BA (Hons) Business & Human Resource Management (with Foundation Year)

When you join the BA (Hons) Business & HR Management course (with the foundation year) at UCLan, you don’t just study theory — you build real, practical skills from Day 1. During the foundation year, you’ll develop academic abilities like critical thinking and research, as well as practical business skills. You’ll work with spreadsheets, analyse data, and explore entrepreneurship, so by the time you move into the main BA years, you’re ready to contribute meaningfully.

As you progress into the degree, the course is designed around live business projects and real-world challenges. You’ll work on business solutions in teams, simulating real HR/management environments, and then pitch your ideas — very similar to what professionals do in many organisations.

Here’s how it plays out in concrete terms:

• In Year 1, you’ll do a Social Enterprise Challenge, working in groups to build and plan a local social enterprise — handling the business model, operations, people, and finances.

• In Year 2, there’s a Business Solutions Lab, where you join an interdisciplinary team, analyse a real-world business issue, and develop a proposal with both business and ethical impact.

• Across the degree, you’ll take live projects, business challenges, and hands-on assessments to apply your learning.

• You’ll also go through an assessment centre simulation to prepare for real recruitment processes.

• There’s a strong focus on people analytics, data-driven decision making, and performance management — preparing you for modern HR roles.

• Plus, you can potentially do a paid placement once you complete the foundation year — giving you actual work experience.

• Throughout the course, you’ll earn digital micro‑credentials (certificates) from Microsoft, Google, and LinkedIn — these are industry-recognised bite‑sized credentials that strengthen your CV.

Facilities & Tools

To support this hands-on learning, UCLan provides excellent infrastructure and support:

• Preston Campus Library: Flexible study spaces (individual and group), bookable pods/rooms, open‑access PCs, wireless connectivity, and a media suite with Apple Macs.

• Business School: The Business School is deeply connected to industry and entrepreneurship. Their Propeller programme supports student start-ups.

• Teaching Spaces: Modern lecture theatres and teaching environments at the Greenbank Building (Preston) for business/management courses.

• Knowledge Exchange & Research Infrastructure: UCLan runs a Knowledge Exchange service, allowing students to tap into applied research, consultancy, and collaborative business-research projects.

• General University Facilities: State-of-the-art campus facilities — including high-quality learning environments, student union, sports facilities, and more.

After completing this degree, many graduates go on to meaningful roles in business and HR such as:

• HR Officer

• HR Consultant

• People Analyst

• Talent & Engagement Specialist

These roles reflect the strategic and operational HR skills you’ll build at UCLan.

Why This Program Is Valuable: Key Strengths & Employment Support

• University Services & Support

  • UCLan offers a placement‑year option, allowing you to gain real-world experience.

  • The course is taught through block learning, which helps you focus deeply on individual modules.

  • Career coaching, employer networking events, and structured feedback are part of how UCLan helps students transition to work.

• Employment Statistics & Salary

  • About 52% of graduates are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduation.

  • The median salary for business & management graduates from UCLan is around £23,000 (15 months after graduation).

  • Unemployment rate 15 months after graduation for this course is reported at just 4%.

• University–Industry Partnerships & Accreditation

  • The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). On graduation, you are eligible for Associate Membership.

  • You also receive a Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) at no extra cost.

  • UCLan’s Small Business Charter recognition shows its strong connection with local enterprises and commitment to entrepreneurship.

  • Students earn certificates from Microsoft, Google, and LinkedIn, enhancing employability in modern business and HR roles.

• Long-term Value & Accreditation

  • CIPD accreditation provides globally recognized professional credibility in HR and people development.

  • The CMI diploma strengthens your management & leadership credentials for senior roles.

• Graduation Outcomes

  • Graduates are prepared not just for administrative HR roles, but also for strategic responsibilities in talent management, organisational change, and people development.

  • The program’s structure — live projects, business challenges, and internships — ensures you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying after this BA, UCLan makes that very feasible. For instance:

• You could go on to UCLan’s MSc Human Resource Management, which is CIPD-accredited and gives you a Level 7 Advanced Diploma.

• Alternatively, you could explore other master’s degrees in business, organisational development, or leadership.