University of Limerick is a University of Firsts which is reflected in its innovation in programme offerings across its faculties and Departments. WES led the way in establishing and developing specialist HRM education in Ireland, and in forging enduring links with the relevant professional bodies - the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).  

WES was the first University Department to offer a part-time, post experience Certificate and a Diploma in Personnel Management in 1981. These programmes have been revised and developed in the intervening years and are delivered today via blended learning to professional learners across the country.

WES was first to develop a specialist major option in HRM on an undergraduate business degree, and later a minor option specialism in organisational psychology.

In 1999, WES introduced the first CIPD accredited MSc in Human Resource Management which is offered on both a full and part-time basis. Today, this programme offers an additional dual degree opportunity wherein full-time students who study for a second year at one of the overseas dual degree partner Universities receive their MSc. qualification from the University of Limerick as well as a Master’s degree from the partner University.

In 2007, WES developed an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology, and an MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour. The MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology was the first programme in Ireland to receive dual accreditation from both the PSI and the CIPD.

In September 2023, we launched our latest programme offering – a Professional Diploma in Sustainable Work, delivered online over one year to professional learners who have an interest in understanding, and/or responsibility for managing in, or designing the workplace of the future.

Further details on each of our programmes are available below.

NQF Level 6 About the course

Higher Certificate in HRM and the Digital Workplace

1-year part-time blended learning

Individuals with experience of working in any sector in general supervisory/ team leads/ managerial roles looking for a career change or to gain a qualification in people management (e.g. customer service, clerical, production, sales, accounting, HR, business owner)

Course Director; Dr. Michelle O’Sullivan, HRMProgrammes@ul.ie
NQF Level 8  

BA (Hons) in HRM & the Future of Work 

2 Years part-time blended learning (Diploma exit option after Year 1)

Post-experience / professionals who have worked in HR, middle management or supervisory roles in any sector. Those who have owned or run a business; been involved with unions or employer organisations; worked in recruitment agencies or consultancies.

Course Director; Dr. Lorraine T. Ryan, HRMProgrammes@ul.ie  |  Accreditation - CIPD

BBS HRM Specialist  -  Major Option

Entire programme is 4-year full-time, Major option starts Year 2

Undergraduate with specialist interest in a professional career in HRM.

Course Director; Dr. Majka Ryan, BBS@ul.ie

BBS Organisational Psychology - Minor Option 

Entire programme is 4-year full-time, Minor Option starts year 3

Undergraduate with or without career interest in HRM.

Course Director, Prof. Deirdre O’Shea, BBS@ul.ie
NQF Level 9  

MSc in Human Resource Management

12-months full-time or 24-months part-time

Recent graduates who wish to develop a career in HRM or Post-experience practitioners with a particular interest in, or responsibility for HRM or people management

Course Director; Dr. Caroline Murphy, mschrm@ul.ie   |  Accreditation - CIPD

MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology (WOP)

12-months full-time or 24-months part-time 

Recent graduates who wish to develop a career in work psychology/HRM or Post-experience practitioners with special interest in, or responsibility for aspects of work psychology (e.g., consulting, learning and development)

Course Director; Dr. Moran Anisman-Razin, wopwob@ul.ie.  |  Accreditation - PSI / CIPD

MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour (WOB)

12-months full-time or 24-months part-time

Recent graduates who wish to develop a career in aspects of HRM or Post-experience practitioners with a particular interest in, or responsibility for aspects of people management and development

Course Director; Dr. Moran Anisman-Razin, wopwob@ul.ie |  Accreditation - CIPD

Sustainable Work - Professional Diploma

1 year part-time, online

A new cutting-edge programme designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly changing business landscape. It is ideally suited to people, project or line managers, tasked with leading out or supporting sustainable workplace transformation. You will learn about sustainable business, emerging technologies, new ways of working, the employment relationship and shaping the future of work.

Course Director; Dr. Claire Harnett, PDSustainableWork@ul.ie