Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Business with Human Resource Management

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four 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, please search 'Business with Human Resource Management with Professional Placement Year' on UCAS or speak to our enquiries team for more information

Human resources professionals who can motivate employees whilst protecting the organisation from non-compliance are highly sought after.

Our undergraduate Business with Human Resource Management programme will help you to develop an understanding of how organisations run. You'll look at key aspects of HRM, including employee engagement, awareness of organisational culture, effective communication and employment law. You will also build your personal portfolio of professional evidence which will enhance your CV and help you in job applications and interviews.

You will explore ethical and sustainable business practices, as well as the technical tools you need to become a rounded HR professional. 

  • Develop core HR skills required to manage people effectively.
  • Study in a dynamic environment and learn practical management skills from business simulations and live projects.
  • Build your own personal portfolio to enhance your CV and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to future employers.

Become industry ready

Our BSc Business with Human Resource Management degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development. The course reflects the CIPD’s national framework and is highly practical, reflective of HR best practice and the current needs of employers.

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

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

Your journey starts here

Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an Open Day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information. 

Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

CIPD logo
Small Business Charter logo
iDEA (digital Salford) logo

This is for you if...

1.

You are eager to develop sought-after skills through work placements, study abroad schemes and real-world learning

2.

You understand the importance of effectively managing personnel resources to a business

3.

You aim to learn both the theoretical concepts and practical aspects of human resource management

Course details

All about the course

Right from the start, the Business with Human Resource Management programme is all about supporting you to develop the practical skills that employers look for.

In your first year, you'll develop an understanding of how organisations function and the role of HR within them, alongside key HR skills. The second year focuses on specialised HRM theories and transferable skills, with core and optional modules allowing you to tailor your learning. You’ll also practise job application skills, such as CV writing and interviewing, to secure placements. By your final year, you’ll have developed strategic thinking and leadership skills. You will work on real-life HR issues through a partnership with Salford City Council, with opportunities for year-long placements for top-performing students.

Enhance your experience

Studying Business with Human Resource Management at Salford Business School offers numerous opportunities to gain additional practical experience and practice your skills in a real-world setting.

With the opportunity for all students to complete a paid work placement or study abroad between their second and third years, you will enter the world of work with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and key business concepts.

Discover our extracurricular and out-of-classroom opportunities to see how you can take your studies further. 

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. 

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

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.

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.

Business Intelligence and Dashboards

Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis for management decision making, which will be practiced on real data sets aligned to students’ named degree titles. Formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

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, optimisation of scarce resources etc.

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.  

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.

The Digital Workplace

The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.

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.

Internship

A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.

Optional work placement 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

TEACHING 

Our teaching is focused on supporting you to gain hands-on experience for your career.  Right from the start you will develop the practical skills as well as the theoretical knowledge that you will 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 business and provide you with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job. 

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a wide range of learning activities such as business simulations.

SKILLS FOR LEARNING

Don’t bypass the Clifford Whitworth library, it really is a beneficial resource for you. The friendly library team will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your studies and in your work. 

ASSESSMENT

We use different forms of assessment in different modules and wherever possible these will reflect the types of work you will do in the ‘real world’ for example, report writing, presentations and business pitches. Exams will only be used when it is a requirement for professional accreditation.

Frequently asked questions

What is BSc Business with Human Resource Management?

BSc 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?

FURTHER STUDY 

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 significant fees discount. 

Learn about our postgraduate courses

EMPLOYMENT

Our focus on this course is to give you the skills, knowledge and resources you need so you have good job opportunities after you graduate. We have used our close links with industry partners to make sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed so you are ready for a successful management career.

Graduates of this course have gone on to enjoy careers at organisations of all shapes and sizes, including Thomson Holidays, BT, DTS Logistics, Greater Manchester Police and the NHS.

A taste of what you could become

A Human Resources Advisor

A Business Manager

A Recruitment Manager

A Labour Relations Specialist

And more...

Career Links

Our course team maintains excellent relations with local and national human resource organisations, commentators and employers.

Our teaching is industry-led, inspired by contemporary practice and developed in partnership with business leaders. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide you with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.

We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.

The curriculum across our undergraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in practice in a way that has been proven to produce highly employable, articulate business professionals who have forged the contacts that will help develop their future careers.

 

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE 

This course offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in HR, management, recruitment and a variety of other different business areas. Knowledge and expertise in HR are highly sought after by employers across a wide variety of sectors. This course will appeal to a range of applicants and there is no need to have studied these subjects before to be successful. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

Maths and English at grade C or grade 4 or above.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS Tariff points

104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points

A level

BCC - BBC with a minimum of two A2 passes

BTEC National Diploma

DMM

T levels

Pass (C in Core subject) or Merit

If applying to start from September 2024, you will need a Merit.

Access to HE

104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points – pass with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 

International Baccalaureate

Indicatively 30 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma (31 points with experience year)

Scottish Highers

104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points with a minimum of two Higher Level Subjects

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 60% or above

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

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?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £9,250.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £15,720.00per year

Additional costs

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

Scholarships for international students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.

 

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Business with Human Resource Management with Foundation Year UCAS Course ID - N1N7

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

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID N1N6

Institution S03