Course Catalogue

The BA (Hons) Human Resource Management 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 will have 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; and gained the necessary entrepreneurial qualities and skills, including working in digital contexts.

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 a combination of formative and summative practical exercises and activities, portfolios, presentations, research case-study, posters, reflection, tests, essays, and reports.

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. 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 HR Practitioner skills employs case-based and role-play techniques to develop real world skills in a practitioner context supported by CIPD qualified practitioner input. 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 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. Placement Year Students work in a HRM related job. They enter into a learning agreement between themselves and their employer and LBS concerning their personal and business skills development. Students produce learning logs which are assessed by LJMU and work-based supervisors. They also complete a portfolio of evidence which is assessed and forms part of the evidence for Associate Membership of CIPD and can also be presented to gain the award of Licentiate membership of City and Guilds Institute. 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 supervision and written up as a 8,000 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 who do not take a placement year before moving into level six will be encouraged to undertake paid and voluntary opportunities to develop the employer assessed behaviours linked to the Intermediate Standards. Through the portfolio of evidence built up and employer verification students will have clear direction about any additional requirements on HR behavioural mapping required to meet CIPD Intermediate standards and obtain Associate Membership of CIPD 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.