Business Management (Human Resource Management) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code N203

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

The key to any successful business is being able to attract and develop talented staff. Our Business Management (Human Resource Management) degree will show you the most effective strategies for supporting and empowering workers so they contribute to overall company growth.

To help give you the edge with employers, we offer dual accreditation. It means you’ll get a leadership and management qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as well as your degree.

We offer some other amazing opportunities too, including an international study exchange. We have partner universities in places such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Then there’s the Staffordshire EDGE programme – an extra award designed to support you with your career journey.

You’ll learn from academic staff who bring a wealth of business experience and research expertise. Some have run their own businesses or worked as change managers or brand managers, and been involved in corporate investment and global banking.

The course is part of our suite of Business Management degrees, which share some core modules. Other options include a more broad-based BSc (Hons) Business Management award or degrees specialising in Events, Sustainability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism.

All of our business courses will equip you with a diverse skillset in leadership and management and the latest knowledge of how business operates in the real world. You will graduate with a creative approach to problem-solving, be able to interpret and use financial data, have teamworking and persuasive communication skills, and show confidence in managing time, projects and resources.

All of our Business Management degrees are designed to equip you with a diverse skillset in management and leadership and the latest up-to-date knowledge of how business operates in the real world. We work with employers to constantly update our degrees to make sure you leave with the right skills for a successful career. Our tutors have vast experience of working in a variety of industries and bring all of their knowledge into the classroom as well as underpinning their teaching with informed research. Furthermore, to enhance your employability, there is a key focus for developing you as a business professional through the use of live briefs and a consultancy project.

We've introduced new topics to make sure you graduate with a creative approach to problem solving, powerful decision making, persuasive written and oral communication, the ability to interpret and use financial data; self-reliance, initiative, teamworking skills and the ability to manage time, projects and resources. You will be encouraged to improve your critical thinking and build your confidence in challenging the different business management concepts.

To help give you the edge with employers, we offer dual accreditation. It means you’ll get a leadership and management qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as well as your degree.

We offer some other amazing opportunities too, including an international study exchange. We have partner universities in places such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Then there’s the Staffordshire EDGE programme – an extra award designed to support you with your career journey.

You’ll learn from academic staff who bring a wealth of business experience and research expertise. Some have run their own businesses or worked as change managers or brand managers, and been involved in corporate investment and global banking.

The course is part of our suite of Business Management degrees, which share some core modules. Other options include a more broad-based BSc (Hons) Business Management award or degrees specialising in Events, Sustainability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism.

All of our business courses will equip you with a diverse skillset in leadership and management and the latest knowledge of how business operates in the real world. You will graduate with a creative approach to problem-solving, be able to interpret and use financial data, have teamworking and persuasive communication skills, and show confidence in managing time, projects and resources.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

Work placements

You can choose to complete a 12-month work placement between the second and final year of your course. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience and put your skills into action solving real problems.

We have a variety of placement opportunities, ranging from links with SMEs to national companies. Previous Business School placements have included working with Jaguar Land Rover, Road Chef, bet365, Asda, Alton Towers Resort and Enterprise Car Hire.

Work placements

International Study Exchange can be taken between level 5 and 6 for a year or during level 5 for 1 semester

Course content

Topics include employee voice and representation, managing and developing people, and managing performance and reward. The course will equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of HR.

You’ll explore everything from a real-world perspective, with live industry briefs and the chance to create your own consultancy to work with existing companies. There will also be business simulations, where you’ll make financial decisions and experience key areas such as operations and marketing.

The BSc (Hons) in Business Management (Human Resource Management) also covers the fundamentals of business and the careers of the future.

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study over the course of 2 x 15-week semesters. A typical 20 credit module will include 12 weeks of compulsory class attendance along with one independent reading week and 2 weeks for assessment revision and submission. You will study 60 credits per each 15 weeks. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

As Business Management student, you will develop knowledge and understanding of the factors that impact on all types of business from larger corporations to small private limited companies.With a Foundation Year option, the first year (year 0 - Level 3) will prepare you for your year 1 - Level 4 study. The year is designed to develop your academic writing, referencing, research and critical thinking skills whilst also introducing you to various business topics laying the foundations for further study.

In your first year, you will study six modules which are core across the Business Management portfolio. Studying within a multi-disciplinary context, you’ll learn in a collaborative manner and develop a deeper insight into the wider business environment. You’ll develop a firm foundation of the necessary knowledge, academic and professional skills which you’ll build upon in your second and third years.

In the second year, you will study a further four core modules with the option of two specialist modules depending on your named award. In the third and final year of your studies, you will develop further specialist knowledge through an additional three core modules, one specialist module and a final year consultancy project within your chosen specialism.

At Staffordshire University we place great emphasis on preparing you for the careers of the future, and as a student at Staffordshire Business School you will study the full spectrum of contemporary management and finance. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Topics include employee voice and representation, managing and developing people, and managing performance and reward. The course will equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of HR.

You’ll explore everything from a real-world perspective, with live industry briefs and the chance to create your own consultancy to work with existing companies. There will also be business simulations, where you’ll make financial decisions and experience key areas such as operations and marketing.

The BSc (Hons) in Business Management (Human Resource Management) also covers the fundamentals of business and the careers of the future.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Business Placement 120 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

UCAS Points: 48

English and Maths - Grade 4 or Above

112-120 UCAS tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

IELTS 6.0

IELTS 6

IELTS 6.0

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

The Catalyst

The building will combine business, networking and apprenticeship opportunities with dynamic teaching spaces and state-of-the-art digital facilities – the perfect launchpad for you future career. Read more

The Catalyst brings together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space. It offers open, social and flexible learning spaces, emulating real world working environments and opportunities for digital engagement. The Catalyst is a unified building, bringing together social, study, teaching and support functions, where students can browse digital and physical resources, including books and a number of special collections. 

Collaboratory

A cleverly designed room to allow you to work together in teams, communication is key in business and this space allows you to practice team dynamics in a safe space.

Transition Room

A space dedicated to you. The room has all the tech you need to work in groups on assignments, project plan and talk through your ideas.

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

The breadth of this degree course will give you lots of career options in business.

In recent years, graduates have entered marketing, human resource management, and operations management in the public and private sectors. Other roles you could go into include:

  • HR Administrator
  • HR Officer
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Consultant
  • Training and Development Officer
  • Recruitment Officer
  • Business Consultant
  • Business Advisor
  • Management Trainee

Many have set up their own successful businesses.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course.

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Year 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 1 & 2
20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3
15% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
85% of time in independent study

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
78% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

19% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
81% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and specialist teaching areas.

Year 1

37% practical assessments
57% coursework
7% written exams

Year 2

6% practical assessments
73% coursework
21% written exams

Year 3

33% practical assessments
62% coursework
5% written exams

Staff

Our teaching staff have a wealth of industry experience and are research active with links to business partners throughout the local region and internationally.

Our teaching is research-informed and you will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Paul Dobson

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for over ten years, specialising in digital and strategic marketing. This includes Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO), inbound and outbound Marketing, social media and influencer marketing.

Paul's profile

Jon FAIRBURN

Emeritus Professor

Professor Jon Fairburn is active in teaching, research, bid writing and public engagement. He has incorporated credited work experience into geography and tourism degrees as well as the MSc Digital Marketing Management.

Jon's profile

Andrew Hanks

Senior Lecturer

Postgraduate HRM Award Leader Andy joined Staffordshire University in the summer of 2015 after spending four years at Keele University whilst he completed a PhD in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. Before entering academia as…

Andrew's profile

Dr Joe Hazzam

Interim Course Director

Joe is a Senior Lecturer, and course leader of the BSc digital and social media programme. Joe delivers workshops and masterclasses on social media and digital marketing strategies with 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing

Joe's profile

Karl Mccormack

Senior Lecturer

Karl has experience teaching on Apprenticeship and Foundation Degrees, BA accounting programmes, MBA modules. He has also taught as a subject specialist in forensic accounting, computerised accounting and management accounting.

Karl's profile

Kathryn Mitchell

Senior Lecturer

Lecturer in Digital Marketing, specialising in developing strategy in changing and disruptive environments, assessing occupational competency and using technology to increase operational efficiency. Kathryn joined Staffordshire University in 2019.

Kathryn's profile

Bharati Singh

Course Director

Bharati is the Course Leader for the MBA and undergraduate Business Management and Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship courses. She teaches across the undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes within the Business School.

Bharati's profile

Dr Mohammad Wasim

Senior Lecturer

Ali has industry experience in roles such as product management, brand management and operations. He joined Staffordshire University in 2017 after completing his PhD in Management. He is Deputy Award Leader for Undergraduate Business Management.

Mohammad's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials
  • Registration fee for relevant professional body
  • Costs for study trips on core modules

Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials

Registration fee for relevant professional body

Costs for study trips on core modules

  • Cost of assessment for Micro Credentials
  • Registration fee for relevant professional body
  • Costs for study trips on core modules
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Any optional Study Trips
  • Travel to and from work placements
  • Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees

Any Optional Study Trips

Travel to and from work placements

 Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees

  • Any optional Study Trips
  • Travel to and from work placements
  • Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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