Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Business with Human Resource Management

Salford Business School

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2024

Introduction

In a nutshell

Regardless of sector, the human resources professional who can motivate employees, whilst protecting the organisation from non-compliance, is highly sought after.

Our BSc Business with Human Resource Management degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development. This shows that the course reflects the CIPD’s national framework; it is also highly practical, reflective of HR best practice and the current needs of employers. You will study at our University of Salford campus close to Manchester city centre.

This programme is available with professional placement or study abroad year. 

We strongly encourage you to develop your personal skills and your confidence by taking a year-long work placement in your third year and/or studying abroad for a term or a year. To find out more, attend an Open Day or contact the team.

BE INDUSTRY READY 

This degree sets Human Resource Management (HRM) within the wider business context; right from year one, you will start to develop an understanding of how organisations run while covering the key aspects of HRM such as employee engagement, awareness of organisational culture, effective communication and employment law.  You will also build your personal portfolio of professional evidence which will enhance your CV and help you in job applications and interviews.

There is an emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices as well as the technical tools you need so you develop as a rounded HR professional. We have worked with industry partners to make sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed to prepare you for a successful management career. We are proud to work with our student panel to ensure our teaching is relevant, inclusive and respectful for all.

The lecturers who deliver this programme have a wealth of academic and professional expertise. Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from their support, experience and industry connections to help you prepare for your future career.

Wondering if Human Resource Management is for you?  Read Hatty's blog post to find out more about the course and the extra opportunities she has had to help students.

During your degree, you will have the option to participate in the Study Abroad programme. The programmes allows you the chance to spend your second year studying on an international exchange with one of our global partner institutions in Europe, the US or the rest of the world.

As part of this course, you will learn: 

Body swap technology, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Excel – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft PowerPoint – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Word – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Project – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Outlook – LinkedIn Learning, iDea Bronze Award, Microsoft Specialist - Microsoft 365, Power BI

Want to find out more about our Business coursesSign-up to an Open Day or attend a campus tour. Explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour. Our supportive course enquiries team can also help you with any general questions you may have.

"There’s a big emphasis on career services at Salford. I attended workshops to help me with CV writing and employability skills" - Perle Esmail, BSc Human Resource Management (now called BSc Business with Human Resource Management)

You will:

  • Develop core HR skills required to manage people effectively.
  • Study in a dynamic environment and learn practical management skills from business simulations and live projects.
  • Build your own personal portfolio to enhance your CV and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to future employers.
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

CIPD logo
Logo and link for Small Business Charter
iDEA logo

This is for you if...

1.

You are eager to develop sought-after skills through work placements, study abroad schemes, and real-world learning

2.

You understand the importance of effectively managing personnel resources to a business

3.

You aim to learn both the theoretical concepts and practical aspects of human resource management

Course details

All about the course

CAREER FOCUSSED, HANDS ON LEARNING

This course will begin by developing your knowledge and understanding of key business management concepts along with the fundamental principles of HRM.

By working on live projects and business simulations, you will develop your core skills such as problem-solving, leadership, communication and data analysis. In this way, you will learn to find creative, sustainable and ethical solutions to HR problems. Throughout your time with us, you will build your own portfolio of professional evidence which you will be able to use to help you get a rewarding job when you graduate.

  1. In your first year, you will start to develop an understanding of how organisations work and the role of HR in them. You will look at the key skills you need as an HR professional and how these support the organisation’s culture.
  2. The second year is all about exploring more specialised HRM theories and learning skills that will be transferable across multiple business functions.  With core and optional modules, you can start to shape your own learning. The Professional Development module is designed for you to practise the skills you need – CV writing, being interviewed, assessment centres - to apply for and get a placement year and, ultimately, your dream job on graduation. 
  3. By your final year, you are becoming an HR professional, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and understanding how to think strategically. Core modules increase your in depth knowledge and continue your career development while optional modules allow you to specialise in your areas of interest. You will have the opportunity to work on a real-life organisational HR issue. Through our partnership with Salford City Council, you will work on a brief provided by them and present your proposal to a joint University and council panel. Students with the most compelling proposals can even go on to secure a year-long work placement with Salford City Council. Read about Georgiana Matoianu's experience winning a work placement and working with Salford City Council.
BUILD YOUR CV

When you study a business programme at Salford Business School, you will have access to opportunities that will help increase your practical experience, employability and entrepreneurial skills. 

  • Take a placement year, where you will learn on the job whilst being paid for your time
  • Internship opportunities
  • Mock assessment centres
  • Professional presentations
  • Business challenges
  • Business simulations
  • Launch@Salford
  • Mock interviews and practice networking
WORK PLACEMENTS / STUDY ABROAD

We strongly encourage you to develop your personal skills and your confidence by taking a year-long work placement in your third year and/or studying abroad for a term or a year.  

  • A work placement really enhances your CV and shows future employers that you can apply the skills, knowledge and understanding you have learned. You will not pay fees to the University and will earn a salary for the work that you do. Read about  Neil's experience on work placement  with Health Education England.
  • Find out more about the range of International Opportunities such as Erasmus, Turing Scheme and International study exchanges.
LAUNCH@SALFORD

Interested in starting your own business? At Salford Business School we value entrepreneurial minds and aim to provide the support and resources needed for anyone wishing to build on a great business idea.  Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections. Launch@Salford also provides specialist support in the runnings of a start-up as well as opportunities to receive financial support

    All set? Apply Now

    Year one

    Introduction to Human Resources

    This module introduces the distinct contribution that Human Resource Management (HRM) policy and practice makes to both employee and organisation performance and success. By looking at different companies working in the UK, you will grow your knowledge and understanding of the role of HRM in the wider organisational context.  Using “real life” examples, you'll develop an understanding of the inter-relationship between the dynamic nature of social relationships within a range of organisations, the broader external environment, and the effective management of employees and employment relations.

    Digital and Business Skills

    The Digital and Business Skills module introduces a range of digital tools for academia and the workplace. Important business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the module. Regular engagement with online platforms provides tasks to improve digital competency. Also, cocreation work presents self-reflection and confidence building opportunities.  Gaining the inspiring digital enterprise award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn learning assessments for Microsoft software applications, and completing collaborative video creation tasks will increase your digital and business skills as you progress towards the completion of this module. Digital Business is here to stay, so it is vital to improve these 21st century skills.

    Understanding Organisations

    This module provides you with an introduction to the key functions of business and is an opportunity to see how they work. You will get an understanding of functions including people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how they underpin business success. This is illustrated through the lens of some of the successful businesses from across the Greater Manchester region that Salford Business School work with: we will look at a range of businesses including startups, family businesses and large scale enterprises and multinationals from different industry sectors. It is a first opportunity to see what makes businesses tick and will help you think about your future learning and employment journeys.

    HR Business Skills

    On this module you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills connected with culture and communications within organisations. You will develop your soft skills and your understanding of the wider context and the role and importance of culture and communication within an organisation.  The module adopts a holistic view of communication to ensure that you develop your skills in terms of communication at all levels both inside and outside the organisation. The module concentrates on the use of technology and looks specifically at social media as a communication tool. 

    The Future of Business

    What are the opportunities for business in the future? Starting with a grounding in the business context you will gain an understanding of economics and the digital environment, including the role of the digital economy. We will explore some of the key challenges that are on the horizon such as the impact of massive digitisation and industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency, and look at the opportunities for business to provide responsible and sustainable solutions

    Data Analysis for Business

    In this module you will be introduced to a variety of data analysis methods, which will be practiced on real world data sets. Regular formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

    You will have an opportunity to formulate your own research questions before analysing data to draw reasonable conclusions. The module will predominantly utilise real data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing conclusions.

    Year two

    Professional Development

    This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities. 

    Watch this video to hear what students say about the module.

    Managing and Coordinating Human Resources

    This module aims to offer you a holistic view of the Human Resource Management function and an introduction to managing and coordinating its key functions. It also establishes the aims and objectives of HR departments in contemporary organisations.

    Business Intelligence and Dashboards

    Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis for management decision making, which will be practiced on real data sets aligned to students’ named degree titles. Formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

    The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisation of scarce resources etc.

    Project Management

    During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.

    We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.

    Employment Law for Business

    You will gain an appreciation of how Employment Law is formulated, identifying those aspects of Employment Law that impact critically upon business practice. These include employment status, the employment contract and health and safety as well as discrimination, discipline and dismissal, and trade union matters. You will look at those aspects of Employment Law which provide the legal framework for employment relationships and regulate the working environment and develop the ability to apply the rules of Employment Law to solve problems in business practice.  

    Live Project in HRM

    This module gives you the opportunity to choose and carry out a piece of independent research within your chosen field of HRM. By learning to use the information available to you, you will enhance your research skills, selecting appropriate research methods to explore an HR-related topic in depth. By the time you complete the module, you will be able to prepare and present a viable and realistic business case for improvement based on sound work-based research and an understanding of what is considered good practice.  

    Employee Relations

    The purpose of the module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the employment relationship and how it is regulated and contested within a variety of contrasting organisations (business, public and voluntary) in both a UK and international comparative context. We will examine the roles, interests and objectives of the different actors involved (government, employers, managers, employees, trade unions, and the state), and the interpersonal and organisational processes and outcomes. You will develop your understanding of interrelationships between the dynamic nature of employment relations, the broader external context (local, national and global), and the effective management of human resources and employment relations.

    The Digital Workplace

    The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.

    Employee Relations

    The purpose of the module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the employment relationship and how it is regulated and contested within a variety of contrasting organisations (business, public and voluntary) in both a UK and international comparative context. We will examine the roles, interests and objectives of the different actors involved (government, employers, managers, employees, trade unions, and the state), and the interpersonal and organisational processes and outcomes. You will develop your understanding of interrelationships between the dynamic nature of employment relations, the broader external context (local, national and global), and the effective management of human resources and employment relations.

    Internship

    A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.

    Optional work placement year

    Professional Placement

    All of our BSc students can apply for a one-year professional placement, which takes place between your second and last years of study.

    This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.

    Here is just a small selection of the companies our students have enjoyed placements with so far: NatWest, Barclays and the Cooperative Bank; BP, Esso and Shell; IBM, Hewlett Packard and Compaq; Ford, Vauxhall, Jaguar and Nissan; Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and Sainsbury’s; Eli Lilly, Glaxo and ICI; Fujitsu, Marriott and Virgin.

    Year three

    Business Ethics and Sustainability

    This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.

    Employee Engagement and Reward

    On this module, you will learn to apply the theories relating to employee engagement in organisational settings. You will explore critical arguments and theory in relation to employee engagement strategies.  The module also introduces the principles of and applications for high-performance working (HPW).  You will learn to apply broad knowledge of pay and reward systems to the strategic plans of organisations. Finally you will explore and critically analyse the appropriateness of variations in pay and reward systems in UK organisations.

    Leadership and Management in HRM

    This module will help you to develop your leadership skills and prepare you for your future career. You will explore theory, behaviour, people management and leadership within an HRM context.This is an opportunity to develop the skills you have gained in the early part of your degree and apply them to prepare you for the responsible and authentic leadership that future business requires.

    Resourcing and Talent Management

    Building on what you have learned in previous years, you will expand your knowledge and understanding of resourcing and talent management within an organisation. You will investigate developments in resourcing and talent planning within the business environment, developing your ability to evaluate and adopt a strategic approach to HRM policy and practice. We'll look at contemporary topics and challenges for organisations wishing to manage their employee talent pool in the internal and external labour markets. You will also develop the critical knowledge of how to manage dismissal, redundancy and retirement effectively and lawfully.

    Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset.  Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.

    In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest.  Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company. 

    Strategic Management

    This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the Business with HRM programme, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. Working on industry problems drawn from HRM situations, you will prepare for a career in HR management.

    Enhancing Professional Practice

    Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

    What Will I be Doing?

    100%

    Employability focused

    TEACHING 

    Our teaching is focused on supporting you to gain hands-on experience for your career.  Right from the start you will develop the practical skills as well as the theoretical knowledge that you will need when you begin working. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide you with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job. 

    You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a wide range of learning activities such as business simulations.

    SKILLS FOR LEARNING

    Don’t bypass the Clifford Whitworth library, it really is a beneficial resource for you. The friendly library team will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your studies and in your work. 

    ASSESSMENT

    We use different forms of assessment in different modules and wherever possible these will reflect the types of work you will do in the ‘real world’ for example, report writing, presentations and business pitches. Exams will only be used when it is a requirement for professional accreditation.

    At the beating heart of it

    Based at our picturesque Peel Park campus, just a five-minute journey from central Manchester, Salford Business School sits at the heart of Greater Manchester's thriving business and digital sectors, with close links and a campus at MediaCity. 

    Our student space on the sixth floor of the Maxwell Building offers dedicated areas for collaborative and independent study and break-out spaces like our student kitchen. Additionally, here you can find our in-school progression and careers teams to support your journey. 

    A global community

    As a hub for knowledge exchange within the local business community, our collaborations benefit students, businesses, and the community. We aim to equip you with the skills to thrive in life and your career, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to tackle 21st-century challenges. 

    Our goal is to prepare you for future career success. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century. 

    Dedicated support

    Our in-school Student Progression Assistants ensure a smooth journey throughout your course. For non-course matters, our university-wide support service, askUS, is on hand to assist across a range of topics. 

    Our Careers and Employability team, along with in-school advisors, support your career journey with one-on-one appointments, drop-ins, industry events, networking opportunities, and more. Interested in starting a business? Our start-up incubator, Launch @Salford, offers expert insight and support. 

    Business in Greater Manchester

    Greater Manchester’s dynamic business and digital sectors play host to over 290,000 enterprises, providing you with rich real-world learning opportunities and industry-informed teaching. 

    Our diverse business collaborations - from start-ups to leading multinationals - drive local and global productivity and growth, positioning Greater Manchester as an internationally renowned business and digital hub. 

    Employment and stats

    What about after uni?

    FURTHER STUDY 

    A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount. 

    Learn about our postgraduate courses

    EMPLOYMENT

    Our focus on this course is to give you the skills, knowledge and resources you need so you have good job opportunities after you graduate. We have used our close links with industry partners to make sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed so you are ready for a successful management career.

    Not only will you learn the practical HR skills and knowledge, you will also develop the team working, project management, communication and interpersonal skills that will make you highly employable.

    We asked our industry contacts what they look for when employing graduates. Here’s some of the advice they gave:

    Soft skills – the communication, the listening, the team working - are really, really key. Graduates need to demonstrate how they’ve acquired some soft skills whether that’s been undertaking a project or demonstrating time management.” Vivine Cameron, Education Partnerships Executive, The Chartered Insurance Institute

    Learn more about how industry has shaped our programmes

    With opportunities to take part in a year-long paid work placement, support from the University’s careers team and our Launch entrepreneurship experts, we ensure you are equipped with the skills and experience employers are looking for.

    Graduates of this course have gone on to enjoy careers at organisations of all shapes and sizes, including Thomson Holidays, BT, DTS Logistics, Greater Manchester Police and the NHS.

    A taste of what you could become

    A Human Resources Advisor

    A Business Manager

    A Recruitment Manager

    A Labour Relations Specialist

    And more...

    Career Links

    Our course team maintains excellent relations with local and national human resource organisations, commentators and employers.

    Our teaching is industry-led, inspired by contemporary practice and developed in partnership with business leaders. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide you with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.

    We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.

    The curriculum across our undergraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in practice in a way that has been proven to produce highly employable, articulate business professionals who have forged the contacts that will help develop their future careers.

     

    Requirements

    What you need to know

    APPLICANT PROFILE 

    This course offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in HR, management, recruitment and a variety of other different business areas. Knowledge and expertise in HR are highly sought after by employers across a wide variety of sectors. This course will appeal to a range of applicants and there is no need to have studied these subjects before to be successful. 

    ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

    All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.

    We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

    Standard entry requirements

    GCSE

    Maths and English at grade C or grade 4 or above.

    You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

    UCAS Tariff points

    104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points

    A level

    BCC - BBC with a minimum of two A2 passes

    BTEC National Diploma

    DMM

    T levels

    Pass (C in Core subject) or Merit

    If applying to start from September 2024, you will need a Merit.

    Access to HE

    104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points – pass with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 

    International Baccalaureate

    Indicatively 30 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma (31 points with experience year)

    Scottish Highers

    104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points with a minimum of two Higher Level Subjects

    European Baccalaureate

    Pass Diploma with 60% or above

    International Students

    We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

    Alternative entry requirements

    Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

    We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

    There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

    How much?

    Type of study Year Fees
    Full-time home 2024/25 £9,250.00per year
    Full-time international 2024/25 £15,720.00per year

    Additional costs

    You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

    Scholarships for international students

    If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.

     

    Apply now

    All set? Let's apply

    Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

    By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
    By phone:  +44 (0) 161 295 4545

    Enrolment dates

    September 2024

    September 2025

    UCAS information

    Course ID N1N6

    Institution S03