BSc Business and Management (Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Business and Management (Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour) at the University of Reading gives students a well‑rounded business education with a special emphasis on people management, leadership, and organisational dynamics. This three‑year degree prepares them to understand and influence how organisations work and how people behave within them.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in core business disciplines. They take compulsory modules like Management Debates: Ways of Thinking about Business, Business in Practice: Markets, Marketing and Management, Business in Practice: Accounting for Managers, Business in Practice: Data Analytics, and Developing Professional Excellence. These courses help students understand business fundamentals and develop analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Year 2
In the second year, students begin to specialise in people management. They study Building Competitive Advantage: Business Strategy and Operations and Managing Work and People: Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management, along with a module on Social Responsibility in Action to apply theory to real-world social‑impact projects. These modules build students’ ability to analyse how organisations are structured, how people interact, and how strategic decisions affect both business performance and employee well‑being.

Year 3
In the final year, students tailor their studies through optional modules, deepening their expertise in HR and organisational behaviour or choosing other business areas if they wish. They engage in advanced topics and develop critical thinking and leadership skills as they prepare for careers in HR, management, or consulting.

Focus Areas

Human resources management, organisational behaviour, leadership, business strategy, ethics, social responsibility

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to appraise and synthesise business management theories (especially in HR/OB), analyse qualitative and quantitative data, think critically, communicate confidently, value diversity, and recognise the importance of lifelong professional development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is delivered by Henley Business School, which is triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB).

Reputation (Employability)

Henley Business School is globally respected and known for fostering strong employability among its students.
A high proportion of graduates from the Business & Management programmes are in work or further study shortly after graduation.
The curriculum’s strong focus on real-world business issues, leadership, and people management prepares students for roles in HR, general management, consulting, operations, and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the BSc Business and Management (Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour) at Reading, students do more than study theory—they gain hands-on experience in real-world HR and organisational settings. The program is delivered by Henley Business School faculty, who combine academic expertise with practical insights, allowing students to apply management concepts through interactive workshops, seminars, and group activities.

Students have access to a wide range of facilities and opportunities to develop practical skills:

Placement and Year Abroad Options: Students can choose to complete a placement year in industry or a year abroad, gaining international exposure and professional experience.
Guided Social Responsibility Project: In the second year, students participate in a project working with local organisations, applying HR and organisational behaviour knowledge in practice.
Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB): The on-campus entrepreneurship hub allows students to explore organisational development, team management, and leadership challenges.
Dedicated Careers & Placement Support: Students receive tailored support through Henley Careers, including internships, mentorship, and employer engagement opportunities.
Business Library & Research Resources: The Henley Business School Library provides access to specialist journals, reports, and databases focused on leadership, HR, and organisational behaviour.
State-of-the-Art Campus Facilities: The Whiteknights campus offers modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and collaborative workspaces designed to support practical learning.

Summary of key hands-on learning elements:

Option to undertake a professional placement year or study abroad for international HR experience.
Second-year social responsibility consulting project with real local stakeholders.
Access to Henley Enterprise Lab for entrepreneurial and organisational development projects.
One-on-one and group career coaching and internship placement support.
Dedicated business-specific library resources, including specialist databases and journals.
Modern, tech-enabled lecture theatres and seminar rooms on a green, award-winning campus.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are well-positioned for careers in HR, management consultancy, organisational development, and talent management:

University support services: The Henley Careers team offers guidance on CVs, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies, supporting students in securing graduate roles.
Employment stats & salary figures: Approximately 86% of business and management graduates secure work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £30,000, rising to £37,000 within three years. Long-term earnings can reach £46,000. Around 82% enter highly skilled roles.
University–industry partnerships: Graduates benefit from engagement with leading companies and real-world business projects, enhancing their industry insight and professional network.
Accreditation value: The program is part of Henley Business School, which holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring global recognition and credibility in business education.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates enter roles in human resources, organisational development, operations management, consultancy, and leadership positions across diverse industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students may pursue advanced studies, such as:

MSc Human Resource Management – to specialise in strategic HR and organisational leadership.
MSc Organisational Psychology / Behaviour – to deepen expertise in workforce behaviour and organisational effectiveness.
MBA (with HR specialisation) – to combine broader business management knowledge with HR strategy and leadership skills.