BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus

Program Overview

This degree gives you specialist expertise in managing people within organisations — you’ll learn how to recruit, develop, reward, and retain talent, while understanding the strategic, legal, and ethical dimensions of HR. It's ideal if you're passionate about working in HR, talent management, consultancy, or developing people‑centred business functions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a solid foundation in business and organisational theory. You study modules such as Introduction to Financial Analysis and Management, Digital Business and Principles of Marketing, Global Business Environment and International Strategy, Organisational Behaviour, and Introduction to Business Contracts and the Law. This gives you strong business acumen alongside an understanding of how people operate within organisations.

Year 2

In the second year, you specialise in HR-focused topics. Key modules include HRM for Organisational Performance, Using Business Information in HR Practice, Project Management, and Entrepreneurial Practice. These teach you how to use data in HR decision-making, align HR with organisational performance, manage HR projects, and think entrepreneurially about people management.

Year 3

Your final year deepens your HR expertise and develops your strategic thinking. You study modules such as Global HRM Practice, Reward Management, Leadership in a Digital World, Employment Law and Relations, and complete an Undergraduate Major Project. This allows you to apply your learning to real organisational issues, explore global HR trends, understand reward systems, and develop leadership skills in modern workplaces.

Focus areas

Strategic human resource management, performance and reward systems, employment law, data-driven HR, leadership in digital organisations, and global HR practice.

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate able to analyse and solve people‑management challenges, design HR strategies aligned with business goals, lead and evaluate HR projects, understand legal and ethical employment frameworks, and apply HR principles in global or digital contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Throughout the course, you work on industry‑led projects and develop real-world skills in HR analytics, stakeholder engagement, and organisational performance. This practical focus prepares you for HR roles in a variety of organisations.

Reputation (employability)

ARU’s business faculty is well-known for its practical, career-focused approach. Graduates are equipped for HR, talent management, and organisational development roles and benefit from strong employer connections and real‑world project experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management at Anglia Ruskin University develops both practical and strategic HR skills. You gain real-world experience from early on, working on projects, placements, and research tasks designed to mirror the challenges of modern HR practice. Being CIPD-accredited, the course ensures you graduate with industry-recognized skills and professional standing.

Live HR projects: Collaborate on real HR or people-management challenges to build skills in recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and policy development.
Placement year option: A full-year placement lets you work in HR or a related role, gaining professional experience and building employability.
Professional mentoring: Tutors and HR professionals guide your development through workshops, simulations, and reflective practice.
Research and major project: In the final year, you complete an independent project investigating an HR issue or organizational problem.
Industry-focused modules: You study HR-specific topics such as Employment Law, Reward Management, Organizational Performance, Talent Management, and Employee Relations.
Applied learning: Use case studies, digital HR tools, and team exercises to practice negotiation, leadership, and HR strategy in realistic scenarios.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Anglia Ruskin University’s BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management are prepared for a range of HR-focused roles. Typical career paths include HR Officer / Specialist, Talent Acquisition Consultant, Learning & Development Coordinator, Organisational Development Practitioner, and HR Business Partner. Graduates are also well-positioned for management trainee programmes or generalist business roles thanks to a strong foundation in both business and HR.

Why This Programme Stands Out:

Deep HR Specialisation — The course covers recruitment, employee development, wellbeing and resilience, employment law, reward management, and other HR essentials.
Business Context Built In — Core business subjects include strategy, international business, digital business, marketing, and organisational performance, ensuring you understand both people and business dynamics.
Live Projects & Practical Exposure — Industry-led projects allow you to work on real business-HR challenges, developing problem-solving skills and practical experience.
Smaller Cohort, Better Support — Smaller class sizes provide personalised attention from lecturers and opportunities for peer collaboration.
Final-Year Major Project — Your final year includes a major research or business-development project, often HR-focused, which helps build your professional portfolio.
Professional Recognition (CIPD) — The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, aligning your studies with professional HR standards.
Strong Teaching & University Reputation — ARU holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting high-quality teaching and student support.
Career Connections & Alumni Network — Access to employer talks, networking events, and mentorship opportunities prepares you for successful HR careers.
Graduate Earnings — Early-career graduates typically earn around £24,000, increasing to approximately £27,500 after 5 years, reflecting strong career progression.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management, you can:

Pursue a Master’s in Human Resource Management or Leadership to gain advanced expertise or senior management skills.
Complete an MBA with a focus on HR to combine HR knowledge with broader business leadership skills.
Undertake a higher-level CIPD professional qualification (Level 5 or 7) to enhance HR credentials and career progression.
Progress into research through an MRes or PhD in human capital, organisational behaviour, or strategic HR, suitable for academic or consultancy careers.