor within a company or institution and a full-time faculty member as a supervisor during the period of the internship.
Credits
Students can complete 7,5 ECTS, 15 ECTS, or 30 ECTS, depending on the length of the internship. Internships of 30 ECTS are only available for students that complete their internship abroad. Generally, internships are unpaid.
Students can choose between three options:
Option 1: Students apply for internship positions arranged by RU Department of Business Administration with Icelandic companies.
Option 2: Students arrange an internship with companies themselves and get the internship approved by RU Department
of Business Administration.
Option 3: Students find international internships themselves, and get it approved by RU Department of Business Administration.
Examples of companies and institutions where students have completed their internships
Icelandair Group • Icelandair London • Icelandair Frankfurt • Össur • KPMG• Deloitte • PwC • E&Y • Landspítalinn • Síminn • Orkuveita Reykjavíkur • NOVA • Vodafone • Vífilfell • Ölgerðin • Virðing • Sameinaði lífeyrissjóðurinn • Pipar TBWA • Icelandair • Landsvirkjun • Advania • Alvogen • Landsbankinn • Mannvit • Nýherji • Reiknistofa bankanna • Eik fasteignafélag • Grant Thornton • Glamour • BDO • Sjóvá • Canadian Embassy • Viðskiptaráð • FESTI • Samtök Iðnaðarins.
Internships abroad
Students can apply for an Erasmus grant to complete an internship in Europe for 2-12 months. Students who have previously been in the Erasmus exchange program can apply for funding for an internship.
The amount of the grant depends on the destination, but is in the range of 450 to 550 € a month. Students also receive a travel grant, in the range 275- € 1,100 depending on the destination.
To find an internship, a number of websites can be referenced:
- NAFO
- Leo-Net Job Offer Exchange
- Placement UK
- Europe Internship
- Euro Pages
- Global Placement
- Spain Internship
- Philox Connecting Europe
- AIESEC
- Global Internships
RU students completing an internship abroad have generally received Erasmus grants. However, if the demand increases, students can apply for the Nordplus grant. For further information, visit the International Office at RU.
Facilities
Reykjavik University Campus
Set in one of the most beautiful areas of Reykjavik right next to Iceland's only geothermal beach, the campus offers students modern first-rate facilities. The building has well equipped classrooms and students have 24-hour access to the building.
Environmentally conscious
The campus is one of Iceland's most automated buildings designed to provide an environment optimal for working using the lowest amount of energy.
Automated blinds and windows
In the main areas of the building the blinds and windows are controlled by a weather station positioned on top of the University roof. The weather station collects information about wind direction and outside temperature adjusting windows accordingly, and blinds are automated to ensure direct sunlight does not disturb students working.
A breath of fresh air
The University building is constantly ventilated with natural fresh air using the NAVENT system. Fresh air is drawn into the building and then pumped into the rooms. Special CO2 monitors ensure the correct levels of oxygen in the rooms. Heaters ensure that the air pumped into the rooms maintains the correct air temperature. In the summer time the air pumps drag warm air from the building and pump fresh and cooler air in its place.
Intelligent lighting system
Every light in the University has its own IP address and is controlled by the automated system. Light sensors ensure lighting is only on when rooms are in use. Large windows let in natural daylight which creates a more pleasant working environment.
Beautiful surroundings
Our campus is in a unique position of being set in one of the most popular outdoor areas of Reykjavik. The University of Reykjavik is located right next to Iceland's only geothermal beach, Nauthólsvík. Students can enjoy swimming in the geothermally heated sea, or relax in the hot tub on the beach. There are numerous paths for hiking and cycling in the neighbouring forest.
Services
IT facilities
Our IT Services provide a range of computer facilities to help you study. IT suites are located across campus – many with 24-hour access. IT facilities also include:
- Wireless network
- Extensive printing facilities
- Adapted PCs for students with disabilities or additional learning needs
Student study areas
Students have 24-hour access, during term time, to group rooms and private study desks. There is a especially dedicated study area for Graduate students.
Sports Facilities
In the basement of the university, World Class runs a gym which offers discounts to students.
Food
There are three shops and cafés in the building that sell food and beverages to students.
- Kaffitár sells a selection of coffee drinks, light snacks and bakery products.
- Malið serves hot food everyday, plus snacks and refreshments.
- The University shop (Haskolabudin) sells groceries, household items and snacks.
Admissions
Application deadline
The application deadline is April 30. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit an application prior to February 1.
Admissions requirements
-
Bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS credits).
-
Students with a bachelor's degree that includes less than 30 ECTS credits in business administration are required to take an intensive preparatory course in business administration organized by RUSB before the start of the study program, and to take the course Fundamentals in Accounting and Finance (7.5 ECTS credits) in the first semester of the study program.
- Generally we require a first-class grade (GPA 7.25 or above) according to Icelandic grading scale in an undergraduate programme.
- Further education and professional experience benefit applicants in the evaluation process.
- Excellent English language skills.
Applications and accompanying documents
All applicants must submit an electronic application and attach the required accompanying documents. The following documents need to accompany applications (they should be supplied in English):
- Curriculum vitae with a photograph.
- Official university transcripts of records and diplomas.
- Personal statement (Why are you applying to the programme and what is your aim in pursuing the programme? [up to 300 words in English]).
-
Contact information for one to two individuals who can assess the ability of the applicant to pursue the programme. A letter of recommendation may be required.
-
For students whose first language is not English proof of English proficiency must be provided, based on, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum English language test scores TOEFL: 577 (PBT) or 91 (iBT) or above OR IELTS: 6.5 or above, academic.
- Accompanying documents need to be submitted by the application deadline. Applicants are only summoned for an interview if they have submitted all required accompanying documents on time.
Tuition fees and evaluation of previous studies
Information about tuition fees: Tuition fees.
Evaluation of previous studies: If students have completed university-level courses, they can apply for those previous studies to be evaluated for transfer of credit.
Rules and form for evaluation of previous studies.
Structure
MSc or qualification at master level
Students can choose between a programme structure that leads to an MSc degree and a programme structure for a qualification at master level (Master of Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology, MHRM). Both require 90 ECTS credits.
MSc degree
60 ECTS of course work plus a 30 ECTS masters thesis.
Qualification at master level (MM)
90 ECTS credits in courses. Students have the opportunity to finish an internship of up to 15 ECTS.
Term structure
Full-time study includes 30 ECTS credits per term.
- Fall term: August-December.
- Spring term: January-May.
- Summer term: June-September.
Maximum study period
The program structure is based on full-time study. Students also have the opportunity to study part-time. The maximum study period is six terms (two years).
Course catalogue
Information about the courses listed below can be found online in the RU Course Catalogue.
Programme structure
| MSc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|
|
|
| *For student with a bachelor degree that includes less than 30 ECTS credits in business |
| MHRM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|
|
|
| *For student with a bachelor degree that includes less than 30 ECTS credits in business | ** Maximum 15 ECTS credits can be used for internship. |
Contact us
Got any questions?
We welcome enquiries via e-mail or phone.
Laufey Bjarnadóttir (on a leave)
