BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The University of Derby BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management allows you to blend the creativity and drive of starting ventures with the strategic and people-centred side of HR. It’s ideal if you’re excited about launching or contributing to businesses while also shaping how organisations attract, engage and develop talent for the long term.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1
In your first year you’ll build strong foundations across both entrepreneurship and HR: you’ll engage with modules that introduce business enterprise (for example, Exploring Enterprise & Entrepreneurship) and foundational HR concepts (such as Introduction to Human Resource Management), developing your understanding of how organisations are built and how people power them. You’ll also learn essential academic and professional skills alongside modules exploring business environments and teamwork.
Year 2
In year 2 you begin to deepen your knowledge: you’ll study modules around entrepreneurship such as New Venture Creation where you explore starting and scaling a business, and HR-related modules like Managing People & Talent or Employment Relations where you examine how organisations recruit, retain and motivate. At this stage you’ll also have the chance to apply your learning through work-based learning or live projects, helping you link theory and practice.
Year 3
In your final year you bring everything together: you may complete a major project (for example an entrepreneurial project or HR consultancy) and study modules such as Strategic Human Resource Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership, enabling you to shape business strategy and people strategy together. Your work culminates in demonstrating your ability to lead, innovate and apply your learning to real-world business and people challenges.

Focus areas: “Business start-ups and venture creation; talent management and employee engagement; strategic HR policy and practice in entrepreneurial and SME contexts; business growth, innovation and organisational culture.”
Learning outcomes: “You will graduate able to initiate or support new business ventures, design and implement HR strategies, analyse how people and organisations perform, and link enterprise activity with human resource planning and development.”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course draws on real business links and gives you practical experience (including optional placement year) to boost your readiness for roles in HR, entrepreneurship or business management.
Reputation (employability rankings):
According to the university, 94 % of UK graduates are in employment or further study, and this programme was ranked 2nd for employability in the Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Derby you won’t just sit in lectures; you’ll apply what you’re learning about business-building and people-management in real-world contexts. You’ll build your entrepreneurial mindset (spotting opportunities, starting ventures, freelancing) alongside HRM theory (recruitment, strategic HR, internationalisation, sustainable practice) so you’re ready for business or team-leadership roles. The campus facilities are well-equipped: for example you’ll use computing labs (with commercial + open-source software) in dedicated computer lab rooms.  The programme emphasises live projects with the business community, meaning you’ll experience authentic challenges.

Here are some specific hands-on opportunities you’ll get:

  • Real-world consultancy or employer-led projects through the link with the business community and the Derby Network of Entrepreneurs.
  • Group work and individual assignments, research, digital materials and computer-based assessments—not just exams.
  • The option to take a placement year between years two and three, where you work in industry to boost your employability.
  • Supports in finding internships or summer work if you prefer shorter-term experience rather than full placement.
  • Access to computer labs and university-wide digital tools: the IT services list shows specialist software availability on campus at Kedleston Road & Markeaton Street etc.
  • The programme also connects you with the university’s HRM & Leadership Research Cluster, which links academic experts with organisational practice—giving you exposure to current thinking in HR.

Why this programme works for you

If you’re someone who is excited by both starting businesses or being enterprising and managing people and organisations, this is a strong fit. You’ll graduate with the ability to: combine entrepreneurship (creativity, business idea generation, freelancing or SME roles) with HR management (people strategy, employee engagement, sustainable business). According to the course page:

“Our Entrepreneurship modules … will better enable you to start your own business, act in a freelance capacity or be enterprising within an SME or large company environment. You’ll study key elements of Human Resource Management which will allow you to contextualise HR policy and practice within … strategic direction and sustainable business.”

You’ll also benefit from being part of a campus with modern facilities and extended teaching hours (lectures 9 am–9 pm possible) so you have flexibility.

Next steps

If you’re thinking of applying, here’s a quick suggestion of what to check and prepare:

  • Make sure your entrance qualification meets their typical requirement — for example the page shows UCAS 112 points.
  • Think about whether you might prefer to take the placement year option—it adds a year but gives strong experience.
  • Reflect on which area excites you more: launching a business/entrepreneurship path or focusing on HR and people-management. This helps you pick your pathway (the joint honours allows choice of major)
  • Visit the campus (or attend a virtual open day) to see the computing labs and library, to get a feel for your learning environment.
  • Explore how you’ll build your CV and networks – making use of live projects and placements will make you stand out.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to launch innovative ventures or drive strategic HR initiatives within organizations. The dual focus on entrepreneurship and human resource management prepares students for roles such as:

  • Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Launching and managing new business ventures.
  • HR Manager: Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.
  • Business Development Manager: Identifying growth opportunities and expanding market reach.
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist: Developing strategies to attract and retain top talent.

These roles are in high demand as organizations seek professionals who can blend entrepreneurial thinking with effective human resource management.

University Support & Industry Integration

The University of Derby provides robust support to ensure student success and employability:

  • Career Services: Offers personalized career advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation.
  • Industry Placements: Opportunities to work with leading companies, gaining practical experience.
  • Networking Events: Regular events connecting students with industry professionals.
  • Alumni Network: Access to a global network of graduates for mentorship and career opportunities.

The university's strong industry connections facilitate real-world learning experiences and enhance employability.

Further Academic Progression:

Upon completing the BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management, graduates have several pathways for further academic advancement:

  • Master's Programs: Pursue advanced degrees in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or Entrepreneurship to deepen expertise.
  • Professional Certifications: Obtain certifications in HR practices or business management to enhance career prospects.
  • Doctoral Studies: Engage in research-focused programs to contribute to the academic field of entrepreneurship and human resources.

These options provide opportunities to specialize further and stay at the forefront of developments in business and human resource management.

Program Key Stats

£16,900 (Annual cost)
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
28
65

1060
23
6.0
79
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • HR Assistant
  • HR Coordinator
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist
  • HR Administrator
  • Training and Development Officer
  • Employee Relations Advisor
  • Payroll Assistant
  • HR Data Analyst
  • Compensation and Benefits Analyst
  • HR Compliance Officer
  • Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
  • Learning and Development Coordinator
  • HR Generalist
  • People Operations Coordinator
  • HR Project Assistant
  • Workforce Planning Analyst
  • Graduate HR Trainee
  • Organizational Development Assistant
  • HR Support Officer

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