BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management

This human resource management course integrates people management studies with key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and strategy enabling you to see the bigger picture and drive value from people.

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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: N607
Course length: Various
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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The perfect course for a people person looking to succeed in business

Eligible to apply for associate membership of CIPD on graduation

3rd in the East of England for Business and Management Studies (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Business at Herts

Course overview

This BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management degree blends essential business knowledge with expertise in managing people, preparing you for leadership roles in HR and beyond. You’ll study topics like employee relations, recruitment, organisational behaviour, and employment law while developing critical skills in communication, strategy, and team leadership. Learn from industry-connected academics, apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and enhance your employability through placements, internships, or study abroad. Graduates are well-prepared for HR, talent management, and business leadership roles in a variety of sectors.

Why choose this course?

In our business and HR management degree you will deepen your understanding of why people are the heart and soul of businesses, and how to recruit and retain the right workforce. Explore the issues facing the modern workplace, including flexible and remote working, equality, diversity and inclusion and the employee value proposition.

Gain a professional accreditation: This HR management degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD).

Decide the pathway best suited to you: You can focus on your interests. This human resources course also offers flexibility, and you can move into one of our other business courses at the end of the first year.

Gain industry-relevant skills: Develop a strong core of in-demand business skills, including administration, marketing, and finance, alongside professional competencies like time management, presentations, and communication.

Build a professional network: Connect with influential business leaders and professionals through our many networking opportunities, regional conferences, and guest lectures.

Work placement opportunities: Take advantage of our strong industry links to gain practical experience through placements and internships. Previous students have worked with leading organisations, enhancing their skills and building professional networks to stand out in the competitive job market.

Strong employment prospects: An impressive 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.

Professional accreditations

Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)
Our BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management degree is accredited by the highly respected Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). You can be confident it’s giving you the high-quality skills today’s employers are looking for.

Once you graduate, you can become an associate member of the CIPD, able to access its professional networks and resources.

Your future career

Stand out in the people management marketplace with a well-rounded skillset backed by practical experience and assessments. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).

Possible roles of employment for business and human resource management graduates include:

HR manager
people manager
HR advisor
HR consultant
recruiter
employee relations officer

Join an impressive alumni network who have gone on to prestigious organisations such as Hilton, NHS, University of Hertfordshire, Roche, Amazon, Haleon, Paramount, Dunster House, Tesco and Infosys.

With a passion for people and openness to new ideas, you will graduate with enhanced professional skills, the ability to collaborate successfully, and a firm understanding of how to ensure people make a difference to the organisations you go on to.

What you'll study

There are four modules in each semester of this human resources degree. Each module has a good mix of theoretical knowledge and useful, transferrable, skills.

Expect to be on campus for at least eight hours a week and undertake further self-study using online materials and recommended resources.

In your first year, you’ll study a range of foundational business modules including marketing, organisational behaviour and technology as well as an introduction to human resources.

In your second year, delve deeper into HR, tackling important topics such as resourcing, performance and reward. Study ways to enhance your employability as you get ready for work.

In your final year, tackle topics such as leadership, ethics and global HR management. You also undertake a business project, bringing all your learnings together in a real-world context.

There are also opportunities to further enrich your personal development through our GoHerts program, placements, internships, study-abroad and Future Success team events.

We actively support you to go out on an industry placement, study abroad or do an internship (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences) to help you find your direction and boost your CV to secure your first graduate role.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Accounting Aspects of Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will provide an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint, providing an insight into the role of accounting as a decision-making tool for business and managerial decision-making.
Analysing and Managing Business Data	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the tools and techniques necessary to uncover information in data sets in order to be able to make suitable decisions based on this information.
Business and Markets	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the value of economic approaches, principally through examining the role and functioning of the market. The market is of principal importance in the modern economic environment in which business, citizens and governments operate. The basic concept of the market will be explored along with economic analysis such as demand and supply, competition and macroeconomics (e.g. inflation). As the proper use of any tool or approach requires an appreciation of its limitations as well as its power, the limits of the market will also be explored when considering: equity; the emergence of new technology e.g. the digital economy; social responsibility; and environmental concerns.
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to the nature of organisations in relation to both theory and practice. Students will identify and summarise relevant theory relating to management, leadership, motivation and performance. This will be applied to workplace examples. Students will compare leadership and management practices and the relationship between management style and motivation and performance. Understanding of the different types of organisational structures and cultures will be developed and the formal and informal influences which determine structure and culture in different organisations. Students will explore how structure and culture contribute to business success as well as identify the impact of teamworking on organisational performance. Factors that influence the behaviours of individuals in organisations will be reviewed and the significance of these individual behaviours for management practice and motivation will be highlighted.
Technology in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
Today's technology is critical for business operations. Therefore, no matter the size of the business, technology brings both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses. It also helps businesses to increase efficiencies and profits while developing new services. This module helps students to understand the importance of emerging technologies for the growth of businesses.
The Business Professional	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will be able to identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered to them by the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, time planning and revision techniques. Students will also investigate the skills and behaviours pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment in preparation for the workplace. Themes which will include professional communication, presentation skills, team working, methods of enquiry, and IT literacy. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
Understanding Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This marketing module assumes no prior knowledge of marketing and aims to introduce students to some of the key concepts of marketing. It is designed for business students to gain an overall appreciation of the field of marketing. Students will understand the importance of marketing within the organisation and how other functions interact with it. Students will explore key marketing theories and planning tools in the context of current practice.
Human Resource Management : An Introduction	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a foundation of the important principles of HRM and introduces students to the role human resource management (HRM) plays in achieving organisational goals. The module examines the history and evolution of the human resource function, looking at the differences in HRM and personnel management. The module examines the theories that have shaped HRM and includes the key areas of HRM as practised by HR managers, including recruitment and selection, leadership and management, employee training and development, managing performance, engagement, reward, ethics in HRM and equality and diversity. The role of line managers in supporting the people profession and in implementing HR and other organisational policies is discussed in lectures and tutorials. The module will adopt a combination of group work, reflective activities and students will be expected to recognise aspects for continuous self-development and improvement.
Help Build Success in Human Resource Management	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will support students as they transition onto their undergraduate degree. It will encourage students to articulate their individual learning requirements, so we can signpost opportunities for personal, professional and peer support. This module will nurture their personal skills in resilience, self-care, and time management to secure their wellbeing. It will introduce students to a wide range of academic skills to enable them to succeed, ensuring they are aware of the regulations and relevant policies and procedures in support of their learning and success.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Digital Marketing in Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will develop a digital marketing communications campaign and understand how to measure campaign performance. Students will explore digital marketing planning theories and concepts and examine current digital marketing practices, in order to develop a digital marketing communications plan.
Consumer Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The cognitive versus behavioural approach to consumer analysis are compared and evaluated. An understanding of consumers and their behaviour will enable students to have a greater understanding of target customer segmentation and product/brand positioning for the development of product, pricing, distribution, and marketing communication strategies. Perception of the self and brands is considered along with the social issues of behaviour, beliefs and personality and their longer-term impact on consumer learning. The module offers an introduction to the psychology of the consumer, and the impact that this has on the Marketer in creating, developing, and delivering customer-valued products and services.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Human Resource Management and Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides: A review of Human Resource Management (HRM) - origins, history and development; definitional questions, assumptions and perspectives. The organisation and structuring of the HR function, key activities and the role of both the HR function and line management. Strategic aspects of the employee life cycle. The notion of strategic human resource management (SHRM) and the nature of the link between business strategy, HR strategy and HR activities (vertical integration). Different theoretical perspectives on the nature of HR strategy: best practice, best fit and resource-based approaches. The HR-performance link and the contribution of people and people management to organisational success. See module guide for a more detailed description of the module content.
HR Analytics in a Business Context	15 Credits	Compulsory
Indicative content covers: Develop an understanding of the evaluation of internal and external business environment. Demonstrate the commercial awareness that is critical to the HR profession. Understanding HR financial accounting decision. Understand income statement and balance sheet that is specific to HR profession. Analyse and interpret financial statement in the context of HR. HR analytics required for business strategy in the areas not limited to: Recruitment and selection Learning and development Managing redundancy Manging disciplinary and grievance cost Managing relocation Managing family friendly policies Employee compensation Employee productivity Practical discussing of business cases
Performance and Reward	15 Credits	Compulsory
Organisations need to improve their performance and thus it is important to manage the performance of employees and the ways that performance is rewarded. The module provides students with knowledge and understanding concerning two important areas of human resource management (HRM), 'performance' and 'reward'. Students will develop an understanding of why performance and reward are of strategic importance and their role in strategic planning. The module will assist students in obtaining data about performance and provides a good introduction to performance management, theories on motivation, rewards employee benefits, performance appraisal and managing poor performance. The module will assist students with the skills necessary for the performance review process and provides a good understanding of the strategies used to enhance employee performance within organisations. Students will gain an understanding of designing and developing a reward strategy that both motivates the employees and supports the needs of the organisation. Students will also see the link between performance, reward and strategic objectives. They will be able to critically analyse the relationship between the environment and performance and reward.
Resourcing and Talent Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the global, technological, practical and legal issues underlying key talent resourcing strategies in organisations. It provides an overview of the nature of talent resourcing models and strategy, legal compliance, attraction and selection, job analysis and rewards, measurement and assessment methods and retention strategies. Current resourcing issues such as flexibility, measurement and assessment, work life balance and technological advancements such as the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment and selection are discussed.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Applied Business Project	15 Credits	Compulsory
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate and undertake an industry-related project for a business problem and establish through the use of business models and techniques and secondary research, a report with recommendations. It will prepare students for business projects in the workplace where they will need to use a variety of concepts learnt on different aspects of their programme on projects allocated to them. Students will initially work in teams to discuss and evaluate the project and will apply business concepts to the project in order to present their initial findings. Further individual investigation and research will be undertaken in order to develop a report with conclusions and viable recommendations based on rigorous and in-depth secondary research.
Professional Development for the Workplace	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students analyse the interrelationship between the learning that they have gained on their programme, and the applicability of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired to the challenges of the workplace. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering.
Work Psychology	15 Credits	Compulsory
What is psychology and work psychology. Different and competing theories and approaches to psychology and the implications for the use of psychology in the workplace. Role of Individual differences in the workplace such as personality, intelligence and attitudes. Selection issues such as competencies and selection methods as part of talent management process. Attitudes at work; Work motivation, work related stress and well-being; Groups, teams and teamwork; Careers and career management. Understanding organisational change and culture. The psychology of dispersed work. Issues around ethics in use and application of work psychology, diversity and inclusion.
Global Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides a contemporary, applied and critical insight into the management of people across national borders and in Multi-National Corporations (MNCs). It considers the patterns, practices and theories of Human Resource Management within a global context, The module content addresses all aspects of the employment lifecycle in a global context and includes an analysis of the differences between national and global HRM approaches. It also considers the many ethical issues impacting the sphere of employment within international business.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from an academic support team, wellbeing team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team focused on inclusive learning and our dedicated Future Success network who will help you with work experience, placements and graduate jobs.

You can also join and reach out to the Business School Student Voice community, a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure teaching remains effective.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students have enhanced their careers with placements at a wide range of companies, including Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Nestlé, John Sisk & Son, Eisai and SAP Ltd (UK).

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Students have enhanced their careers with placements at a wide range of companies, including Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Nestlé, John Sisk & Son, Eisai and SAP Ltd (UK).

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Your enthusiastic teaching team, many of whom have first-hand industry experience, will guide and support you to develop practical skills and comprehensive knowledge.

Your teaching team is led by a Student Choice Awards winner with a keen interest in Female Leadership and an impressive commercial track record.

You will benefit from the knowledge of business-focused and qualified HR professionals, coaches and organisational development experts.

Researchers' interests include applying technology to address problems in key aspects of human resource management such as wellbeing, diversity and environmental management, social inclusion, organisational behaviour and the impact of policies and practices on employees' work.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BCC
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112–120 UCAS points
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
Typical T Level offer	Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112–120 points
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2025	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Apply online and get an instant response

Click to call or dial 0300 303 6300

Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management

This human resource management course integrates people management studies with key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and strategy enabling you to see the bigger picture and drive value from people.

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

Get info and updates

Sign up for updates

Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)

UCAS code: N607

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield