The Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) is the flagship graduate program of UP SOLAIR. It is designed for professionals seeking to master the complexities of the modern workplace, from labor advocacy and policy-making to strategic human resource management.

As a multidisciplinary program, the MIR integrates sociology, economics, law, political science, and psychology to provide a comprehensive lens on the changing world of work.

The MIR program allows students to focus their expertise in one of four key areas, ensuring their education aligns with their specific career goals:

• Labor-Management Relations (LMR): Focuses on labor relations and standards including collective bargaining, dispute settlement, and industrial democracy.

• Human Resource Development (HRD): Emphasizes organizational behavior, training, and strategic personnel management.

• Labor Policy and Administration (LPA): Concentrates on labour policy analysis, social legislations, and public policy and administration.

• Comparative Industrial Relations (CIR): Explores global labor trends and compares and contrasts industrial relations systems across different countries. 

Students can choose between two tracks depending on their academic and professional interests:

Plan A: Thesis Track

• Best for: Those interested in research, academia, or advanced policy analysis.

• Requirement: Must obtain 1.5 grade in IR299 and 33 units (27 units of coursework + 6 units for Thesis).

• Outcome: Completion and successful defense of a Master's Thesis.

Plan B: Non-Thesis Track

• Best for: Practitioners and managers focusing on professional application and leadership.

• Requirement: 39 units of coursework.

• Outcome: Passing a comprehensive examination covering general theories and the chosen area of specialization.

The MIR is part of a ladderized system. Most students begin their journey through the Diploma in Industrial Relations (Dip IR).

• Advancement to MIR: Students who complete the 21 units of the Diploma program with a Weighted Average of 1.75 or better are eligible to apply for formal admission into the Master’s program.

• Classes for Professionals: To accommodate working students, classes are primarily held on weekday evenings (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and Saturdays.

Admissions & Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply if my undergraduate degree is not in HR or Psychology?

Yes. We welcome applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from any academic or professional discipline. While not strictly required, we prefer applicants with at least two (2) years of work experience or a demonstrated interest in industrial relations and human resource management.

Is there a minimum General Weighted Average (GWA) requirement?

Ideally, applicants should have a GWA of 2.00 or higher. However, the Admission Committee performs a holistic review, evaluating each application based on a combination of academic records, professional credentials and results from the entrance examinations.

I cannot contact a former professor for a recommendation. Are there alternatives?

Yes. You may submit two (2) recommendation forms from your current or former supervisors/employers. Recommenders have the option to send their forms directly to the school via email.

Entrance Examination & Interview

What is the application process for the entrance exam?

Once you have uploaded your required documents via Google Forms, the Office of the College Secretary (OCS) will send a confirmation email within 2 to 3 working days. This email will contain instructions for the Php 600.00 application fee and further exam details.

What is the coverage of the entrance exam?

The examination evaluates several core competencies, including:

• Analytical Skills: Abstract and logical reasoning.

• Communication: Writing and verbal skills.

• General Knowledge: Current affairs, national development, industrial relations, HR/organizational development, labor administration, and relevant laws/policies.

How will the exams and interviews be conducted?

• Entrance Exam: Held on-site at Bonifacio Hall, School of Labor and Industrial Relations for regular/residential DipIR. Online examinations shall be held for the online DipIR applicants.

• Interview: Conducted for applications with conditional results from the entrance exams. It is conducted virtually via Zoom.

Program Structure & Logistics

Can I skip the Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR) and go straight to the Master’s program?

No. Our Master’s degree is a ladderized program. All students must first complete 21 units with a minimum grade average of 1.75. Upon meeting these requirements, students are conferred the Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR) and become eligible to proceed to the Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) program.

What is the class schedule and recommended unit load?

To accommodate our professional students, classes are held outside standard business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The recommended load for working students is 3 to 6 units per semester. Enrolling in additional units requires evaluation by a program adviser and endorsement from the College Secretary.

How are classes delivered?

SOLAIR utilizes a blended learning model:

• Online DipIR (ODIP) Courses: Offered purely online.

• Blended Classes: A mix of synchronous and asynchronous sessions conducted face-to-face or via platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet.

• Resources: Asynchronous learning is supported through the University Virtual Learning Environment (UVLE).

Tuition & Fees

How much is the tuition fee?

Tuition is calculated at Php 2,000.00 per unit. For a standard load of six (6) units, the estimated cost is approximately Php 14,000.00 per semester, which includes miscellaneous fees and the student fund. Payment can be made online or at the Diliman Cash Office.