BA in Human Resource Management

Our Human Resource Management (HRM) degree equips you with the tools you need to develop the high-performing workforce and innovative teams demanded by businesses.

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, Onboarding, 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 a 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 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 levels.

What's covered in this course?

You will gain a 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 a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree 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.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-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 (£1,850 for UK students).

Why choose us?

This degree course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This means that the course is as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession. In all of our courses, you will gain a professional focus and real-world experience in human resource management, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the business world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long professional placement as part of your degree course. Everything we do starts with business so naturally, we have strong links with key organisations in the local community, such as Birmingham City Council and the NHS, and accrediting bodies such as the CIPD, bringing you closer to industry professionals and providing you with key contacts. You’ll hear from leading industry speakers, who will offer relevant, contemporary advice and insight into the latest sector developments. Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, including our many overseas study exchange programmes. As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd at graduation.

With around 29,000 students from 100 countries, (HESA Student Record 2020/21 © Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited) Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

The University for Birmingham

We put £270 million into the regional economy and support thousands of jobs in the area. We're investing £340 million in our estate, including a major expansion of our city-centre campus at Eastside, providing students with an enviable range of facilities.

Social responsibility

At Birmingham City University we are committed to transforming students’ lives and enhancing opportunity through education and advancement. We play a key role in supporting the economy and public sector in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as the University for the city of Birmingham.

Whether developing research to enable people to lead healthier lives, decrease bullying in schools or help talented children in South Africa reach their musical potential, Birmingham City University undertakes a wide variety of work to ensure that we operate as a socially responsible University.

On Monday 17 September 2018, we announced that staff had voted for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to be the University’s Chosen Charities.