Alumni afstudeerceremonie

Human Resource Studies

1 year English Starts end of August and end of January

Become a human resources expert, specialized in the relationship between work, well-being, and performance. You look for the ideal balance between organizational performance and employee interest. Human Resource Studies has a strong international focus where you learn to combine insights from social sciences and business studies in HR policies that improve individual, team, and, ultimately, organizational performance.

Top 175
worldwide in social sciences

Times Higher Education ranking, 2024

85%
would choose the same master’s program again, at the same university

National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=31

83%
find a job within 3 months after graduation

National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=31

Program and courses

Become equipped to analyze and advise on HR, work, and organizational issues, such as understanding the foundation of HR decisions and their consequences for work, well-being, and performance; or to implement new HR policies in the context of a changing environment. Human Resource Studies in Tilburg is the first scientific education program in the field of human resources in the Netherlands (since 1986).

  • Courses reflect the research expertise of the staff, who belong to one of the largest and leading academic departments of HR experts in Europe. 
  • The program offers plenty of elective courses so you can tailor your program and specialize in one central topic within HRM, such as Talent Management, Compensation & Benefits, Inclusive HRM, Strength-based HRM, or HRM & Labor Law.  
  • The international orientation and practice-oriented approach give you a head start on the labor market. 
  • Deepen your knowledge and skills by doing an Extended Master's Program. This advanced program adds an exchange or half-year (professional or research) internship to the regular program with a wide range of companies to choose from. During the first semester, you will follow the same courses as the regular Master's program.

Typical courses are:

  • Seminar Human Resource Studies
  • HR Analytics
  • Organizational Change

More on the program and courses

  • Mirela Koeva

    Mirela

    Extended Master’s student

    "The topics in the program have real-life applications and we follow current and upcoming employment trends. By choosing between several electives you can really customize the Master to your own interest."

  • Renate Rijnbeek

    Renate

    Master's student

    "Because you combine scientific research with practice, you are well prepared for the professional field. The program is diverse and offers room for your own interests."

Career prospects

After completing this program, you are equipped to analyze and advise on HR, work, and organizational issues. You understand the fundamentals of HR decisions and their consequences for work, well-being, and performance. You are prepared for HR positions with an emphasis on analytical, strategic, and leadership qualities in the public and private sectors, as well as for careers in research and consultancy. You could work as an all round HR professional or specialist, in Talent Management, HR analytics, or Compensation & Benefits. 

Graduates found work at:

  • Rabobank
  • Philips
  • Capgemini Nederland
  • ASML 
  • Deloitte 

Alumni facts

  • On average 2 months until first paid job
  • 97% find a job within 6 months after graduation
  • Gross monthly income: €2,951

Source: National Alumni Survey, 2021| n = 31

More on your career prospects

Students on campus enjoying the good weather

Application and admission

This program starts:

  • End of August and end of January (Master’s program) 
  • End of August (pre-Master’s program) 

Best preparatory programs:

  • Business Studies
  • Human Resource Studies
  • Organization and Management Studies
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Pre-Master’s program:

Half-year (30 ECTS) pre-Master’s program available if your previous program is relevant but does not meet the required entry level, for example, a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences.

Tuition fees and scholarships

International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.

Interested in this Master's program?

Check your eligibility

More information on this Master's program

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.

Interested in the MSc Human Resource Studies?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application