Human Resource Management - BA (Hons)
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Our Human Resource Management (HRM) degree equips you with the tools you need to develop the high-performing workforce and innovative teams demanded by business. 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....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Our Human Resource Management (HRM) degree equips you with the tools you need to develop the high-performing workforce and innovative teams demanded by business.
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.
Reflecting on the current evolution of the HR profession and looking ahead into the near future, you will be provided with progressive opportunities to experience the use of digital technology and advanced technologies in some of the main functions of HRM: immersive realities for Recruiting and Selection, Training and Development, On boarding, Performance Management to name a few.
The course is accredited by the relevant professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), demonstrating the high quality provision of our course. It has been designed to meet the core knowledge and core behaviours of the CIPD Profession Map and incorporates the core curriculum requirements of that organisation such that when you successfully graduate from the course will have full exemption from the academic component of associate membership of the CIPD.
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, in manufacturing, retail, services, hospitality or management consultancy. Guest speakers, from industry and academia, will be invited to provide expert input at both module and course level.
What's covered in this course?
You will gain good understanding of how organisations work and how they change, what the strategic position of Human Resource Management is in organisations and become confident in managing functions of Human Resource Management like Recruitment and Selection, Training & Development, Employment Law and Employee Relations, Performance and Reward Management among others.
You will develop your skills through involvement in real projects, field trips, contemporary methods of teaching 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 CapGemini UK, VirginMedia, CrossCountry Trains and the NHS.
This course draws upon all aspects of people management, enabling you to build knowledge and understanding, as well as develop the right professional behaviours which are required in the field of human resource management.
You will have the option to undertake a work placement to gain practical work experience within a company, ensuring you are prepared for a successful career from the moment you graduate.
Also, you will be given the opportunity to work on and research real business life problems and present your solutions to the companies who would share their issues with you. We will develop your attributes, so (as long as you join the CIPD as a student member) you will graduate with CIPD Associate professional membership and the right to use the designatory letters “Assoc CIPD”.
The international focus of the course is derived through a variety of means including the student body, the teaching team and the use of international teaching materials. Moreover, you can choose to spend a year or a full semester studying your modules overseas at a partner institution.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. We give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients where possible, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
- This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- £1542 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 80 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 40 credits
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.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK 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.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
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.
2) Through a country representative
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.
3) Through UCAS
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.
Personal statement
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:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - 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.
Worried about Personal Statements?
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.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Whilst your degree is a highly valued indicator of achievement and ability for employers, a successful career is also dependent on the development of the right attitudes and behaviours. This is reflected in the findings from a recent survey undertaken by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which identifies that, in addition to qualifications, 60% of employers also look for broader skills when recruiting individuals straight from education.
Have you ever considered why you bought your smartphone? Or why you ate in that fast food restaurant? Or why you decided to buy that brand of trainers? Every day, billions of people spend their money on products and services without necessarily considering why they decided to buy those particular offerings. Whether you are aware of it or not, each of these products and services have been carefully developed to fulfil the needs of a particular target audience of which you may be a part.
This module examines how digital technologies are transforming the ways that organisations do business. Specifically, the module aims to develop your understanding of how advances in internet based innovations, mobile communications technologies and information systems are driving the radical transformations in the business models, economic environments and expansion strategies of organisations.
In an increasingly volatile and ever changing employment environment, how an organisation attracts and retains the right calibre of employee has never been more important or visible. Furthermore, how the organisation gets the best performance possible from its team whilst all the time making sure they are not only safe and cared for, but that they feel safe, included and valued is key to any high performing organisation. In this module you will be introduced to the key aspects of the employee - employer relationship and the role of human resource management in facilitating and managing that relationship.
This is a module that introduces you, at this early stage in your studies, to the basic concepts of organisational life, and how people behave and interact with each other. This module will help you to gain an understanding of the workplace and the ways in which employees behave and act within an organisation. In doing so, the module draws not only on the most prevalent theoretical perspectives, but also on concrete practical examples and case studies from a range of countries and from organisations in public, private or not-for-profit sectors. This is a highly interactive module that supports you in making an effective and smooth transition to Higher Education while also engaging you in a variety of group discussions, presentations and activities that develop your employability skills.
This module will provide a gentle introduction to the world of accounting and finance for business managers of the future and is designed for those new to accounting or those studying on non-accounting related degree programmes.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
This module aims to enable you to build a strong understanding of the legal issues that impact on the “people” aspects of the business within the context of the wider employment relationship. Studying this module will provide you with a deep insight into the practical steps employers need to consider when dealing with employment issues in order to minimise the risk of employment tribunal claims.
In this module, you are given opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the development of soft skills, necessary for a manager, to prepare you for the for placement activities and for modern working life. During the module, you are given the opportunity to record your competencies using online recruitment platforms.
Getting the right person in the right role at the right time is a key priority for organisations as they look to recruit and select new staff. Recruiting and selecting employees are usually seen together in practice and academia, however they are really separate HRM activities. You will learn the meaning of the two constructs and explore the two processes underlying them and how they inter-relate.
This module looks at the important contribution that an efficient and effective human resource management capability can add to an organisation. The purpose of this module is to introduce you to human resources (HR) activity and to the role of the HR function in organisations in general terms. It focuses on the aims and objectives of HR departments in contemporary organisations and particularly on the ways that these are evolving. Different ways of delivering HR objectives and emerging developments in the management of the employment relationship are explored, as well as the methods that can be used to demonstrate that the function adds value for organisations.
There are many similarities between the roles of managers and management consultants. In fact, managers are often considered to be ‘internal consultants’, as Butler (2010) comments “An effective manager is increasingly an effective consultant”.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
In this module you will explore the role of entrepreneurship and small business management with the view of sustainability. You will investigate and explore how organisations firstly form, then how they begin to evolve and be introduced to the planning required to establish the feasibility of a new venture, firstly with the idea and then how it will operate. You will use the opportunity recognition process to identify potential ideas either as a business start-up, a new venture in an existing business or a social enterprise, and taken forward as a solution to a contemporary issue.
In today’s complex and highly dynamic global business environment, managers are expected to possess and utilise the requisite skills and sound application of knowledge to set and meet goals. This module takes a practitioner based, blended learning approach towards embedding key management and leadership principles in the global context, as well as intercultural competency and a range of transferable employability skills. Consequently, it provides a progressive conduit for you to gain a broad understanding of global issues affecting managers today as well as preparing you to be global managers of the future.
This module, where a programme of study enables it, is open to Business School students, who choose to undertake an international Study Abroad mobility experience within their second year of study. The aim of this module is to enable you to explore your mobility experience through a cross-cultural lens that focusses on the key themes of your discipline in an international context, together with your personal development. This is achieved by activities that draw on research enquiry, creativity, culture, reflection and professional development.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module will to provide you with a broad understanding of how HR professionals work to ensure that once employees are hired they stay in their organisations and do not leave. You will learn that this is a strategic matter for any type of organisation in all sectors and it is closely related with increased performance. Employee turnover and retention is managed not only by HR specialists, but all organisational members, so you will learn how HR professionals facilitate the right actions of everyone who manages people. Retaining employees is an orchestrated concern which begins from the time an employee joins an organisation. You will be introduced to theories of Person-Organisation fit and Job Embeddedness.
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of the concepts, frameworks and approaches for the effective management of strategic change and its leadership. Consideration will also be given to the complexity of business operations, the rapid pace of technological innovation, and globalisation of businesses.You will explore drivers and challenges of strategic change in an organisational context as well as approaches for successful implementation of various change interventions.
This module enables you to build an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of learning and development within the workplace. Studying this module encourages you to offer critical insight into the practical uses of Learning and Development (L&D) and Human Resource Development (HRD) interventions, specifically coaching, mentoring and reflective practice. The module facilitates the considerations employers need to make when planning, delivering and evaluating coaching and development activities as part of delivering L&D strategy within organisations.
This module will provide you with the foundation and understanding of the function of Performance and Reward Management and its role in promoting organisation competitive advantage. In it, you will examine various performance management systems and total reward approaches in an organisational and international context and, through this examination, you will gain a strong understanding of specific tools and practices.
This module provides a framework with which to undertake a substantial, disciplinary-relevant, research project. This is dependent on the subject you are studying or degree pathway you are pursuing. For example, it may be a study into marketing and public relations, human resource management, accounting and finance, or strategy. The module provides a framework for integrating the principles, tools and methods of your programme, developing your practitioner skills via research methods, analytical tools and techniques. The project requires a high degree of professionalism in time management and managing the supervisory relationship. It is a requirement that the project adheres to the framework of ethical approval applied in the Business School in the year of study.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowThis course is accredited by:
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).
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
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.
Placements
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.
International
Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Our Business programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business 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.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Michalis Kourtidis
Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management
Michalis is a passionate Human Resource Management (HRM) and Organisational Behaviour (OB) enthusiast with a dual focus on academia and industry. His Ph.D. research delved into the retention of professional chefs, utilizing the Repertory Grid Technique. His academic journey began with studies in Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology, majoring...
More about MichalisDr Andrew Hambler
Associate Professor in Employment Law and Human Resource Management
Dr Andrew Hambler is a former HR Consultant who worked for many years for the financial services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, progressing to manager. Andrew started working in Higher Education in 2004 and, since June 2018, has been employed as Associate Professor in Employment Law and Human Resources at Birmingham City University.
More about AndrewJoyce Buckingham
Teaching Fellow
A successful Business individual with a background in Human Resources. Holder of both Professional qualifications (FCIPD), BPS, coach and mentor awards and academically qualified to Master's level and PCGE level and qualified to teach and develop students and all levels of staff in a HE/FE/Secondary or business environment. Excellent...
More about JoyceDr Tracy Hui
Lecturer in Management
Tracy held the position of Programme Director for an HRM undergraduate programme in Hong Kong. With a diverse background encompassing education, counselling, HRM, and business administration, she was frequently invited to deliver a wide range of learning and development programmes for business corporations.
More about TracyAnh Phan
Assistant Lecturer
Anh is a Lecturer and PhD researcher in AI and HRM at Birmingham City University. Anh has been following the professional and academic route to become a qualified lecturer and education facilitator. Her research field centres on innovation and advanced technologies in the realm of Human Resource Management and Business Administration. Anh is...
More about Anh