Business Management and the Human Resource BA

This industry-accredited degree combines strategic business management with a specialist focus on human resource management (HRM), preparing you for a range of exciting management careers. You'll graduate with eligibility to gain associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), an accolade that is highly sought after by graduate employers in the HR sector.

You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of key topics in management and HRM, such as organisational behaviour, industrial relations, business and society, marketing, and the economic environment for businesses.

Pathways

This programme offers pathways from Year 2 which will allow students to tailor their course to their specific interests or professional aspirations. The pathways will provide modules that can be taken in particular areas and followed through to their final year. This allows a level of personalisation and self-direction not previously available on this programme, providing students with a degree of flexibility to meet their own needs.

The pathways available on this programme are:

• Finance
• Ethics and Sustainability
• Enterprise and Innovation

Course highlights

• Choose to take an optional year in industry gaining practical experience or spend a year studying in another culture at one of our many partner universities across the world.

• A dedicated Personal Tutor will support your academic and personal development throughout your degree. In your first year they’ll help you adjust to university learning and make the most of your time at Leeds.

• Build your knowledge of the main functions of management, ranging from accounting to marketing and strategic management.

• Develop your understanding of the skills and aptitudes employers are looking for and the practical skills needed to gain work placements or internships.

• Learn about the latest real-world HRM issues, with teaching informed by our Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change, to prepare you for a successful career in the sector.

Find out more about studying your undergraduate degree at Leeds University Business School.

Supporting your personal development

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.

You’ll also have access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team who will help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.

Specialist facilities

At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters.

Explore our virtual campus tour to find out more.

Accreditation

We’re proud to be one of a select number of universities to hold professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meaning you'll graduate with the eligibility to become an associate member of the CIPD. You'll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills, relevant knowledge and professional commitment to deliver on today’s business needs.

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.

Year one

Compulsory modules in your first year will give you the broad foundation you need to study business management at this level, and specifically HRM. You’ll gain an understanding of basic accounting practices and economic principles, as well as organisational behaviour and the environment in which contemporary businesses operate. In addition, you’ll learn about the theory and practice of setting up a business of your own and examine the relationships between business and societies.

Year two

You’ll examine how the theories of organisational behaviour relate to real-world situations and learn more about the research and analytical methods used in HRM research. At the same time, you’ll study contemporary developments in human resource management and industrial relations, together with labour economics and business topics such as the legal environment for business, corporate social responsibility and marketing. An optional module will allow you to focus on a topic such as decision-making, understanding data, managing in the digital workplace or supply chain management.

Final year

When you reach your final year, you’ll develop your management skills with compulsory modules in strategic human resource management, strategic management and leadership as well as gaining knowledge of employment law. Optional modules allow you to explore topics such as managing innovation, decision-making, people analytics, gender and equality or diversity management. You may also choose to study Contemporary Management Consulting as an optional module which will give you the opportunity to register with the Chartered Management Institute. If you successfully complete the module after this, you’ll gain the CMI Level 5 Certificate in Professional Consulting.

The course culminates with your dissertation, an independently researched project that you submit in your final year, allowing you to apply your research and analysis skills to a topic of your choice.

This course draws upon the latest academic research and professional practice. You’ll be taught by experienced HR practitioners and teaching staff engaged in cutting-edge research, including those active in the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC).

<p><h3>Course structure</h3><p>The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcourses.leeds.ac.uk%2Fcourseterms&amp;data=05%7C01%7CR.L.Holdsworth%40leeds.ac.uk%7C4a17db9dc73d495c29e108db4bebabad%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C1%7C0%7C638187247806644901%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=p1XXmbznzU2Ko6r%2FqL4z2SVJ7%2FDLZo0WSzc%2FftoS%2FXM%3D&amp;reserved=0">terms and conditions</a>.</p><p>Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.</p><p><a href="https://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=202324&amp;P=BABMNGT%2FHR-R">For more information please read Business Management and the Human Resource BA in the course catalogue</a>.</p><h4>Year 1</h4><p><strong>Compulsory modules </strong></p><ul><li>Personal Tutorials for HRM (20 credits)</li><li>Economic Institutions: Labour (10 credits)</li><li>Introduction to Finance (20 credits)</li><li>Economic Institutions: Industry (10 credits)</li><li>Business and Society: Combined (20 credits)</li><li>Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)</li></ul><p><strong>Optional modules </strong></p><ul><li>Starting Your Own Business (10 credits)</li><li>Accounting for Managers (10 credits)</li><li>Economics for Management (20 credits)</li></ul><h4>Year 2</h4><p><strong>Compulsory modules </strong></p><ul><li>Contemporary Industrial Relations (10 credits)</li><li>Contemporary Human Resource Management (20 credits)</li><li>Organisational Behaviour in Practice (10 credits)</li><li>Business and the Legal Environment (20 credits)</li><li>HRM Research Practice and Personal Tutorials (20 credits)</li></ul><p><strong>Optional modules </strong></p><ul><li>From Study to Work (10 credits)</li><li>Marketing (20 credits)</li><li>Labour Economics (10 credits)</li><li>Management, Work and Organisations (10 credits)</li></ul><p><strong>Pathway modules </strong></p><p>Ethics and Sustainability pathway</p><ul><li><p>Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)</p></li></ul><p>Finance pathway</p><ul><li><p>Corporate Financial Management (20 credits)</p></li></ul><p>Enterprise and Innovation pathway</p><ul><li>Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)</li><li>Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)</li><li>Leading and Managing Small Businesses (10 credits)</li></ul><h4>Final year</h4><p><strong>Compulsory modules </strong></p><ul><li>Strategic Management (20 credits)</li><li>Human Resource Management Dissertation (40 credits)</li><li>Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits)</li><li>Employment Law (20 credits)</li></ul><p><strong>Optional modules </strong></p><ul><li>Global perspectives on HRM and Employment Relations (20 credits)</li><li>Contemporary Management Consulting (20 credits)</li><li>People Analytics: Strategy and Practice (20 credits)</li><li>Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)</li><li>Diversity Management (20 credits)</li></ul><p><strong>Pathway modules </strong></p><p>Ethics and Sustainability pathway</p><ul><li><p>Business Ethics (20 credits)</p></li></ul><p>Finance pathway</p><ul><li><p>Behavioural Finance (10 credits)</p></li></ul><p>Enterprise and Innovation pathway</p><ul><li><p>Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)</p></li></ul></p>

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You’ll also benefit from dedicated academic counselling from your Head of Year, a lecturer in your subject area who will meet you individually during the year and act as a personal tutor.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and dissertations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.*

*If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature we will accept a Grade 5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Typically, we consider the Access to Higher Education Diploma to be suitable for UK/EU applicants who will be assessed on a case by case basis. Applicants must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction level and 15 at Merit. Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.

  Please note that applicants presenting this qualification may be called for interview (where they must also present a recent piece of academic writing for review) - this requirement is assessed upon receipt of the application.
  

• BTEC

  We will accept the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business with Distinction Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). For the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business, or other BTEC qualifications alongside academic A-levels, please see our BTEC entry requirements.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M2 or D2, M2, M2. Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 16 points from Higher Level subjects.

  For those candidates who meet our Maths or English requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Maths or English in the IB Diploma do not apply. If you are presenting Literature and Performance as one of your International Baccalaureate subjects, you will need to present a separate English qualification.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  Applicants must obtain 4 H2 grades and 2 H3 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level). Maths and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of O3 is required for GCSE B/5 (Maths) or GCSE B/6 (English).

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations: six Highers at AAAABB or one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AABBB, or two Advanced Highers at AB with five Highers AABBB. We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAB. Intermediate 2 / National 5 Maths and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade for grade basis.

• T-Levels

  We welcome applications from candidates offering T levels. Applicants would be expected to achieve an overall Distinction from one of these subjects; Digital Business Services, Digital Support and Services, Accounting, Finance, or Management and Administration (the subject Human Resources may be considered in the future).

  Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  Applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) must obtain a grade A alongside AB at A level (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: BBB

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4

Access to Leeds: Pass

International

To study at the University of Leeds, you’ll need to have a recognised English language qualification.

Read more about recognised English Language Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our Entry Requirements page.

For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

IELTS requirements for this course are listed below.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School courses is 30 June.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration. Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £24,000 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

<p>An additional fee is payable to fulfil CIPD accreditation. Whilst studying the course you will have the option to join as a Student Member and once you have graduated you will be eligible for Associate Membership. CIPD membership is optional and you are not required to join in order to complete the course. Please visit the <a href="https://www.cipd.co.uk/membership/become-member/fees">CIPD website</a> for the most up-to-date fee information.</p><p>All students who choose to take the final year optional module Contemporary Management Consulting will have the opportunity to register with the <a href="http://www.managers.org.uk/">Chartered Management Institute</a> (CMI). By paying this fee you will be registered with the CMI and if you successfully complete the module you will receive the CMI Level 5 Certificate in Professional Consulting.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Leeds University Business School awards a generous range of scholarships.

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This degree is semi-vocational, as our CIPD accreditation ensures it will prepare you for a career in human resource management, and other management roles that demand an understanding of the human element of business. You’ll be eligible for Associate Membership of the CIPD, and should you choose to join the CIPD as a student member during your studies you’ll be able to use the designation Assoc. CIPD after you successfully graduate.

Over the last few years graduates from our Human Resource Management and broader Management degrees have gone into jobs such as a Human Resources Manager, Business Development Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Information Technology Risk Consultant, Sales Executive, and Marketing Assistant.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

You will be supported throughout your studies by the Business School’s dedicated Employability and Opportunity team who will help you develop and demonstrate the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking. You'll benefit from one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers.

In addition, Leeds University Business School students also have full access to the University Careers Centre and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.

The Careers Centre work with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme. Applying for the scheme is a competitive process and it offers Business School students a wide range of benefits as they are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.

You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.

Read more about studying abroad.

Work placement

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 in industry with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, in the UK or overseas. If you take this option, your degree will be extended to a four-year programme with the third year spent on placement.

Support to find shorter internships is also available.

Read more about work placements.