Human Resources Management, Master of Arts

Study Content in Detail: What Awaits You in the Master’s in Human Resources Management?

In the Master’s programme in Human Resources Management at Hochschule Fresenius, you will engage comprehensively with all essential areas of modern personnel management. The focus areas are the complete personnel management process, strategic personnel management, and personnel development. You will deal with talent and career management, deepen your knowledge in labour law (individual labour law, collective labour law, international and procedural law) as well as social security law. Other core contents include:

• Communication, moderation, and mediation in human resources
• Personnel consulting and modern recruiting methods
• Employer branding and personnel marketing
• Leadership skills and motivation
• Personnel controlling and remuneration models
• HR in change and innovation management
• Internationalisation and intercultural competences in HR
• Business and corporate ethics

You will learn to apply labour law frameworks securely, to identify and promote talents purposefully, and to actively support employees during change processes. The programme is internationally oriented and also prepares you for HR tasks in global companies. The programme concludes with a master’s thesis and an oral defence.

Course Structure: How Is Your Degree Organised?

The Master’s in Human Resources Management comprises 4 semesters of full-time on-campus study and is available at the locations Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, or Düsseldorf. The special study model is the so-called “3-Day Master”: you have lectures on campus on three fixed days per week. This way, you can optimally combine theory and practice, apply what you have learned immediately, and possibly work alongside your studies.

• Standard period of study: 4 semesters (120 ECTS)
• Start: usually in the winter semester; applications are possible all year round
• Language: German
• Practical relevance through small study groups, projects, and close contact with HR practice
• Internationally oriented course content and networking opportunities (including connection to the Young Professional Network of the DGFP)

Study organisation also includes the opportunity to acquire additional qualifications through StudyPLUS events – for example in method competence, coaching, start-ups, and languages.

Career Prospects & Professional Opportunities after the Master’s in HRM

With a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, a wide range of leadership and specialist positions in national and international companies are open to you. Areas of deployment include, among others:

• People & Culture Management – control and development of personnel and corporate culture
• Employer branding and personnel marketing – building and maintaining an attractive employer brand
• Talent recruiting & development – recruiting and targeted further development of employees
• Personnel development and coaching – planning and implementation of training and development programmes
• Labour law consulting in HR departments or as a consultant
• HR positions in international corporations with an intercultural focus

Typical employers include industrial companies, consultancies, service providers, media companies, or international corporations. The subject-specific HR network of Hochschule Fresenius actively supports you with your career entry and career development.

Study Location: Where Does Your Degree Take Place?

You can study the Master’s in Human Resources Management at one of four Hochschule Fresenius locations:

• Hamburg: Centrally located campus with modern facilities by the Alster.
• Cologne: Well-connected campus in MediaPark, close to Cologne city centre.
• Munich: Campus in Schwabing, with access to Munich’s diverse cultural offerings.
• Düsseldorf: Two locations with multifunctional and well-equipped lecture theatres.

All locations offer modern infrastructure, networking opportunities, and good public transport connections. Changing the location during your studies is generally possible to remain flexible.

Costs and Financing: What Do You Need to Invest?

The tuition fees for the Master’s programme in Human Resources Management amount to €850 monthly over the study duration of four semesters (a total of €20,400). In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of €695.

The study price includes all courses and examination performances as well as participation in StudyPLUS offerings such as language courses, workshops on personal and career development, start-up consulting, and networking events.

• Financing options include BAföG (if eligibility requirements are met), scholarships (e.g., from the university or external foundations), and student loans (e.g., KfW student loan, education funds)
• The study organisation (3-day model) is designed so that you can take on a part-time job or work as a student trainee
• Personal advice on individual financing solutions is offered by the student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius

Additional costs may arise for teaching materials, excursions, or additional qualifications. Many students use, alongside student loans and BAföG, support from their employer or tax advantages related to their studies.