Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Business with Human Resource Management with Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Four year

Five year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

This course is also available with a professional placement year option.

To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, search Business with Human Resource Management with Professional Placement Year on UCAS, or speak to our enquiries team

Regardless of sector, the Human Resources professional who can motivate employees, whilst protecting the organisation from non-compliance, is highly sought after.

Whether you want to better prepare for academic life, didn't get the grades you needed, or you've taken a break from studying, the foundation year is designed to prepare you for future studies, so everyone is welcome. 

  • Gain a base level of knowledge in human resource management
  • Develop your academic and personal skills, preparing you for future studies
  • Study the fundamental principles of business

Become industry ready

Our teaching is practical and career-focused, with input from our industry partners, so you'll build the expertise that employers look for. You'll develop personal skills, such as communication and confidence, alongside the practical, including business concepts and the tools and techniques used in the industry.

You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business professionals in the future and gain the essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, such as: 

  • Body swap technology
  • Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Project
  • iDea Bronze Award
  • Microsoft Specialist - Microsoft 365
  • Power BI

Our Business with Human Resource Management course is accredited by the CIPD, so you know that what you learn is aligned with industry standards.

Placement

options available

Course accreditations

CIPD logo

This is for you if...

1.

You want to build a foundation of knowledge ahead of your future studies

2.

You are looking for a business education that prepares you for a future career

3.

You want to learn how human resource management plays a vital role in business

Course details

All about the course

Your foundation year will give you a grounding in business management, preparing you for your future studies. As you progress into your first, second and third years of study, you will further develop your responsible leadership and strategic thinking.

You will also have access to placement, study abroad year and additional opportunities to develop your real-world skills.

Foundation Year

Foundations of Business

This module will introduce you to key concepts of business and management, looking at what business is (and isn’t). You will be encouraged to draw on real-life examples found in the businesses you use in your every day life. You will develop an understanding of the key functions used within contemporary businesses and learn about the tools and techniques used in business for analysis and planning. 

Academic and Personal Skills

Academic and Personal Skills is delivered with your future in mind. This module takes you through how to get to grips with the technology you need to succeed, as well as using the library, how to reference and how to produce the different styles of academic writing.

It also helps you to develop yourself; you will create a CV, learn how to write a cover letter and find out what your learning style is. The module has guest speakers who share their expert knowledge and experience with you.  All the skills covered in this module will help you to succeed in your chosen degree.

Sustainable Business Development

This module looks at what’s involved in starting up a sustainable business. You will discover what is needed for long term business success. We’ll look at financing and funding, business formation, planning, business ethics and sustainability along with other core aspects of start-ups. You will work closely with industry partners to gain insight into the world of start-ups. If you are interested in starting a business, this module will really help you to discover what is involved. You also gain key knowledge which your degree will build upon.  

Digital Business

This module will explain the importance and key elements of digital business. You will explore how digital business ideas drive technology choices and how those technologies support the development of the business.  

Business Project

This module is studied in term 2 of the foundation year and brings together everything that you have learnt so far on the foundation year. This is your opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You will work as part of a team to develop a business idea; you will work through the process of setting up the business. As a team you will pitch your idea to a panel to gain investment in your start-up. You will then start the business and create an event with the profits being donated to a local charity of your choice. Whatever your chosen business discipline this module will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills. 

Employability for Life

The module aims to acquire and develop an understanding of the employability skills required to succeed in your chosen industry. This is a practical module which will help you create and develop a professional CV and will develop your understanding of the recruitment and selection process. You will learn essential life-long skills to help you succeed in job applications whether they are for part-time work whilst you are a student or for your future graduate career.

Year One

Introduction to Human Resources

This module introduces the distinct contribution that Human Resource Management (HRM) policy and practice makes to both employee and organisation performance and success. By looking at different companies working in the UK, you will grow your knowledge and understanding of the role of HRM in the wider organisational context.  Using “real life” examples, you'll develop an understanding of the inter-relationship between the dynamic nature of social relationships within a range of organisations, the broader external environment, and the effective management of employees and employment relations.

Digital and Business Skills

The Digital and Business Skills module introduces a range of digital tools for academia and the workplace. Important business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the module. Regular engagement with online platforms provides tasks to improve digital competency. Also, co creation work presents self-reflection and confidence building opportunities. Gaining the inspiring digital enterprise award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn learning assessments for Microsoft software applications, and completing collaborative video creation tasks will increase your digital and business skills as you progress towards the completion of this module. Digital Business is here to stay, so it is vital to improve these 21st century skills.

Understanding Organisations

This module provides you with an introduction to the key functions of business and is an opportunity to see how they work. You will get an understanding of functions including people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how they underpin business success. This is illustrated through the lens of some of the successful businesses from across the Greater Manchester region that Salford Business School work with: we will look at a range of businesses including startups, family businesses and large scale enterprises and multinationals from different industry sectors. It is a first opportunity to see what makes businesses tick and will help you think about your future learning and employment journeys.

HR Business Skills

On this module you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills connected with culture and communications within organisations. You will develop your soft skills and your understanding of the wider context and the role and importance of culture and communication within an organisation.  The module adopts a holistic view of communication to ensure that you develop your skills in terms of communication at all levels both inside and outside the organisation. The module concentrates on the use of technology and looks specifically at social media as a communication tool. 

Data Analysis for Business

In this module you will be introduced to a variety of data analysis methods, which will be practiced on real world data sets. Regular formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

You will have an opportunity to formulate your own research questions before analysing data to draw reasonable conclusions. The module will predominantly utilise real data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing conclusions.

The Future of Business

What are the opportunities for business in the future? Starting with a grounding in the business context you will gain an understanding of economics and the digital environment, including the role of the digital economy. We will explore some of the key challenges that are on the horizon such as the impact of massive digitisation and industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency, and look at the opportunities for business to provide responsible and sustainable solutions

Year Two

Professional Development

This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities. 

 

Managing and Coordinating Human Resources

This module aims to offer you a holistic view of the Human Resource Management function and an introduction to managing and coordinating its key functions. It also establishes the aims and objectives of HR departments in contemporary organisations.

Analysis for HRM

Analysing and understanding data is at the heart of business decision making. In this module you will build on the data analysis skills that you learned in your first year and get practical experience of using data to inform HR management decisions. You will work with data types specific to the HRM pathway, helping you to develop the skills you will need for your future career.

The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions and optimisation of scarce resources.

Employee Relations

The purpose of the module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the employment relationship and how it is regulated and contested within a variety of contrasting organisations (business, public and voluntary) in both a UK and international comparative context. We will examine the roles, interests and objectives of the different actors involved (government, employers, managers, employees, trade unions, and the state), and the interpersonal and organisational processes and outcomes. You will develop your understanding of interrelationships between the dynamic nature of employment relations, the broader external context (local, national and global), and the effective management of human resources and employment relations.

Project Management

During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.

We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.

Employment Law for Business

You will gain an appreciation of how Employment Law is formulated, identifying those aspects of Employment Law that impact critically upon business practice. These include employment status, the employment contract and health and safety as well as discrimination, discipline and dismissal, and trade union matters. You will look at those aspects of Employment Law which provide the legal framework for employment relationships and regulate the working environment and develop the ability to apply the rules of Employment Law to solve problems in business practice.  

Live Project in HRM

This module gives you the opportunity to choose and carry out a piece of independent research within your chosen field of HRM. By learning to use the information available to you, you will enhance your research skills, selecting appropriate research methods to explore an HR-related topic in depth. By the time you complete the module, you will be able to prepare and present a viable and realistic business case for improvement based on sound work-based research and an understanding of what is considered good practice.  

Optional Year

Professional Placement

You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.

This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.

 For more information, please visit the placement and internships page

Year Three

Business Ethics and Sustainability

This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.

Employee Engagement and Reward

On this module, you will learn to apply the theories relating to employee engagement in organisational settings. You will explore critical arguments and theory in relation to employee engagement strategies.  The module also introduces the principles of and applications for high-performance working (HPW).  You will learn to apply broad knowledge of pay and reward systems to the strategic plans of organisations. Finally you will explore and critically analyse the appropriateness of variations in pay and reward systems in UK organisations.

Leadership and Management in HRM

This module will help you to develop your leadership skills and prepare you for your future career. You will explore theory, behaviour, people management and leadership within an HRM context.This is an opportunity to develop the skills you have gained in the early part of your degree and apply them to prepare you for the responsible and authentic leadership that future business requires.

Resourcing and Talent Management

Building on what you have learned in previous years, you will expand your knowledge and understanding of resourcing and talent management within an organisation. You will investigate developments in resourcing and talent planning within the business environment, developing your ability to evaluate and adopt a strategic approach to HRM policy and practice. We'll look at contemporary topics and challenges for organisations wishing to manage their employee talent pool in the internal and external labour markets. You will also develop the critical knowledge of how to manage dismissal, redundancy and retirement effectively and lawfully.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset.  Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.

In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest.  Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company. 

Strategic Management

This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the Business with HRM programme, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. Working on industry problems drawn from HRM situations, you will prepare for a career in HR management.

Enhancing Professional Practice

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

100%

Employability focused

Through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, using learning activities such as business simulations, you will develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that you'll need when you begin working. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of businesses.

We use different assessment techniques in different modules and try to ensure all assessments reflect the types of work you will do after graduating. This may include portfolio work, multiple choice questions, group reports and problem-solving questions.

For further information about teaching and assessment, please speak to our dedicated course enquiries team.

Frequently asked questions

What is BSc Business with Human Resource Management?

Business with Human Resource Management combines the theory and practice of business management with the study of human resource management. Not only will you learn business skills such as management, digital skills and data analysis, but you will also practice HRM such asemployee relations, resourcing and talent management.

How is human resource management used in business?

Human resource management is essential to the successful running of a business as it deals with a business’s most valuable asset – its employees. The employee or team in charge of HR will manage aspects such as recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training and developing employees as well as ensuring compliance with labour laws and managing employee benefits and compensation. The HR team will also deal with employee relations, grievances and performance management.

What can you do with BSc Business with Human Resource Management?

With a background in Business with Human Resource Management, you can pursue various career paths such as HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Training and Development Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Employee Relations Specialist and HR Consultant. These roles involve managing employee relations, recruitment, training, performance management, and strategic planning to enhance organisational effectiveness.

Meet Will

"I never thought I'd end up in HR but it’s a mega, mega interesting course. If you are interested in business and helping people, then it's definitely the course for you.

It's sad when you leave, but it's an experience that I'd tell anyone to pursue because it's just fantastic, especially if you really enjoy what you're doing.

Honestly, if I could go back and do it all again, I would."

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a fee discount.

A Business with Human Resource Management graduate could continue their studies at postgraduate level in areas such as:

A taste of what you could become

An HR Manager

An Recruiter

A Labour Relations Specialist

A Business Manager

And more...

Career Links

Studying BSc Business with Human Resource Management at Salford Business School will open opportunities in a wide variety of career paths, and by completing a professional placement year, you can enhance your skills, confidence and employability.

We work with a wide range of employers to support our students, helping them to develop their skills and access internships, placements and graduate jobs. Employers we have worked with previously include PwC, EY, Bank of New York Mellon, Beevers & Struthers, the NHS and Salford City Council.  

 

Requirements

What you need to know

This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

Applicant profile 

You might be a school leaver looking to better prepare for academic life or perhaps you didn’t get the grades you needed. You might also be a returning student, having taken a break from studies and looking to regain your confidence in academic processes. Whatever your situation, our foundation year programmes help learners gain the skills, understanding and confidence needed to progress to further studies. 

 

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

Maths and English at grade C / grade 4 or above. Applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above in these areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

UCAS Tariff points

64 UCAS Tariff points

A level

64 UCAS Tariff points

BTEC National Diploma

MPP in any subject 

T levels

Pass – D or E 

Access to HE

Pass Level 3 with 64 points 

Scottish Highers

64 points 

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 points 

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application, we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test. 

How much?

Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £5,760.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years.

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone:  +44 (0) 161 295 4545

Additional UCAS Information

Business with Human Resource Management UCAS Course ID - N1N6
Business with Human Resource Management with Placement Year UCAS Course ID - N1NP

Enrolment dates

September 2025

September 2026

UCAS information

Course ID N1N7

Institution S03

87%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Business and management (non-specific) at The University of Salford

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