Undergraduate Course
Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
Develop your skills as a team player, a group member, and a manager of others.
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Human Resources Management is about people. You will specialise in HR Management and gain an insight into how managers work to meet organisational objectives. Develop the skills you need to be effective as a human resources leader in the dynamic digital age.
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York campus
- UCAS Code – N112 (N222 with placement year)
- Duration – 3 years full time, 4 years full time with placement
- Start date – September 2023, September 2024
- School – York Business School
Minimum Entry Requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition Fees
UK 2023 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2023 entry £13,000 per year full time
Discover Human Resource Management at York St John University
Course overview
This course will give you an understanding of how human resources (HR) managers operate and how skilled managers can contribute to the success of a business and it's employees. Whether you want to set up your own business, work in a large corporation or in the public sector, we can help you achieve your goals.
As the global business environment continues to become more competitive and challenging, businesses need to take more risks. They need to develop sustainable business models that serve their customers and have a positive impact on society. We will prepare you for a career in this rapidly changing business and social environment, equipping you with the skills needed to adapt and develop as a people professional. You will develop into a graduate who is able to improve the quality of human resource management decision making, leadership and business practice across a range of organisations and in a variety of contexts.
As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities.
As a Business School we are passionate about social responsibility and sustainability. These values and this commitment will be embedded throughout this course. We are a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory for the United Nations. Our mission is to develop your potential so that you can make a difference in society.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.
In your first year, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will examine the nature of business enterprise, its relationship with wider society and what it means to be a responsible business. We will explore ideas including:
- Stakeholder theory
- The triple bottom line
- Corporate social responsibility
- Business ethics
- The role of the state
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your knowledge, awareness and understanding of the most challenging issues facing organisations today, the roles of people in the workplace. You will examine and critically assess concepts and issues associated with behaviour in organisations. You will learn about the characteristics of work organisation, the context of behaviour and how different factors affect individual and organisational performance.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will introduce you to the exciting and increasingly complex work of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. You will gain an understanding of how a business interacts with its environment. You will also explore modern discussions about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. You will investigate theories relating to the business environment, which will develop your ability to analyse and address different managerial issues.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
In the age of Big Data, analytics is becoming a necessity in all areas of business. It is an essential tool to drive managerial decisions and sustain competitive advantage. You will consider the importance of visualising and understanding data, and representing data so it can be used for decision making. You will also examine the importance of big data in today’s business environment and the increasing significance of Blockchain.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore how organisations can encourage employee performance by creating a high performance work organisation (HPWO). You will consider performance as an enhancement process for organisations, by developing the abilities of individuals and teams. You will also take into account various different organisational contexts and environments.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will first examine the employee life cycle and how people practice impacts work, along with how policy, regulation and law underpin people practices. You will learn how different stakeholder management models are important to further people practices. You will also examine development tools and models in people practice and learn how these could help develop talent.
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain an understanding of the key concepts and principles in business management practice. You will consider the differences between management and leadership and the impact different management practices have on organisations. You will also analyse your own management and leadership skills and devise a personal plan with the chance to develop your skills further.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Policy development and changes in modern practices have changed how organisations approach their recruitment strategies. A strategic approach to managing a diverse workforce is an essential requirement of all organisations. On this module you will study the concepts and principles related to managing a workforce, exploring the issues associated with implementing diversity strategies.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain a broad understanding of employee resourcing. This will include understanding the competitive business environment, changing labour markets and regulatory environments. You will explore Human Resource Planning (HRP) and job design, recruitment and selection models, processes and tools. You will look at how organisations position themselves within labour markets. You will also take an ethical approach as you examine:
- Staff turnover
- Induction and retention
- Succession planning
- Retirement and dismissal processes
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Organisations need to understand how and why data is acquired, and have the ability to collect, analyse and interpret it. On this module you will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods and how to use them to your work. We will help you develop skills in data collection, analysis and reporting your findings. You will also develop your project planning and management skills as a way to manage the research process.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Enhance your future employability by experiencing the workplace. We have designed this module to help you develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in different areas related to your career. You will engage with issues such as:
- Career decision making
- The recruitment cycle
- Applying for jobs
- Interviewing
As part of this module you will embark on a work placement or business project in a group, or individually.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module aims to develop you into a confident, enterprising and creative graduate who will be able to cope with the ever changing business environment, recognise opportunities and to take responsible and measured risks. This is a very practical module. Starting with an initial idea, you will explore and assess a business opportunity and present a feasible business concept. Working alone or in groups, you will develop skills in collecting, analysing and organising ideas and information.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Managing and developing talent is important for increasing organisational performance. You will explore the strategic nature of talent development in organisations as they compete with each other to secure and develop a competitive workforce. You will investigate the factors you need to consider when implementing and evaluating inclusive learning and development (L and D) activities. You will also consider how different L and D delivery methods can enhance inclusive learning, such as:
- Formal
- Informal
- Action learning
- Coaching and mentoring
- E-learning and blended learning
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- A compulsory dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Optional Placement Year
As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. If you choose not to do a full year, you can do a shorter placement module in Year 2. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This module is your chance to plan and conduct a piece of independent research. You will be able to choose from the following projects:
- Traditional dissertation: Plan and conduct a piece of independent research. Present your findings in a writing.
- Business Research Project: Complete a small scale piece of individual research work.
- Consultancy Project: Work with industry professionals and investigate a business project and produce a research based report.
- Business creation project: Develop a full business proposal and plan. Use primary and secondary research to support your work.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn to evaluate how HR professionals deliver services to organisations. This includes considering the challenges involved in maintaining and managing these services. This will help you to apply relevant concepts, theories and models to analyse how the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) policy impacts organisational outcomes.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The purpose of organisational development is to help organisations perform better by improving the people. This includes developing business decision making processes, improving knowledge transfer and designing flexible and creative working environments.
On this module you will explore:
- Organisational design
- The concept, value and philosophy of organisational development
- Strategic planning and organisational development
- The diverse techniques and intervention strategies that support organisational development
- The role of consultants in the change process
- Issues around resistance and conflict at an individual, group and organisational level
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will investigate globalisation and the international dimensions of Human Resource Management (HRM) within the context of the changing global economy. You will examine globalisation debates, changing global business strategies and people management.
On this module you will explore:
- Global integration
- Cultural differences
- Approaches to employment regulation
- HRM and contextual pressures and responses
- HRM policies and practices in different countries
- The development of multinationals and expatriate employment
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about how leadership and people practices impact on behaviour and wider culture. You will use insights from behavioural science to examine the nature of work and explore the intricacies of how culture drives performance. You will look at how ethical norms and mindsets influence behaviour and shape culture, and the implications for HR professionals.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions. This includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Guest speakers
- Workshops
- Events
Each module has 3.5 hours of contact time a week. This consists of a 1.5 hour lecture and a 2 hour seminar. 1 to 1 time can be booked through our tutorial booker system.
You will have regular individual tutorial sessions with your academic tutors to support your learning. You will also have opportunities to gain work experience through modules which take your learning beyond the classroom and into the city.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
We use a wide variety of assessment types, which help you to develop skills relevant to the workplace. This includes:
- Written assignments
- Individual and group presentations
- Exams
- Practical activities
You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work for your graded assessments. We will advise you on developing your skills, useful areas for research and how to extend your business knowledge further.
Professional skills
We encourage you to extend your learning through Continuing Professional Development as you study. Our Success Lab provides extra events, short courses and opportunities to help you make the most of your degree. The academic and professional skills you develop through this will help to boost your employability when you graduate.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Human Resource Management
On this course you will build transferrable skills that can be applied to many different careers. You will develop skills in communication, research, negotiation, people management, problem solving and more.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Human resources officer
- Arbitrator
- Careers adviser
- Management consultant
- Talent agent
- Training and development officer
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate courses at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Entry Requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International Students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Advanced Entry
Considering transferring to join us in year 2 or 3 of our Business Courses? Please see our Advanced Entry page for information on the courses available and how to apply.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and Funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2023 entry
The tuition fee for 2023 entry onto this course is £9,250 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition Fees
UK 2023 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2023 entry £13,000 per year full time
International 2023 entry
The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this course is £13,000 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
More than a degree
Throughout the course there are opportunities to engage with practising HR managers and business partners. You can also take part in work experience and internships.
Guest speakers
We offer a programme of inspiring guest speakers which will enhance your learning and links with the HR community.
Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)
York Business School is one of only a few Business Schools to be a signatory of the United National Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME have identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address some of our most critical economic, social, environmental and governance challenges. All of our courses are aligned to these goals, and we also contribute to the goals through our research.