BA Hons Business and Management (Human Resource Management)

Students on the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) at Bath Spa University gain practical HR experience throughout their degree. The programme is built around real organisational challenges, live projects, hands-on placements, and research-based learning. From the first year onward, students work on consultancy-style tasks with companies such as Oracle, Butlins and Dorothy House, developing solutions to genuine business and people-management problems. The course also offers a choice between a ten-week summer placement or a ten-month business placement, giving students valuable workplace exposure. In the final year, they complete an HR-focused business research project, and they even have the opportunity to develop a business with classmates. Teaching is highly interactive, using group activities, simulations, presentations, digital tools, and practical assignments. The programme makes strong use of Bath Spa’s Virtual Learning Environment, Ultra, to support blended learning.

Transitioning from the overview to specifics, students benefit from a wide range of practical experiences and specialist tools:

• Live client projects with organisations such as Oracle, Butlins and Dorothy House.

• Optional 10-week summer placement or a 10-month professional placement.

• Final-year business research project focused on Human Resource Management.

• Opportunity to start and develop a business venture with peers.

• Interactive assessments including group work, presentations, simulations, podcasts, business reports, and case-based exercises.

• Regular guest lectures from industry professionals and organised visits to local businesses.

• Use of the Ultra Virtual Learning Environment for blended and digital learning.

• Access to Student Digital Learning Assistants for help with tools such as Microsoft Office and Adobe software.

• Full access to Adobe Creative Suite, as Bath Spa University is an Adobe Creative Campus.

• Collaborative learning through seminars, workshops and small-group sessions within Bath Business School.

Facilities & Resources

This degree is supported by strong campus facilities that enhance the learning experience. The Business School is based at Newton Park, a campus combining modern academic buildings with scenic and historic surroundings. Teaching takes place in the Commons building, which includes specialist learning spaces, seminar rooms, social learning areas and digital resources. Students have full access to the university library, which provides extensive print and digital collections, subject-specialist librarians, group study rooms and quiet study areas. As an Adobe Creative Campus, Bath Spa offers the full Adobe Creative Suite to all students, supporting digital assignments and creative project work. Study spaces, collaboration rooms and digital learning support are available across campus. Careers and Employability advisors provide guidance on placements, internships and networking opportunities throughout the degree.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Human Resource Management) at Bath Spa University typically progress into roles across HR, people operations, and wider business management. With a blend of business grounding and specialist HR expertise, students finish the degree ready for both early-career HR roles and long-term progression into strategic people-management positions.

Typical graduate roles include:

• HR Manager / HR Business Partner

• Talent Acquisition Specialist

• Learning and Development Coordinator

• Employee Relations Officer

This degree prepares students for long-term success through:

• University Careers & Employability Support:
  Students benefit from Bath Spa’s dedicated Careers and Employability team, which offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, placement preparation sessions, and access to job-search tools. The Placements Team specifically supports students who undertake the Professional Placement Year, helping them secure roles and develop professional confidence.

• Professional Placement Year (PPY):
  A 9-month placement opportunity (minimum 900 hours) allows students to gain hands-on HR and business experience. Support is provided throughout the process, from finding opportunities to reflecting on professional growth.

• Industry Engagement and Real-World Projects:
  Students collaborate with employers through consultancy projects and partner organisations. Past projects and learning experiences have been connected with companies such as Oracle, Butlins, and Dorothy House, giving students direct exposure to workplace challenges.

• Graduate Employment and Salary Outcomes:

  • Around 93% of Bath Spa business studies graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.

  • Average earnings 15 months after the course are approximately £25,000, with earnings typically rising to £30,000+ after several years.

  • A very high proportion of final-year HR management students report that the degree effectively develops the skills they need for their future careers.

• Accreditation and Long-Term Value:
  While the course itself does not list a specific HR professional accreditation, the degree offers a strong academic foundation that supports progression into professional HR qualifications and is recognised widely across industries.

• Graduation Outcomes:
  Students complete the program with a strong understanding of strategic HR management, organisational behaviour, sustainability in business, and problem-solving, supported by a final-year research or consultancy project that strengthens their professional profile.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can progress into postgraduate study such as:

• Master’s degrees in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Leadership, or other management fields.

• Professional HR qualifications such as CIPD certification, which further enhances employability and supports progression into senior HR roles.

• Long-term academic routes such as an MPhil or PhD for those interested in research or teaching.