Course description

As organisations are becoming increasingly complex, the role of human resource management has never been more vital.  In this degree, you’ll study the relationship between employers and employees, making links between theory and practice.

The first six modules of this degree focus on the theoretical basis behind the science of human resource management.  At the end of these six modules you will:

• Be able to demonstrate how an understanding of the issues involved in HRM can assist the human resource manager in managing staff effectively.
• Compare and contrast formal and informal learning and be able to discuss the merits of each.
• Discuss how effective employee development can impact upon an organisation’s performance whilst assessing the theory and practice of management considering the importance of leadership and the HRM function.

Students will then build on the theories and topics covered while moving towards an in-depth focus on some of the key issues within human resource management, human development and organisational behaviour.  By selecting which modules you wish to study, you can tailor the course to your interests and career objectives.  By the end of the BSc you will:

• Understand the key principles of high-performance working and critically review the links between performance and HRM practices.
• Evaluate the tensions between the interests of employers and employees in the management of performance.
• Be able to identify recent trends and issues concerning flexible learning in the workplace.

Finally, your dissertation will bring all your learning together to produce an in-depth piece of research.  Throughout the course you will also complete formative training in research methods and academic writing skills to support your studies.

Entry requirements

• A relevant Level 4 academic qualification (e.g. Certificate of Higher Education; Higher National Certificate (HNC))

OR

• Significant work experience of at least three years in a relevant area, such as human resources, training, management or similar.  Applicants should be prepared to show how their experience has contributed to their learning as part of the application process.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Careers and employability

Our Business, Management and Human Resources courses have been developed with the professional in mind and offer many opportunities for career enhancement.  Our courses are both intellectually stimulating and relevant to career needs, a fact endorsed by over 20,000 School of Business graduates from over 100 countries.

Studying for a distance learning qualification can help your career prospects – you will gain the deeper knowledge and high-end skills that will set you apart.  Studying with us gives a clear signal to employers.  It demonstrates that you have the spark, ambition and commitment to take your career to the next level.  YOur employer will also benefit directly from your newly acquired understanding and capabilities.

Graduates from this course tend to move on to careers in human resources, training, management or industrial relations within organisations. The course also provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills enabling students to progress on to Masters level study, particularly our MSc in Human Resource Management and Training.

Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or Skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Course structure

• Academic Writing Skills
• Workplace Learning and Human Resource Management
• Organisational Behaviour and Employee Development
• Management in Organisations
• Personnel and Human Resource Management
• Culture and the International Context
• Case Study

Option modules

Choose three option modules from:

• E-learning
• Industrial Relations in a Changing Economy
• Labour Market Themes, Issues and Controversies
• High-Performance Work Practices
• Equality and Diversity

Teaching and learning

The first five modules are assessed through 3,000 – 4,000 word assignments.  The Case Study requires a shorter research report of 2,000 – 3,000 words.

Your option modules are assessed through 3,000 – 4,000 word assignments.  The Research Methods module requires you to put together a portfolio which will form your research proposal, leading to a dissertation of 9,000 words based on independent supervised research.

When you start you will initially complete an Academic Writing Skills portfolio which will introduce you to the study requirements of the course.

Delivered via online learning materials, this course allows you to study in your own time and space so that you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments.  Studying by distance learning has the benefit of allowing you to develop your career without having to leave employment.  It also means you can apply new knowledge and insights into your working life whilst you are still studying.  Teaching for our distance learning courses is facilitated through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, which can be accessed online from anywhere in the world.