Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

This degree combines broad business understanding (strategy, finance, ethics) with deep HR-specialisms like performance, reward, employment law, diversity and employee development. It’s ideal if you want to work in HR or in roles that need people-management skills, plus you’ll gain opportunities for placements or studying abroad which add real-world value.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
You’ll begin with core business foundational modules and HR-relevant introductory units. For instance, Financial Decision Making (20 credits) teaches how financial information supports organisational choices, while Business, Economy and Society explores the wider societal, ethical, economic and environmental contexts businesses operate in. There’s also a Preparing for Professional Practice module that builds your employability skills, introducing you to working in teams, leadership, critical thinking and understanding HR-aspects in business.

Year Two
In the second year you go deeper into HR and business analytic skills. Modules like Business Analysis for Decision Making focus on quantitative tools (data handling, forecasting, modelling) so you can support HR or business strategies with evidence. You’ll also cover more HR specific topics (e.g. employment law, employee relations, reward and performance). There’s also the chance to choose optional modules to tailor your learning more toward your interests.

Final Year
The final year is where you rise to a strategic level. You’ll do a dissertation (a major independent research project) where you explore a business or HR-issue in depth. You’ll also study modules focused on advanced HR topics: strategic human resource issues, reward & performance design, international HR, and specialist topics depending on optional modules you choose. There’s also the option to do a placement year (a “sandwich” option) or study abroad, to gain direct experience in work settings.

Focus Areas

Strategic resourcing; employee relations; performance, reward & HR development; employment law and ethics; HR analytics; business and financial decision making; sustainability & societal responsibility in organisations.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to: assess and apply HR theory in actual organisations; use data and analysis to inform HR/business decisions; understand legal, ethical, diversity and sustainability dimensions of people management; develop and implement strategic HR policies; lead teams with professionalism; communicate well; and adapt across public, private, or not-for-profit sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is CIPD-approved, meaning students are eligible for professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which is a big plus for credibility in HR careers.
Also, the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria has double AACSB accreditation (business & accounting) — this reflects high quality, rigorous standards in business education.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Northumbria’s Business & Management is ranked 9th in the UK for research power in the REF 2021.
Over 95% of students on this Business & HRM course felt their course challenged them to do their best (NSS 2025).
Many students secure HR or related roles after graduating, with companies such as PWC, Nissan, ITV, local authorities among the employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

You won’t just learn HR theory — at Northumbria, the course is designed so that you’re actively doing, collaborating, using tools, engaging with organisations, and applying what you learn in realistic settings. Here are specific features:

Problem-based / experiential learning
Modules use real case studies (multinational firms, SMEs, non-profits, public sector) so that you’re not just reading but solving actual problems. You’ll work in teams, engage in projects where you’re given live problems, not just theoretical assignments.
Preparing for Professional Practice module
In Year 1, there is a core module called Preparing for Professional Practice (20 credits) that focuses on employability, team working, leadership, and real organisation projects. You’ll develop skills like project management, resilience, etc., through group work and experiential/problem-led tasks.
Work placements / optional sandwich year
Before your final year, you have the opportunity to do a work placement (UK or overseas) or to study abroad. If you choose the placement route, you can gain up to a full academic year (48 weeks) of relevant work experience. This is optional but highly encouraged.
CIPD professional membership
One great advantage: the course gives you a chance to gain membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meaning you cover competencies employers actually look for.
Capstone / Dissertation / Consultancy Project
In your final year, you do a dissertation or a management enquiry project (or consultancy-style project) with supervision. That means you pick a research theme, collect and analyse either primary or secondary data, and present findings.
Digital / Virtual learning supports and tools
There is an eLearning environment (online portal) with curated resources from research and industry, virtual/self-directed learning support, webinars, recordings. This supports you 24/7.
Guest speakers, networking & employability enhancements
You’ll have guest industry speakers, networking opportunities via the Business Student Society, mock interviews, volunteering, etc. All these build your professional profile.
Business Clinic – live consultancy projects
Northumbria runs a “Business Clinic” where students take on real consulting-type projects for SMEs, charities, social enterprises etc. This gives you practical exposure to external organisations with real deliverables.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management at Northumbria University are equipped with the knowledge and practical experience to lead people-focused strategies that drive organisational success. The program develops professionals who combine business acumen with strong interpersonal and leadership skills — preparing them for diverse HR and management careers in both the private and public sectors.

Typical career paths include:

Human Resources Manager or Advisor
Recruitment and Talent Consultant
Training and Development Officer
Employee Relations or People Operations Manager

At Northumbria University, students benefit from:

Expert employability support through the Graduate Futures service, offering personalised career guidance, employer networking, and internship opportunities.
Excellent employment outcomes: Around 95% of Northumbria graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation.
Industry links: Strong partnerships with organisations such as Procter & Gamble, Siemens, and the NHS, alongside professional links with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensure students gain valuable industry exposure.
Professional accreditation: The degree is CIPD accredited, enabling students to work towards professional membership — a key advantage for long-term career development.
Graduate success: Many alumni go on to leadership positions in HR, talent management, and business consultancy across the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing this degree, graduates can progress to postgraduate study such as a CIPD-accredited MSc in Human Resource Management, MBA, or a Master’s in International Business Management — ideal for those aiming to move into senior management, consultancy, or strategic leadership roles.