Human Resource Management, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need, while optional and discovery modules allow you to shape your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations.

A suite of compulsory modules in Year 1 will give you a broad introduction to the nature of businesses and those who work within them. You'll study organisational behaviour the sociology of work, organisation theory and an understanding of the nature of leadership. At the same time, you'll put this into the context of the broader economy and the institution which directly impact on business and employees.

You'll build on this foundation in the following year, when you'll examine how the principles of organisational behaviour work in practice. Compulsory modules will also consider management culture, the reshaping of the organisation in the 21st century, industrial relations and the legal and economic context in which businesses operate and recruit and retain employees. Optional modules will give you the chance to examine a broader topic like corporate social responsibility or marketing.

When you reach your final year, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of employment law and examine the challenges and principles of human resource management. In addition, you'll select from a wider range of optional modules on topics from management consulting to gender and equality in the workplace, or employment relations around the world. The culmination of your studies is your dissertation - an independently researched project on a topic of your choice that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  GCSE: Mathematics grade B/6 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.

  • Career opportunities

    This degree is an excellent qualification for individuals seeking a career in human resource management and other management roles that demand an understanding of the human element of business. Because you'll be eligible for Associate Membership of CIPD, you'll be able to use the designation Assoc CIPD to demonstrate this to employers.

    Over the past few years graduates have used this flexible degree to go into jobs such as a Human Resources Manager, Business Development Manager, HR Consultant, Advertising Executive, Business and Solution Analyst, Purchasing Manager, Brand Management Trainee, Sales Executive, and various leading graduate schemes.

    Find out more about Careers and Employability in Leeds University Business School

    Careers support

    You will be supported throughout your studies by a dedicated employability team in the Business School who will help you develop and demonstrate the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for through one-to-one support, workshops and lectures from employers such as L'Oréal and Unilever.

    The team also works with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as HSBC, M&S and KPMG, who take part in our innovative Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme. With around 140 places available, this scheme offers Business School students the chance to receive free one-to-one advice and mentoring for a year during their studies.

    In addition, Leeds University Business School students also have full access to the University Careers Centre and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies. Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

    Read more about Study Year Abroad

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to spend a year on placement with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, in the UK or overseas.

    Read more about the Year in Industry

    EU students with a viable business plan have the opportunity to apply for a year in enterprise as part of this course. During this year you will start your own business with support from the University including advice, office space and living costs allowance.

    Read more about the Year in Enterprise

  • Related courses

    Management BA
    Management and the Human Resource BA
    Economics and Management BSc