BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus

Program Overview

This course combines a solid foundation in business management with specialist HR expertise, so you don’t just learn how organizations work — you learn how to manage, develop, and empower people within those organizations. It’s ideal if you’re passionate about business strategy and HR — whether you envision being a human resources professional, a people manager, or a consultant in people‑centric roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build core business knowledge through modules like Digital Business and Principles of Marketing, How to Do Business, Financial Environment and Analysis, International Business and Market Dynamics, and Organisational Behaviour and AI (Future of Work). These classes give you a broad understanding of business operations, finance, global markets, and how AI and technology are shaping the workplace.

Year 2

The second year shifts your focus toward HR‑specific skills: you study Developing Professional Practice and Using Information in HR and Managing HR and Improving Organisational Performance, which cover how to use data in HR, design performance systems, and align HR strategy with business goals. You also take general business modules like The Entrepreneurial Journey and a project management course, helping you become versatile in business planning and leadership.

Year 3

In the final year, you deepen your HR knowledge through modules such as HR Management in Context and Reward Management, Employment Law and Relations, and a major Undergraduate Project where you apply your learning to a real-world business challenge. You also study International Business Strategy, tying together your business and people-management expertise to prepare for strategic roles.

Focus areas

Strategic business management, HR strategy and performance, reward systems, employment law, international business, HR analytics, and professional project-based learning.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to design HR policies, manage and motivate people, analyze HR data, lead change in organizations, understand legal and ethical issues in employment, and apply business strategy in a people‑centred way. You’ll also be able to deliver real-world projects and think critically about business and HR challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This BSc (Hons) is CIPD‑accredited, which is a big deal in HR: it gives you a strong starting point for a human resources career and aligns your education with professional HR standards. You’ll also benefit from live business projects, guest speakers, and opportunities to work on real business issues.

Reputation (employability)

Anglia Ruskin University is known for strong business education, and this HR‑specialist course is designed to be very practical: graduates are well-placed to move into HR roles, business management, consultancy, or further study (like a Master’s in HR or business). The CIPD accreditation and hands-on learning give you a competitive edge when applying for HR jobs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you study Business with HR Management at ARU’s Cambridge campus, you don’t just learn theory — you actively build HR and business skills through live projects, real-world exposure, and professional development. The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which gives you a serious edge if you're aiming for HR as a long-term career.

Here’s how your learning becomes very practical:

Live business-project work: You work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle real business challenges — gaining experience in problem-solving, stakeholder management, and HR strategy.
Placement year option: You can choose a 4-year version of the course that includes a full placement year, gaining professional experience working in a business or HR role, which significantly boosts your employability.
Professional experience and mentoring: Throughout your degree, you are supported by university tutors and engage with guest speakers, including industry professionals and HR experts, to understand real HR business practices.
Research and major project: In your final year, you complete an “Undergraduate Major Project,” where you research or work on a significant business-HR issue. This develops specialist HR knowledge and research skills.
Industry-relevant modules: You take HR-specific modules like “Managing HR & Improving Organisational Performance,” “HR Management in Context & Reward Management,” and “Employment Law & Relations,” ensuring you understand both people and business strategy.
Workshops and cohort-based learning: The course emphasizes applied, collaborative learning using digital tools, case studies, and simulation exercises to practice negotiation, leadership, and HR policy design.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Anglia Ruskin University’s BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management are prepared for a wide range of HR and business-related roles. You will have the knowledge and skills to manage people, support organisational development, and contribute to strategic HR initiatives. Typical roles include: HR Officer / HR Manager, HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning & Development Coordinator, Management Consultant, and Business Analyst.

Why This Programme Stands Out:

Comprehensive Business and HR Training — You gain a solid foundation in business subjects such as marketing, finance, and strategy, combined with specialist HR modules covering employment law, reward management, organisational behaviour, and performance improvement.
Flexible Study Options — The programme offers a three-year route, a version with a foundation year, or a four-year sandwich course with an optional placement year.
Real-World Experience — The optional placement year allows you to apply HR knowledge in real companies, gain professional experience, and build your CV.
High Teaching Quality and Academic Support — Students rate learning opportunities, academic support, assessment, and feedback highly.
Career-Relevant Modules — Modules include “Managing HR and Improving Organisational Performance”, “HR Management in Context and Reward Management”, and “Employment Law and Relations”, reflecting current HR practices.
Graduate Outcomes & Salary — Approximately 76% of graduates go into employment or further study within 15 months. Early-career salaries typically range from £20,000 to £33,000, with median earnings around £29,000.
Industry Relevance — The course aligns business principles with HR strategies, making graduates highly attractive for HR roles in businesses, charities, and public-sector organisations.
Supportive University Environment — ARU provides strong industry connections, guest speakers, and opportunities to work on live business-HR projects, enhancing practical experience and professional readiness.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management, you can continue your studies in multiple ways:

Pursue a Master’s in Human Resource Management, Leadership, or Organisational Psychology.
Complete a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on HR or people management.
Undertake a CIPD qualification (Level 5 or 7) to accelerate career progression in HR.
For research-focused roles, continue with an MRes or PhD in Human Resource Management, Business Strategy, or Organisational Behaviour.