BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a structured and supportive learning environment specifically geared towards developing future HR leaders. It is designed to progressively build foundational business knowledge in the first year, introduce core HR concepts and practices in the second, and culminate in specialized HRM studies and an independent project in the final year. Students benefit from interactive lectures, engaging workshops utilizing HR-related case studies and scenarios, opportunities for practical application of HR tools and techniques, and collaborative group work. A key element involves understanding the strategic role of HR in organizational success and the importance of ethical and inclusive HR practices. The program fosters a collaborative and professionally oriented atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their expertise within the specialized field of human resource management and its broader business context.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals with a strong specialization in human resource management. Core business modules typically cover areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. HRM-specific modules delve into topics such as talent acquisition and management, employee learning and development, performance management, reward management, employee relations and engagement, employment law, organizational behavior, and strategic human resource management. The program emphasizes the development of essential HR skills, including recruitment and selection, training and development design, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits administration, and conflict resolution. Students will engage in case study analysis of HR challenges, practical exercises applying HR policies and procedures, and projects that require them to develop HR strategies and solutions for real-world organizational issues. The final year often includes advanced HRM topics and a significant research project or dissertation focused on a specific area within human resource management. The curriculum is often aligned with the standards of professional HR bodies like the CIPD, facilitating pathways towards professional accreditation.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Business and Management, with faculty actively engaged in research related to various aspects of HRM, including employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, talent management, and the future of work. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current HR trends, academic insights into effective HR practices, and innovative approaches to people management. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests within HRM through assignments and their final year project, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to understanding the human resource landscape.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) program places a strong emphasis on connecting students with the professional HR community. The program may facilitate guest lectures by HR professionals from various industries, workshops on specific HR skills led by practitioners, and networking events with potential employers. Students may have opportunities for internships or placements within HR departments of organizations across different sectors, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry connections. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and projects that involve direct engagement with existing businesses or the development of solutions for identified HR needs within organizations. The university's career services also provide tailored support for BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) graduates seeking to launch their careers in the HR profession. The program's alignment with professional HR bodies like the CIPD often provides students with valuable insights into career pathways and accreditation requirements.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining international HRM practices, cross-cultural workforce management challenges, and the impact of globalization on human resource strategies. The curriculum may include case studies of multinational companies, discussions on managing diverse workforces across different cultural contexts, and the exploration of global trends in talent acquisition and employee development. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on human resource management. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international employment law, global mobility, and the challenges of managing international teams, preparing graduates to operate effectively in the interconnected global marketplace for talent.