Course Catalogue

The BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with Foundation Programme aims to produce graduates who have: undertaken a rigorous study of core and strategic human resource management knowledge, specialising in the analysis of the contribution of people to the strategic objectives of organisations obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue management careers in human resource management/ personnel / individual and organisational development or corporate careers that involve developing performance in people, equality and diversity initiatives, developed the personal and key skills to enable them to work effectively on their own and within teams, and to be able to meet the challenges of working in a changing environment, the key behaviours of a HR professional practitioner at Intermediate level acquired the intellectual skills to enhance personal development and inculcate a positive attitude to lifelong learning and development developed the ability to act ethically in different circumstances and contexts gained the necessary entrepreneurial qualities and skills, including working in digital contexts. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement.

The acquisition of core knowledge is achieved through a range of teaching methods including lecture, seminar, tutorial and workshop. The core knowledge and understanding required for the programme determines the teaching methods used within modules. For example, lectures may be used to introduce core theories and concepts, with seminars, tutorials and workshops being utilised to build on core theories and explore in more detail further concepts, ideas and 'real-world' business issues. The ability for students to consolidate their learning has been considered and developed within modules. As well as potentially using workshops, tutorials and seminars to practice and further explore theories and concepts, students will also develop their learning through on-line activities and directed reading. In formulating the assessment strategy, the programme team aims to achieve an appropriate match between teaching and learning methods and assessment tasks in order to ensure that the programme offers variety in its assessment. The provision of formative assessment and feedback has also been considered within modules in order to provide students with the best opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of key subjects. Assessment methods for the programme include portfolios, presentations, research case-study, poster campaigns, on-line reflection, tests, essays, reports and examinations.

Work based learning: Learning about self and others. Learning and practicing key skills in management and HRM specifically. Experiencing the world of work. Developing solutions to work based problems in workshops and tutorials. Experience and learning how to manage oneself in a range of situations. Encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement. There is on-going development of graduate skills embedded in the programme. All 41 skills will be taught, practised and assessed via core modules within the programme. Work related skills form part of workshop and tutorial tasks throughout the programme. Specialist speakers at appropriate points in key modules enhance the work related experience for the students.
Level Four: The Business and Finance module will give HR students a wider understanding of other functions and the ability to work effectively with budget and forecast data.
Level Five: Particular reference is made to Professional Practice and Preparation for Work at level five where
students are exposed to real work simulations which develop a range of skills. Assessment for Professional practice involves the interpretation and offering of solutions to a real world based case study. Assessment for Preparation for Work includes reflective learning logs.
Level Six: Through the investigative report, students research either a live HR business problem connected to a company or research a HR business related issue. The research is undertaken individually with support from action learning sets and supervision and written up as a 9,000 word analytical report. In Strategic HRM - students analyse a range of HRM strategy problems using case studies which focus on the development of work related skills. Students will be encouraged to undertake paid and voluntary opportunities to develop the employer assessed behaviours linked to the Intermediate Standards. PDP and CPD planning forms part of the overall development of individual students on the programme and students are encouraged to participate in skills development and to collect work related evidence for HR behavioural mapping from level one onwards.