4 Year On Campus Bachelors Program
This is a 4- to 5-year programme that gives you a foundation year if you don’t yet meet the standard entry requirements, followed by the full BA in Human Resource Management. You’ll gain both business and HR theory and hands-on skills—such as how organisations recruit, support and manage people, deal with employment law and ethics, analyse workforce data, and lead in diverse workplaces.
Curriculum structure:
Foundation Year (Year 0)
In the foundation year you build up skills you’ll need for higher-level study. You’ll take core modules like Succeeding at University, Introduction to the Business Environment, Introduction to Accounting and Business Operations, Skills for your Successful Future, and an Extended Project. There are also subject pathway modules such as Marketing, Management and Communication for a Digital World and Personal Branding, Finance and Legal Foundations. These introduce key business/HR concepts, communication, numeracy, legal basics, and help develop confidence and academic skills.
Year 1 (after Foundation Year)
Once you move into Year 1 of the BA, you’ll study core business and HR modules. Typical modules are Principles of Marketing, Principles of Human Resource Management, Introduction to Management, Business Finance and Reporting, Legal and Economic Business Contexts, Data Insights for Business Decisions, Personal and Professional Development, and The Future of Work. These give you a broad grasp of business, HR fundamentals, legal/economic context, and early professional skills.
Year 2
In the second year, the focus shifts more strongly into HR in practice and advanced topics. Modules include Organisational Behaviour and Design, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Organisations, Globalisation & Skills, Workplace Learning & Development, Labour Market Trends and Debates, Developing HR Practitioner Skills, Consultancy Challenge, and Human Resource Management. These help you apply HR theory in real situations, develop specialist HR skills, understand diversity and global HR challenges, and gain experience through consultancy-style projects.
Final Year
The final year gives you strategic, legal, data insight, and leadership capabilities. Core modules include Strategic Human Resource Management, Employment Relations in the Global Economy, Employment Law for HR Practitioners, Big Data and People Analytics, Power at Work, Research Methods, plus either a Dissertation or Project in Human Resource Management. You’ll be prepared for decision-making roles, research or specialist HR roles.
Focus areas:
“Core HR functions (recruitment, retention, performance, people development); employment law & ethics; organisational behaviour; diversity, equity & inclusion; data and analytics in HR; global and labour market trends; professional/practitioner skills via projects and applied work.”
Learning outcomes:
You’ll finish this course able to understand and apply HR theory in business settings; manage and support people, including in diversity, legal and ethical contexts; use quantitative/data tools and research methods; make strategic HR decisions; communicate, lead and collaborate effectively; and adapt to changing global business/HR environments.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is CIPD-accredited, meaning that on graduation you become eligible for Associate Membership with CIPD, which is a key professional body for HR.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The BA Human Resource Management with Foundation Year at the University of Leicester is designed for students who want to develop a career in people management and business but may need an additional year to build academic confidence and subject knowledge. The foundation year gives you the skills and grounding to transition smoothly into the full degree, where you’ll explore how HR professionals shape organisational success through strategy, leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
This degree combines academic learning with practical, hands-on experience, ensuring you graduate with the ability to apply HR theory in real workplace settings. You’ll engage in projects, consultancy tasks, and data-led assignments that reflect what HR practitioners do in modern organisations.
Here’s how experiential learning shapes your journey:
Experiential Learning Highlights
Foundation Year Modules – You’ll study subjects like Academic Skills, Business Fundamentals, and The Global Economy, which strengthen your writing, critical thinking, and communication while introducing business and HR concepts through group projects and presentations.
Applied HR Learning – In later years, modules such as Developing HR Practitioner Skills and Workplace Learning & Development focus on roleplay, simulations, and reflective practice to build real HR capabilities.
Live Consultancy Challenge – You’ll work with a real business client to solve an HR or management problem, presenting recommendations directly to industry professionals.
Diversity and Inclusion Projects – Modules on equity and workplace ethics include analysing case studies, reviewing organisational policies, and developing inclusive HR strategies.
Employment Law and People Analytics – Practical tasks help you interpret legislation and use HR data to guide decisions, mirroring real HR operations.
Placement or Study Abroad Option – You can take a year in industry or study abroad to gain hands-on professional experience and expand your global HR perspective.
Final Year Dissertation or Project – You’ll complete independent research or a practical HR project, allowing you to specialise in areas like employee wellbeing, leadership, or organisational change.
Facilities and Digital Tools
Brookfield Campus (School of Business) – Teaching takes place in a modern learning environment featuring interactive lecture spaces, digital labs, and collaborative work areas designed for teamwork and presentations.
Trading Room and Data Analytics Facilities – Access to Bloomberg terminals and analytical tools allows you to explore HR data and business trends.
Digital Learning Platforms – You’ll use online tools for discussions, simulations, and assessments, supporting flexible and interactive learning.
Centre for Academic Achievement – Provides one-to-one support in writing, data analysis, and research skills, helping you build confidence throughout your degree.
Specialised Employability Services – Dedicated staff help you find placements, prepare CVs, and connect with employers through workshops and networking events.
Library and Study Resources – Extensive HR and business collections, online databases, and quiet or collaborative spaces to support research and project work.
Graduates from the University of Leicester – BA Human Resource Management with Foundation Year build a strong base in academic and professional skills before progressing into the main Human Resource Management degree. This pathway is ideal for students who want additional preparation before starting their undergraduate studies while still aiming for a career in people management, business leadership, or organisational strategy. Common job roles include:
Human Resources Advisor or Manager
Training and Development Specialist
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Consultant
Employment Relations or HR Policy Officer
These positions suit graduates who enjoy working with people, developing talent, and helping organisations grow and adapt effectively.
University support for employability:
The School of Business Careers and Employability Team offers one-to-one career coaching, networking sessions, and tailored support for students starting from the foundation year.
The University Careers and Employability Service provides opportunities for internships, work placements, and part-time roles to build early professional experience.
Students can take advantage of the year in industry option or study abroad opportunities once they progress to the main degree, gaining valuable real-world insight into HR and business environments.
Industry partnerships and practical experience:
The course integrates live business projects and practical assessments developed with input from employers and HR professionals.
Guest lectures, workshops, and case studies help students connect classroom learning to real HR challenges.
Strong employer partnerships across the UK offer placement opportunities in sectors such as consulting, finance, public services, and retail management.
Employment outcomes and salary:
Around 95% of Leicester graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Starting salaries typically range from £24,000–£28,000, with rapid progression opportunities for those who pursue professional accreditation.
Graduates from this pathway benefit from the same employability outcomes as those from the standard HR Management degree once they complete the full programme.
Accreditation and long-term value:
The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), providing graduates with eligibility for Associate Membership — a highly valued professional qualification in HR careers.
It also offers dual recognition through the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), allowing students to earn an additional qualification in leadership and management.
These accreditations significantly enhance professional credibility and open doors to senior HR and management roles globally.
Graduate outcomes:
Graduates typically move into positions within HR departments, management consulting, recruitment, and employee relations. Many work for large organisations and government agencies, using their combined knowledge of business and people management to improve workplace culture and performance.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can advance to postgraduate study such as an MSc in Human Resource Management, MSc in Organisational Behaviour, or MBA in Leadership and Business Strategy. Those aiming for academic or research careers can pursue a PhD in Employment Relations, Work Psychology, or Organisational Studies. Graduates may also continue to achieve CIPD Chartered Membership or other specialist professional certifications, strengthening their career development and leadership prospects.
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