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Programme Information
At the centre of any organisation lies its people - and as a result, a career in Human Resource Management can be an immensely fulfilling career for the student interested in the 'people' aspects of a business.
On this programme, not only do you get a thorough grounding in the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding required in this challenging yet highly rewarding field, you also get the chance to develop reflective practices and critical thinking - essential
attributes for the effective manager equipped to handle change.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their own performance and, with the support of academic staff and colleagues, take the first steps in managing their career as an HR professional. Normally all students will join the professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Programme Content
Year 1
The first year is an introduction to modern business and
management and so, in line with the NBS philosophy, students study subjects such as:
- International Business Environment
- Management
- Finance
- Business Processes and How to Solve Business
Problems
Students also take a module in Human Resource Management in order to develop an appreciation of the role of this functional area in business.
Year 2
In the second year the management topics continue and students study subjects such as:
- Performance Management
- Personal and Organisation Development
- Marketing and International Business Contexts
There are also modules developing the HRM functional area such as HRM Practice and Change, Work and Diversity.
Year 3
Placement Year.
Year 4
All final year students do a dissertation or a management report and modules in Business Ethics and Strategic Management and Leadership. In addition, students on this programme study:
- Employee Relations and Rewards
- Culture and Organisations
- Employee Resourcing and Development
Coursework and Assessment
A variety of teaching and assessment methods is used throughout the programme including lectures, workshops, seminars, projects and group exercises with the aim of helping students to become independent learners equipped with practical skills and competencies.
Each module is assessed separately using a mixture of
examinations, coursework and projects. One feature is the applied nature of the modules, so students can expect to work on real life cases and industry briefs as part of the learning and assessment processes.
In the final year of the programme, students will
complete a management report or a dissertation linked to their work placement.
Placement Information
The third year of the programme is spent on an industrial
placement. This provides vital experience that lays a strong foundation for the final year of the programme, and enhances job prospects.
A dedicated placement unit manages and co-ordinates
the placements with partners that have included Peugeot, IBM, Marks and Spencer, and the Post Office.
Careers
Employment prospects are very good and there is a large range of employers offering careers in Human Resource Management across all sectors.
City and Guilds
Successful completion of the placement year to City and Guild standards allows the University to award the Licentiateship of City and Guilds (LCGI), a national
qualification recognised by employers such as Lloyds TSB.