BA Hons Business Management With Human Resource Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edinburgh Napier University

Program Overview

This 4-year full-time degree combines a strong foundation in core business disciplines with a focused specialism in human resource management. It suits students who want to understand how organisations function while developing the skills to support, develop, and lead people effectively in a professional setting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with essential business knowledge through modules such as Behavioural Studies, Research and Study Skills, Accounting for Business, Principles of Economics, and Marketing, supported by optional electives. This year builds a broad understanding of organisational behaviour, business environments, and the economic and financial systems that shape decision-making.

Year 2

The second year introduces HR-focused learning, with modules like Introduction to Human Resource Management, Business and Management Challenges, and World Economy alongside optional subjects. Students start exploring topics such as recruitment, employee relations, and how international economic trends influence workforce strategies.

Year 3

Students deepen their expertise by studying International Business and HR Development, with the option to complete a work-based learning placement or study abroad. This year is designed to help students apply their learning in real-world or international contexts, gaining practical insight into global business and HR operations.

Year 4

The final year develops strategic and global HR perspectives through modules like Business Strategy & Sustainable Development, Leadership in a Changing Environment, Global Employment Practices, plus an independent Dissertation. Students integrate their business and HR knowledge to understand leadership, sustainability, and employment systems across global organisations.

Focus Areas

Business management, talent development, employee engagement, strategic leadership, global employment practices, organisational sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to understand and analyse core business functions, design and implement HR strategies, lead teams in dynamic environments, and conduct independent research on contemporary business and HR issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is delivered within a Business School committed to responsible management education through the internationally recognised Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). The wider HR portfolio at Edinburgh Napier is well-established and aligned with contemporary HR professional standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Edinburgh Napier is consistently ranked among the strong modern universities in the UK for Business, Management, and Marketing subjects.
Around 95% of graduates progress into employment or further study within 15 months.
HRM student satisfaction has been reported at approximately 93% in national surveys.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this programme develop practical business and HR skills through real-world experiences, applied projects, and industry-focused learning environments. The course includes an optional six-month work placement in the third year, giving learners the chance to apply HR practices directly within an organisation. Throughout the degree, students strengthen their leadership, communication, and analytical abilities through tutorials, case work, and collaborative tasks supported by modern teaching spaces such as the Active Learning Suite at Craiglockhart Campus.

Here’s how these experiences come to life across the programme:

Six-Month Work Placement (Optional, Year 3): Students can gain professional experience within a business or HR department, developing confidence and industry-ready skills.
Study Abroad Trimester: Learners may spend a trimester studying at one of the university’s global partner institutions to enhance international business understanding.
Live Business Projects: Opportunities are available to work on real challenges provided by companies through the Careers & Placements team, helping students connect theory with practice.
Group-Based Learning: Tutorials often include teamwork, group presentations, and business case analysis to mirror workplace collaboration.
Digital Learning Tools: Students use Moodle (the virtual learning environment) to access materials, submit assessments, collaborate on projects, and receive feedback.
Business and HR Databases: Access to industry-relevant resources such as academic journals, market research tools, and HR management databases through the university’s library service.
Active Learning Suite: A technology-enhanced classroom designed for collaborative tasks, problem-solving activities, and interactive teaching.
Craiglockhart Library: A dedicated business library with computers, study rooms equipped with screens and whiteboards, accessible technology, and extensive digital resources.
Craiglockhart Campus Facilities: Two large lecture theatres, multimedia labs, modern teaching rooms, and social learning spaces ideal for business and HR students.
Bright Red Triangle Hub: An entrepreneurial and consultancy centre that supports students with business ideas, enterprise projects, and innovation challenges.
University IT Services: High-speed Wi-Fi, drop-in computer areas, student email, cloud storage, and digital tools that support all coursework.
Fitness and Wellbeing Facilities: Access to the EN GAGE sports centre and wellbeing services across campuses.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree often step confidently into roles across HR, business leadership, and organisational development. The blend of business strategy and people-management skills prepares students for modern workplace demands. Typical graduate roles include HR Manager, Recruitment Specialist, Learning & Development Coordinator, and Business Operations Manager.

University Services Supporting Employability:

Dedicated Careers & Employability Service offering CV building, interview coaching, and employer networking.
Business School’s Employability Skills Programme, which embeds real business challenges into the curriculum.
Opportunity for a six-month work placement and international study to strengthen professional experience and global awareness.

Employment Statistics:

Around 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing the degree.
Approximately 65% of graduates secure highly skilled employment soon after graduation.
Typical early-career salaries average around £23,500, rising to approximately £26,500 with experience.

Industry Partnerships & Accreditation:

The Business School is a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), reflecting a strong commitment to ethical, sustainable and responsible business leadership.
Strong partnerships with employers across business, retail, finance, public services, and global organisations enhance placement and project opportunities.

Long-Term Value & Graduate Outcomes:

Students graduate with a strong mix of people-management, business analysis and leadership skills.
The programme’s focus on sustainability, inclusivity and ethical leadership strengthens long-term career growth across HR and business management pathways.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can continue their studies through a range of postgraduate options such as MSc Business Management (Human Resource Management), organisational psychology, international HR, or leadership-focused master’s degrees. Professional development routes such as CIPD-aligned qualifications also provide pathways toward advanced HR practice and chartered status.