BSc Human Resource Management (HRM)

4 year with integrated placement year / 3 year course without integrated placement year option only available for non-EU students

UCAS Code: N600

Typical offers:
A Levels: AAB - ABB 
IB: 35/34 points. Minimum scores of 6, 6, 5 at Higher level. Minimum scores of 5 in English and Maths at Standard level.
BTEC, Access & other: BTEC National Diploma DDD. Access to HE students are eligible to apply for this course.

Further requirements: 
GCSEs grades A*- C to include:
GCSE Maths – grade C
GCSE English – grade C
Please note that General Studies does not contribute towards the UCAS points requirement but is welcomed as an additional qualification..

Tuition fees: £9,000 (£1,000 during placement year) for UK/EU students. £13,800 for International students (2016). More on fees

Understanding the human side of organisations is central to their performance and effectiveness. As organisations change, grow, divide, develop and operate internationally, professional knowledge of the part played by their people is essential at both operational and board levels.

Our degree course considers how people, processes and structures interrelate. It focuses on the crucial part played by individuals and groups in organisation processes, such as decision making, planning and managing new technology. You will develop an appreciation of the central importance of human resource strategies for all organisations.

After a broad-based common first year you then specialise in human resource management issues in the second and final years. This common first year allows you the flexibility to change your degree course if you wish.
 

Year 1

You will follow the Aston Business School common first year studying a wide range of business subjects. This approach gives you a solid foundation in all of the key areas of business and management. The modules are

• Principals of Financial Accounting 
  
• Introduction to Management Accounting
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
• International Perspectives in Organisations
• Law for Business
• Introduction to Marketing Management
• Foundations of Business Analytics
• Principles of Operations Management
• Information Technology for Business
• Economic Environment for Business
• Topics in Applied Economics

Year 2

You will be guided towards the management of people and the strategies of human resource management. You will also develop sound theoretical bases for considering the ways in which people behave and contribute to organisations. The modules are:

• Strategic Finance
• Theories and Practice of Human Resource Management
• Psychology and Work
• Effective Teamwork
• Developing Creativity at Work
• Strategy for Future Leaders
• Business Game
• Business Policy
• Business, Government and Society

*Double module

Year 3

You will spend this year in a professional placement or you may choose to take up an international study opportunity at one of our partner institutions. This year is compulsory for all UK and EU students.

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

You will explore how organisations relate to their wider context from both a socio-psychological and socio-economic perspective. In particular you will examine how changes in the external environment (social, financial, competitive and legislative) relate to the processes of management. The modules are:

• Strategic Management*
• Global Working
• Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management*
• Theory and Practice of Leadership*
• Strategic Aspects of Organisational Performance
• Business Ethics
• Employee Relations and Legal Issues in HRM*
• Learning, Training and Development in Organisations

* Double module

You will experience a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, group-working, case studies and both individual and group presentations. Traditional teaching is supported by a virtual learning environment that is used to host a range of electronic supporting materials.

For example all business students undertake the Business Game module and compete in teams in a computer simulation exercise that culminates in a presentation to a panel of external employers

Assessment is provided by a mix of coursework and examination.

Students who are made an offer will receive a detailed programme specification which forms part of our terms and conditions. 

Professional accreditation

Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is open to Human Resource Management graduates. They can also claim exemptions from the examinations of a number of professional bodies.

At present exemptions are available from:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

• Association of International Accountants

Teaching staff

 Ms Kathy Daniels
Course Director

Carole Parkes
Senior Lecturer
Work and Organisational Psychology Group
Carole's research interests are within business ethics, commitment & justice, the psychological contract and strategic human resource management.

Dr Stephen Woods 
Lecturer
Work and Organisational Psychology Group
Steve is well known in the UK and internationally for his work on personality trait assessment and structure.

Professor Pawan Budhwar
Head of the Work and Organisational Psychology Group
Current research projects being pursued: Transfer of HRM policies and practices from headquarters of multinational companies to Indian subsidiaries, Expatriation, HRM and firm's performance, and Work processes in Indian call centres.

Our integrated placement year course allows you to undertake a professional paid placement, where you gain valuable practical management experience within accounting, finance or management

We have links to over 1000 different organisations and advertise around 3000 posts each year to our students.

The opportunity to undertake a study placement with one of our international partner institutions is also available if you would prefer.

Find out more about the placement year at ABS.

Human Resource Management graduates are in demand from a wide range of organisations that are in need of managers who understand the human side of the enterprise. Recent graduates have gained employment both at home and overseas in a variety of organisations and positions including:

• House of Fraser – Employee Relations Administrator
• Abbey National – Graduate HR Scheme
• National Autistic Society – Employment Co-ordinator
• AgustaWestland Helicopters – Graduate Trainee
• WH Smiths Europe Travel Retail – Training and Communications Manager
• Ernst and Young – Graduate Recruitment Administrator.

Our teaching accommodation has very recently been completely refurbished and all lecture theatres and seminar rooms are fully equipped with the latest teaching aids. Extensive use is made of our Virtual Learning Environment to help support your studies.

Aston Business School has dedicated computer suites for the exclusive use of its undergraduates and many campus areas are WI-FI networked. The university library facilities are extensive, modern and accessible and specialist staff are available to help you find the information you need.