Overview
The BSc Human Resources and Business Management course draws on psychology, human resources and general management theory to develop insight into the world of work, preparing students with key skills in communication, negotiation and effective decision-making.
Course outline and modules
The course prepares students to apply their knowledge of individual attitudes and behaviours to organisational issues like productivity, employee engagement, workplace wellbeing, leadership and strategy. The successful completion of the course also provides you with an Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), making you more attractive to employers.
The BSc in Human Resources and Business Management gives you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge of factors such as motivation, commitment and emotions at work, which can then be applied to wider business management issues including productivity, work engagement and leadership. The BSc in Human Resources and Business Management is fully accredited by the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) giving it additional standing as it is nationally recognised by the employers.
What you’ll learn
During your studies you will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through your placement. You will develop a deeper understanding of psychological mechanisms that play a role in decision-making and team work, as well as how leaders can strategically bring about change processes, and why individual employees play an important role in organisational productivity. Your placement will also help you to develop key skills in decision-making, negotiation and communicating effectively.
In the first year, you will develop an understanding of the historical context within which work has developed and changed in the last century. This will equip you with an appreciation of how information technology and globalisation have altered business structures. You will also develop knowledge of key elements of business management such as economics, marketing, law and accounting.
The second year shifts focus to a deeper understanding of the issues around individual attitudes and behaviours. You will study modules on ‘Creativity in Organisations’ and the ‘Psychology of Work’, alongside continuing to develop knowledge of the wider business management issues through modules including ‘Employee Resourcing’ and ‘Digital Marketing’. In addition, you will develop skills such as data analysis, contributing to your decision-making and negotiation acumen.
At the end of your second year you begin your placement year, where you will have an opportunity to practice and apply the knowledge and skills you have so far developed.
The final year brings all of your learning together with a study of strategy and management, where the combination of human resources and business management takes focus through modules such as ‘Strategic HR and Leadership’.
You will develop specialised knowledge of employment law and the skills to use evidence to make persuasive arguments. You will draw on your placement experiences to make sense of critical HR issues like productivity, work engagement, burnout and stress at work. All this will prepare you to start either a specialised career in HR or a more general management role within organisations across a range of different sectors. On successful completion of your degree you will be able to apply for Associate CIPD membership.
International students
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Foundation programme
Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme in business will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey. We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support and offer pre-sessional English language programmes.
Post-study work visa
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies, in order to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020 at universities with a track record of compliance with immigration policy.
Modules
Year 1
In your first year you will study a range of topics, designed to give you a solid foundation for your business degree.
The core modules are:
- Introductory Accounting for Business
- Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
- Introduction to Human Resource Management
- Skills for HRM
- Law for Business
- Introduction to Marketing Management
- Principles of Operations Management
- An Introduction to Business Economics
Learning, teaching and assessment
Our close links to industry and our focus on delivering practical business experiences provide a blend of learning to equip you for your future career.
Learning and teaching
You will encounter a range of teaching methods on our Human Resources and Business Management BSc at Aston, including lectures, tutorials, group working and case studies, as well as individual and group presentations.
Traditional teaching is enhanced by a virtual learning environment that is used to host a range of electronic supporting materials.
You will benefit from being taught by staff who are involved in research in this subject area.
Assessment
You will undertake a mix of coursework, examinations, online tests, presentations and group work.
Personal development
One of the key outcomes of engaging with this degree is that you develop a more considered, confident sense of self. The degree tests your ability to communicate professionally, articulate ideas and write effectively – all transferable and practical skills you will need to engage in your chosen career path. We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life. This experience will develop your teamworking and negotiating skills.
The integrated placement year gives you genuine, practical work experience that is invaluable in developing an appreciation of issues such as office politics, which cannot be replicated in the lecture room.
Career prospects
This course provides you with an in-depth knowledge of individual attitudes and behaviours at work, which is essential to understand and solve wider business management issues such leadership, developing strategy for organisational change, increasing productivity and work engagement.
Further, the CIPD accreditation signals to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to link understanding of individual attitudes and behaviours to wider organisational issues. This prepares you to take a flexible approach to developing your career trajectory.
You can choose a Human Resources specialisation path or you can opt for a more generalist role in business management. During your placement year, you will also be able to develop your learning and showcase your skills, helping you to accelerate your employability through work experience.
Recent graduates
Our Human Resources and Business Management graduates are in demand from a wide range of organisations that require managers who understand the human side of enterprise. Graduates have gained employment in a variety of positions, including:
- Medical HR Assistant
- Talent Analyst
- HR Consultant
- Human Resource Management Coordinator
- Business Analyst
- Graduate Audit Assistant.
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