BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East Anglia

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management at UEA offers students a balanced business education with a clear focus on people management, leadership, and organisational behaviour. It prepares graduates to work effectively across business functions, especially in human resources, leveraging both management theory and practical HR strategies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students develop a broad understanding of business fundamentals — they study topics like Managing Organisations, Understanding the Business Environment, Managing Digital Technologies, and Managing People. These courses build core skills in organisational thinking, analysis, and communication, helping students grasp how businesses operate and how people contribute to organisational success.

Year 2
During the second year, the learning shifts more towards human resource management and the dynamics of managing people. Students explore modules such as Managing People, Strategic Awareness & Analysis, Business Ethics, and Developing Talent. These modules enable them to think critically about how HR strategies align with business goals, explore ethical decisions in people management, and understand how organisations can develop and retain talent in a competitive environment.

Year 3
In the third and final year, students often work on a “live” HR project or dissertation to apply their learning directly to real-world organisational challenges. They also take specialist optional modules — such as advanced HR strategy or organisational change — tailored to their career interests. This final year experience fosters strategic thinking, project management, and professional maturity, positioning graduates for leadership roles in HR or general management.

Focus Areas

Business strategy, organisational behaviour, human resource planning, ethics in people management, talent development

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives, critically analyse organisational behaviour, lead talent development initiatives, evaluate ethical issues in people management, and conduct independent applied business projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme offers dual recognition from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students receive the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership during their studies, along with Foundation Chartered Manager status.

Reputation (Employability)

UEA’s business programmes emphasize employability and practical experience, including managing a “live” HR project during the degree.
Through its CMI accreditation and hands-on assignments, the course gives students a strong foundation for roles in HR, management consultancy, organisational development, and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On UEA’s BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management, students gain practical HR and management skills through a combination of placements, live projects, and professional accreditation. Delivered by Norwich Business School, the programme combines research-led teaching with employer engagement, ensuring students apply theory in real business contexts.

Students have access to a variety of experiential learning opportunities:

Year in Industry Option: Students can undertake a full placement year after the second year, gaining up to 14 months of assessed, relevant work experience in HR or business management.
Year Abroad Option: Students may spend a year abroad, gaining international exposure in HR and business management.
Live HR Project: Students work on real organisational challenges, applying HR and organisational behaviour concepts in practice.
CMI Accreditation: The course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, enabling students to gain a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership and Foundation Chartered Manager status while studying.
Placement and Career Support: UEA’s Careers & Placements team provides guidance to secure and succeed in placements and internships.
Norwich Business School Resources: Students benefit from engagement with research-active faculty, guest lectures, and professional networks.
Responsible Management Learning: The curriculum emphasises ethical business practice and responsible leadership, preparing students to make an impact in organisations.

Summary of Hands-On Learning Elements:

Full-year industry placement for practical HR and business experience.
Optional international study year to experience HR in a global context.
Participation in a live HR project with real organisational challenges.
Earning a CMI Level 5 Diploma alongside the degree to build leadership credentials.
Structured career and placement support to translate learning into professional opportunities.
Interaction with research-active faculty and professional networks.
Curriculum focused on ethical and responsible management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for careers in human resources, management consultancy, talent management, and organisational development:

University services: UEA Careers provides tailored advice, CV and interview support, and assistance in securing internships and graduate roles.
Employment stats & salary figures: Most graduates progress to professional roles or further study within 15 months of graduation. Typical starting salaries range from £28,000–£32,000, increasing to £35,000–£40,000 with experience.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from connections with leading organisations and live project opportunities that enhance employability and professional networks.
Accreditation & long-term value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), offering graduates professional recognition and enhanced career prospects.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically pursue roles in human resources, learning and development, recruitment, organisational development, and business management.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue their studies with postgraduate courses such as MSc Human Resource Management, MSc Organisational Psychology, or an MBA with a focus on HR or leadership, building advanced management and strategic skills.