UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG · SWEDEN
Master's Programme in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS GU-75000
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€17k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 120ECTS credits
- 2 yearsFull-time study
- CampusStudy location
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Research-ledConnected to current research
- Thesis supervisionExtensive individual supervision for Master's Thesis
The Master’s Programme in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations provides international and Swedish students with in-depth knowledge of the world of work, with a particular focus on Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM). The programme takes an international perspective and is delivered jointly by the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Sociology and Work Science. It explores how HRM activities are influenced by major social trends such as employment patterns, internationalisation, cultural differences, social stratification, and labour market policies. Upon completion, you will possess the analytical skills necessary for strategic HRM roles and a solid understanding of how social trends impact organisations, HR functions, and labour relations.
Curriculum
The program is structured over two years (120 credits) and includes core courses in Human Resource Management, research methods, and a Master's thesis. Students can also choose to undertake a work placement or study abroad during their second year.
- Semester 1
- Human Resource Management in a Societal PerspectivePV2104
- Strategic Human Resource ManagementPV2101
- Semester 2
- Research Theories and MethodsPV2301
- Conflict and Collaboration in OrganisationsPV2205
- People AnalyticsPV2206
- Human Resource and Management Work PlacementPV2400
- Semester 3
- Sustainable LeadershipPV2102
- Human Resource and Management Work PlacementPV2400
- Challenges in Strategic Human Resource ManagementPV2203
- Semester 4
- Master Thesis in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour RelationsPV2500
Careers
Graduates are prepared for roles in strategic human resource management within private companies and public administration. The programme also serves as a foundation for doctoral studies in Sociology, Work Science, or Business Administration.
- Strategic HR Management
- Staffing Strategy Development
- Work Environment Strategy
- Competence Development
- Organizational Change Processes
- Leadership Roles
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees. The total tuition fee for the full program is 192,000 SEK. The first installment is 48,000 SEK, due by May 1st for the autumn semester.
- What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
- You need a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with specific IELTS or TOEFL scores to be confirmed on universityadmissions.se for the current application period.
- How long does the Master's Programme in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations take to complete?
- The programme is structured over two years of full-time study, totalling 120 credits.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for strategic HR roles in companies and public administration, or can pursue doctoral studies in fields like Sociology, Work Science, or Business Administration.
- What is the application deadline and when should documents be submitted?
- The application period for the Autumn 2026 intake is October 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Documents like your Letter of Intent/CV must be uploaded by February 1st for the first round.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, merit-based scholarships are available for fee-paying students. Further information can be found on the University of Gothenburg's scholarship pages.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification is required.
English level 2 / English 6 / English course B (Swedish Upper Secondary School)Minimum passed mark
IELTSNot specified, but required for current application period (see universityadmissions.se)
TOEFLNot specified, but required for current application period (see universityadmissions.se)
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Specific IELTS or TOEFL scores are determined by the current application period and can be found on universityadmissions.se. Requirements for programme courses are detailed in individual course syllabi.
Fees
Tuition (international)192,000 SEK for the full program.
Tuition (home)No fees are charged for EU/EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.
LivingNot specified.
The first instalment for tuition is 48,000 SEK. Students who are citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees. An application fee of 900 SEK may apply for these students. Payment must be made by bank transfer or card. The deadline for newly admitted students for the autumn semester is May 1st.
How to apply
1. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the official University Admissions portal (universityadmissions.se or antagning.se).
2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather required documents, including your Letter of Intent/CV.
3. Upload DocumentsUpload your Letter of Intent/CV to your University Admissions account by the specified deadline.
4. Pay Application Fee (if applicable)Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland may need to pay a 900 SEK application fee.
5. Pay Tuition FeeIf you are a fee-paying student, you will receive payment instructions via email after being notified of selection results. The first installment is typically 48,000 SEK, due by May 1st for the autumn semester.
6. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions are communicated through the University Admissions portal.
Scholarships
Scholarships for fee-paying studentsVaries
Accreditation
Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees. The total tuition fee for the full program is 192,000 SEK. The first installment is 48,000 SEK, due by May 1st for the autumn semester.
What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification. Proficiency in English is mandatory, with specific IELTS or TOEFL scores to be confirmed on universityadmissions.se for the current application period.
How long does the Master's Programme in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations take to complete?
+
The programme is structured over two years of full-time study, totalling 120 credits.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for strategic HR roles in companies and public administration, or can pursue doctoral studies in fields like Sociology, Work Science, or Business Administration.
What is the application deadline and when should documents be submitted?
+
The application period for the Autumn 2026 intake is October 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Documents like your Letter of Intent/CV must be uploaded by February 1st for the first round.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, merit-based scholarships are available for fee-paying students. Further information can be found on the University of Gothenburg's scholarship pages.