Global HRM MSc: Meet the Deputy Programme Director

Meet the Deputy Programme Director for the King's online Global Human Resource Management MSc, An Nguyen.

Read on to discover more about An's academic background, why she enjoys teaching online, and her advice to people considering this master's programme.  

Can you tell me your role on the GHRM programme?

I'm the Deputy Programme Director and work closely with the Programme Director, Penny Simpson, to make sure everything runs smoothly from academic quality and teaching to student experience and community building.  My focus is on creating an engaging and inclusive online experience where every student feels supported, connected, and part of the King’s community, no matter where they are in the world. 

I also lead two of the modules: Global and Comparative HRM and Strategic and Contemporary HRM, where we dive into the real-world challenges of managing people across borders and in today’s evolving workplace. 

What’s your academic background and specialism?  

My first degree was a BSc in International Relations at the London School of Economics. That’s where I discovered my interest in social policy and human capital development, which led me to a Master’s in Education at UCL and eventually a PhD in Human Capital Development Policy. Along the way, I’ve worked with companies, NGOs, ed-tech firms, and universities across the UK, India, China, and Vietnam and those experiences now shape how I teach and research GHRM. 

Before joining King’s, I spent several years leading large HRM modules, running flipped classrooms, supervising dissertations, and teaching both online and face-to-face at several UK universities. My current research looks at the future of work, global and comparative HRM, and how education and training policies shape people’s lives and careers. 

How did you come to be involved with GHRM?  

I joined the GHRM team in April 2024, just ahead of its first launch in September. While the early design and planning were already in motion before I came on board, I’ve had the exciting opportunity to contribute to the final stages and shape the student experience. 

I feel very lucky to be part of such a passionate team of educators, and I’m especially proud to help launch the first fully online MSc programme within the HRM and Employment Relations department at King’s. It’s a milestone we’re all excited about! 

What are the key points prospective students considering applying should know about GHRM?  

If you’re considering the MSc in Global Human Resource Management, I would say start by thinking about where you want your career to go. This programme is designed for professionals who want to grow—not just in HR expertise, but in global outlook and leadership. 

You don’t need to come from a traditional HR background. We welcome people from all walks of life, and your experience, and your unique background will add real value to the learning community. You’ll be surprised how much you learn from your peers. 

To get the most out of the programme, be ready to engage. The more you contribute, whether through discussion, reflection, or collaboration, the richer your experience will be. It's a space to challenge yourself and apply your learning right away. 

And if you’re unsure about anything, whether it’s admissions, workload, or just whether this is the right fit for you, just reach out to us. We’re here to help you through the process and make sure you have all the information you need. 

How will it help elevate people’s careers?  

We developed the GHRM programme with employability in mind and it is designed to equip you with the practical, global, and future-focused skills that employers are looking for. For example, you will build teamwork and collaboration skills by working on group projects and a final consultancy capstone. Just like in real global GR roles, you will learn to navigate time zones, cultures, and perspectives. It’s a great way to sharpen your interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. 

With the growing importance of HR data, the programme also helps you become confident in HR analytics, interpreting workforce metrics to support decision-making in areas like talent planning and organisational development. 

And we also discuss a range of topic issues in contemporary HRM such as the rise of AI and automation in HRM. In my global and comparative HRM module, you will learn about how AI is being used in different HR functions, while critically examining the ethical and inclusive use of new technologies. 

Above all, you’ll constantly apply what you learn. Through international case studies and real-world scenarios, you’ll practice making strategic, culturally aware decisions—preparing you for leadership roles in a truly global HR landscape. 

How do you find teaching online differs to on campus and where is it the same?  

Teaching online differs from on-campus delivery in several important ways, particularly in terms of flexibility and global reach. Online teaching allows students to engage with learning in ways that fit around their professional and personal commitments, something especially valuable at Master’s level, where many are balancing full-time work with study. It also creates a truly international learning environment, where students from different time zones and professional backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to the virtual classroom. 

In terms of pedagogy, online delivery offers rich opportunities for innovation. I am able to make use of interactive tools such as simulations, quizzes, case-based exercises, and multimedia content to create an engaging and applied learning experience. These resources enhance participation and help accommodate a variety of learning styles. 

That said, the core principles of good teaching remain the same. Whether online or on campus, it’s about fostering interaction, encouraging critical thinking, and building a supportive, inclusive learning community. In both formats, I aim to create a space where students feel heard, challenged, and connected to the subject, and to each other. 

Ultimately, I see online teaching not just as a different mode, but as a key enabler of lifelong learning, making high-quality education more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for a global student body. 

And finally, a bit about you. What’s your favourite song to work to? How do you relax after a hard day? What’s been one of your most rewarding memories from teaching at King’s?  

Lately, I’ve been listening to Debussy’s Clair de Lune while working, it brings a sense of calm and a quiet romanticism that helps me stay focused and reflective. After a long day, I wind down by cooking a good homemade meal and reading bedtime stories with my little one. It’s the perfect way for me to reconnect and recharge. 

One of my most rewarding moments at King’s has been hearing students share how much they’ve enjoyed my modules, and more importantly, how they’ve been able to apply what they learned to their work and lives. Seeing that real-world impact is why I love what I do.