Course content

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 behaviour, work and organizations. You will study psychology, Management and Organization, communication skills and business economics.

Internationally focused

The international HRM programme is taught in an intercultural classroom with teachers and students from various nationalities. 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.

The IHRM programme is structured around the following themes:

• People Development
  You initiate and realize desired development in individual employees, teams, and (parts of) the organization regarding current and future needs. You realize 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, organizational, 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 analyzed data, you prepare decisions on the deployment of HRM tools and/or on business organizational adjustments.
• International Competencies
  • Language Skills: Adequate level of English in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Intercultural Skills: Effective and adequate communication in an intercultural environment.
  • International Professional Knowledge: Understanding of the HR discipline in the international context.
  • International Involvement: Engagement with the world as a whole; commitment and willingness to participate in the constructive development of social issues, at a national, European, and international level.
• Home Group / Study Coaching
  The student coach helps you to find your way in Saxion and will also help you to make your study a success. You work together in small, consistent groups on your personal and professional development, guided by the same student coach throughout the four years of study.

The 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 (SDGs), business disciplines, and future-oriented principles. You will also further develop your practical skills. You are invited to work on challenges from society related to selected UN Sustainable Development Goals. This semester is mostly project-based and relates to actual challenges from the professional field and international society at large. After that, you will work on practical assignments following a project-based approach in so-called labs. A lab is an interactive learning environment in which groups of students work on authentic assignments from the professional field.

​The third yearInterdisciplinairy

In the third year, in the first semester, you will have a choice of options centered around interdisciplinary work, ranging from participating in the Smart Solutions Semester to participating in a Business Game, together with students from other academies, or by doing an additional internship. In the second half of the third year, you have a free choice of minor, which students often spend abroad.

​The fourth yearInternship and thesis

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