Looking for HR courses in Birmingham? Our BA (Hons) Human Resources Management degree allows you to take a year-long sandwich placement in industry.
This course teaches you about the importance of motivating and managing people within a business, showing you the link between successful performance and the people you employ.
Drawing upon all aspects of people management enables you not only to gain the building blocks of knowledge and understanding but also a high degree of professional competence in the field of people management and development.
The course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), demonstrating the high quality provision of our course. You will keep up-to-date with the latest issues and innovations in human resources, supported by your lecturers who have experience of working with some of the biggest names in business, such as Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Nestle and Jaguar Land Rover.
You will develop your skills through real projects, field trips and interactive workshops. This work-integrated approach to learning means that graduates of this course leave with real, practical experience, working for companies such as Superdry and National Express. This course draws upon all aspects of people management, enabling you not only to build knowledge and understanding but also a high degree of professional competence in the field of people management and development.
You will have the option to undertake a work placement to gain practical work experience within a business, ensuring you are prepared for a successful career from the moment you graduate.
We will develop your attributes so you’ll graduate with the potential to become a full corporate member of the CIPD.
Meet or beat our entry requirements and you could be eligible for an achievement scholarship worth £1,000.
*Terms and Conditions apply - some undergraduate courses are not eligible for this scheme. The £1,000 scholarship is made up of an £850 scholarship and £150 free credit to spend in an online shop.
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
This course differs in content from the Business and Human Resource Management course taught with our partners at Kaplan Singapore. Full details.
Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet never thought he would ever get the chance to study in the UK, coming from a small village in the Punjab.
*DLHE 2016/17
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
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GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, at the point of enrolment. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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UK Qualification | Requirements 2019/20 | |
A Level / AS Level | BBC at A Level (112 points). A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. | |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications must be offered. | |
BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D*. Can be offered along with either one A-level, 2 AS-levels or one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification to achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points. | |
BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DMM (112 points). | |
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | D. Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and C), two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points. If taking the IB Certificate you will need to obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1). | |
Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Maximum of three Advanced Highers can be considered together. |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate |
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B plus grades BB at A-Level (or equivalent qualifications). Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and B), two 6-unit BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
There are three ways to apply:
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totaling 120 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totaling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totaling 120 credits). |
You will experience a variety of teaching methods, ranging from a traditional lecture to a workshop, enabling you to lead a group discussion and improve your confidence. You will also attend seminars, where you explore more in-depth topics.
Our modules are delivered using a range of interactive IT interventions, which add a further element of fun and interaction to the learning process.
Each of the modules you study will be supported by Moodle, our virtual learning environment. Here you will find an outline of your modules, the assessments they entail and additional material that’ll help your subject understanding.
Assessment will vary from exams, to presentations, reports and posters.
During your second year, you will be able to take part in an international field trip, taking what you have studied and apply it to a global organisation. In 2016, students visited the EU Parliament in Brussels, gaining valuable first-hand experience of an established international organisation.
Company visits will also take place in each year of study and in recent years, students have visited businesses such as Cadbury World, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. This allows successful students to upgrade their Student Membership to that of Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (Assoc CIPD).
You can also gain international insight and experience a new culture with our Erasmus exchange programme. Students have spent a term at a number of incredible institutions, including the University of San Diego in the USA, as well as destinations in Cyprus and Denmark.
Birmingham City Business School has mapped the learning outcomes of the CIPD Intermediate Level Diploma against the BA (Hons) HRM degree. This provides all students who successfully complete the degree programme the chance to upgrade to associate professional membership of the CIPD.
Students can also go onto study on Master’s courses in International HRM, Management Consultancy and various routes in Management.
"All the course lecturers have an extensive amount of practical experience; therefore they are able to share their knowledge and provide real-life examples in seminars and lectures. They don’t just want us to achieve the bare minimum, but will push and encourage us to achieve our utmost best!"
Graduates will have the courage, confidence and enterprising spirit to make a valued contribution within their workplace.
They are encouraged to take part in the University’s comprehensive Graduate + programme, engage with the regular guest lectures by leading industry figures and attend CIPD events.
You will have access to placement opportunities through the Placement Office. In previous years, students have undertaken placements with established companies such as Hewlett Packard, Audi and Bosch.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
"BCU has opened me up to all cultures, and helped transform me from being a rural villager to an aspirational global change-maker. It has been a big shift, and I never would have thought that I would be in the position I am in today. The university has been a place for me to open up, express myself and realise my potential."
*DLHE Survey 2016/7
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
Carina Matyssek came to us from Germany and is now doing an MA funded by a large, multinational organisation. This means she can work full-time in human resources, while gaining her MA degree.
Our accreditation from CIPD also attracts international students because it shows we have recognised high standards and gives our students the option to gain membership.
We’ve been told that our role-play workshops give international students the chance to practice their language skills in a work environment, and they get to quiz our expert visitors one-on-one to see what actually happens in a UK company.
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our students come from around the world but our business and human resources course is most popular with international students from:
Brunei
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
"As we say at Birmingham City Business School, your career starts as soon as you walk through the door. In your first year of studies, social activities are coupled with academic modules around management, organisations, marketing, finance, HRM, employee engagement covering all the foundations for a successful career in Human Resource Management."
Michalis Kourtidis, Course Leader
Sukhwinder Salh teaches on a number of the undergraduate courses within the business school. Her teaching practice is informed not only from her academic knowledge but also her experience as a HR practitioner, where she worked in a range of industries including finance, retail, not for profit and public sector.