Professional master study programme – Human Resource Management

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If you are looking for a deep and multidisciplinary understanding of the career guidance in human resource management for organizations and people in the public and non-governmental sectors, and how to promote their talents and professional performance, human resource management is the right field to study.

Degree: Professional Master's degree in Human Resource Management; qualification – Career Counsellor
Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration of studies: full-time – 2 years
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fee per year: 3000 EUR
Admission: once a year in September, admission@lbtu.lv
Program director: Mg. Paed. Inita Soika, inita.soika@lbtu.lv

Abstract

The study programme “Human Resource Management” ensures the student-centred approach to the study process which allows you to develop your theoretical and empirical knowledge, skills and competence for the in-depth analysis of the contemporary career consulting and guidance in human resource processes and issues of career planning and life designing. We offer you an interactive study process: classroom activities, organized field trips, e-study opportunities, problem solving seminars, discussions and guest lectures. You will be equipped with knowledge and skills on contemporary trends in human resource management and communication in career guidance, which will form a strong foundation for your future career in any field of employment closely related to the evaluation of human capital and human resources.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the study program work and build successful careers in a wide variety of fields, such as in education, research, public administration, municipalities, social services, personnel management, private institutions, including non-governmental organizations and as self-employed career guidance specialists. Graduates have the right to continue their studies in the relevant doctoral programs in Latvia or abroad.

Aim of the study program

The programme aims to educate highly qualified specialists who are able to perform the duties of a career counsellors in human resources management in accordance with the requirements of the profession standard.

Study plan and structure

The program covers two academic years or four study semesters.

In the 1st semester, students expand their knowledge and skills in career development and planning, consulting methodology and techniques, human resources analytics and professional ethics, labour law and job search, as well as research methodology and organization management.

The study courses of the 2nd semester are specially oriented to the acquisition of industry knowledge and skills in the management of career services and communication in the provision of career support, coaching and leadership, research data processing and analytics. Students have practice in human resource management.

In the 3rd semester, students consolidate the acquired knowledge and skills and prove their competence in two internships in career consulting and research in human resources management.

In the 4th semester, the study program is completed with the elaboration and defence of a Master’s thesis.

Learning outcomes

Our graduates have knowledge of:

human resources management processes in different environments; career development and counselling theories and approaches;
the principles of professional ethics and their use in dealing with clients in the provision of career support;
the organization and management of career services;
the principles of social research methodology and research organization.

Our graduates are able to:

identify career planning and management problems in the field of individuals, organizations and state administration, choose appropriate sociological concepts and methodologies for their study;
find solutions for organizing an appropriate career guidance process and providing services in human resources management;
organize and conduct research under human resources management, evaluate research results according to theoretical concepts;
to apply the results in the development and planning of career guidance policy in human resources management in the field of organizations and public administration.

Examination procedure

The student performance is measured according to the 10-point assessment scale in every study course. During the studies, master students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by completing individual tasks and group works such as essays, discussions, short reports, reviews, data collection and analysis, and presentations. Each study course ends with an examination or a formal test with a grade. Integrated knowledge, skills and competence is tested during the Master’s thesis.

Admission Requirements

Previous education:

First-cycle higher education in pedagogy and education sciences, social services or commercial sciences and administration (or equivalent higher education);
First-cycle higher education in social and humanities sciences (or equivalent higher education) Admission test required.

English knowledge (IELTS score 6.0, TOEFL score 547, TOEFL-iBT score 76).

Program director Inita Soika says:

Career counseling in human resource management is a continuous creative journey that shapes an individual's professional path and growth in the diverse world of work. Career counselors can enable positive conditions for individuals and organizations at critical points in life and career planning.