BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management with a Year in Industry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East Anglia

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management with a Year in Industry at UEA combines a comprehensive business education with in-depth HR training, while also offering students a full year of professional experience in an industry setting. Over four years, the programme helps students bridge theory and practice, making them well-prepared to enter the workforce as confident HR professionals or managers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students study foundational business and management modules — such as Managing Organisations, Understanding the Business Environment, Managing Digital Technologies, and Managing People. These courses help build critical insight into how companies operate, how technology and people integrate in business, and how to think analytically about organisational challenges.

Year 2
During the second year, students deepen their HR knowledge through modules like Managing People, Strategic Awareness & Analysis, Business Ethics, and Developing Talent. Through these, they learn how HR strategy aligns with wider business goals, explore ethical issues in people management, and design approaches to recruit, develop, and retain talent in modern organisations.

Year 3 (Year in Industry)
In the third year, students step out of the classroom and into a real work environment, spending a full year working in a business in a role related to HR or management. This placement gives them hands-on experience, an opportunity to apply their academic learning in practice, and a chance to build a professional network — significantly boosting their employability after graduation.

Year 4
In the final year, students return to UEA to consolidate their learning with advanced modules in HR and business strategy. They may choose specialist subjects such as Organisational Change, Advanced HR Strategy, or a capstone “live” HR project or dissertation. This year cultivates strategic thinking, leadership capacity, and the professional maturity needed for early-career success.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, organisational behaviour, leadership, business ethics, talent development, professional development

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design effective HR strategies, critically analyse organisational behaviour, lead talent development and change management initiatives, make ethical decisions in people management, and confidently transition into professional roles with real-world experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is aligned with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and students gain CMI-recognised credentials during their degree.

Reputation (Employability)

The Year in Industry provides students with practical experience, making them significantly more employable and helping them build professional networks.
Students gain strong academic support and learning opportunities that prepare them for real-world business challenges.
The Norwich Business School at UEA is known for strong links with industry, offering placement opportunities with reputable organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On UEA’s BA (Hons) Business & Human Resource Management with a Year in Industry, students gain substantial professional experience by undertaking a structured placement year during their third year. This allows them to apply HR and business management theory in real organisational settings while developing practical skills, professional confidence, and industry contacts. The programme is delivered by Norwich Business School, combining academic expertise with strong employer engagement.

Students benefit from a range of experiential learning opportunities:

Year in Industry Placement: Students undertake a 9–12 month professional placement that is fully integrated into the degree and assessed academically.
High-Profile Employer Partnerships: Norwich Business School has strong placement links with organisations across multiple sectors, giving students access to high-quality and relevant roles.
Placement Support: A dedicated team helps students through the placement process, from CV development and interview preparation to networking and ongoing support during the placement year.
Professional Skills Week & Employability Events: Students participate in workshops, networking sessions, and assessment-centre practice led by industry professionals to build practical workplace skills.
Career Guidance: UEA’s career services provide long-term one-on-one guidance, alumni mentoring, and help students plan and progress in their HR and business careers.
Recruitment Pipeline: Students often secure placements with national and international companies across sectors, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Ethical and Responsible Management Focus: The curriculum and placement experiences encourage reflection on ethical HR practices, responsible leadership, and sustainable organisational management.

Summary of Key Hands-On Learning Elements:

Full professional placement year during the third year
Access to exclusive employer partners through Norwich Business School
Dedicated career coaching and placement support
Skill-building through Professional Skills Week and networking events
Long-term career guidance and alumni mentoring
Placement opportunities with national and international companies
Curriculum emphasis on ethical leadership and responsible management

Progression & Future Opportunities

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

University services: UEA Careers provides guidance on CVs, interviews, and job searches, supporting students 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 through placements and projects, gaining professional networks and practical experience.
Accreditation & long-term value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), offering professional recognition and career advantages.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates typically pursue roles in HR, learning and development, recruitment, organisational development, and management positions within various sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue their studies with MSc Human Resource Management, MSc Organisational Psychology, or an MBA with HR or leadership specialisation, building advanced strategic, leadership, and industry-focused skills.