BA Hons Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Human Resource Management one-year program gives you a deep, practical understanding of how people drive business success. It’s designed for individuals who want to build expertise in managing and developing talent, leading teams, and shaping positive workplace cultures — all while applying HR theory to real-world business challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
This one-year degree offers an intensive and engaging learning experience that prepares you for a career in HR and people management. You’ll gain an in-depth practical understanding of the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in today’s business environment through modules that combine theory with real application.

You’ll study subjects such as Strategic Human Resource Management, which focuses on aligning people strategy with business goals; Employment Law, where you’ll learn how legislation influences the workplace; and Employee Resourcing and Development, which explores recruitment, retention, and training. The course includes extensive involvement from guest speakers and industry professionals, offering valuable insights into modern HR practices.

Through a mix of case studies, role play, and practical workshops, you’ll apply your learning to real organisational issues — developing skills in problem-solving, negotiation, and communication. The program ensures that by graduation, you’re ready to enter the workplace with both professional confidence and a strong understanding of HR’s impact on business success.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM; employee resourcing and development; employment law; organisational behaviour; leadership and communication; performance and talent management; workplace culture and engagement.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will understand how HR contributes to business performance and will be able to design and implement effective people management strategies. You’ll develop advanced interpersonal and decision-making skills, learn to handle complex workplace situations, and gain the ability to evaluate HR issues from both strategic and ethical perspectives. The program also builds the research and analytical skills essential for professional growth in HR and management roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is designed to reflect the professional standards set by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). While not all institutions formally accredit the program, its structure and content closely align with CIPD principles — ensuring you graduate with the knowledge and competencies recognised by HR professionals across industries.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Graduates from this program are highly employable and go on to work in roles such as HR Advisor, Recruitment Specialist, Learning and Development Officer, and People and Culture Manager. Employers value the program’s emphasis on practical skills, real-world application, and professional readiness. UK universities offering this one-year HRM course maintain strong graduate employment outcomes and industry connections, helping students transition smoothly into dynamic HR and business environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

A BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management is designed to help you become confident in managing people, understanding workplace culture, and supporting business success through effective HR practices. The learning experience is hands-on and built around practical application, so you graduate with skills that employers recognise immediately.

Here’s how you’ll gain that experience:

Professional Accreditation and Practice Alignment
Many HRM degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring your learning aligns with professional standards. This gives you a direct pathway to recognised HR qualifications and professional membership.
Work Placements and Internships
You’ll often have the opportunity to complete a placement year or short internships, applying what you learn in real workplaces. These experiences help you understand recruitment, employee development, and performance management in a real business context.
Live Consultancy Projects
Courses frequently include live business projects where you’ll work with real companies or non-profit organisations. You’ll be asked to research, propose, and present HR solutions to actual challenges faced by employers.
Interactive Learning
Instead of just lectures, you’ll take part in workshops, simulations, and role-plays — such as mock interviews, negotiation exercises, and tribunal hearings. Guest lectures from HR professionals and field visits to organisations add valuable industry insight.
Digital and Analytical Tools
You’ll use HR Information Systems (HRIS) and data analysis software to understand how technology supports modern HR functions, from workforce planning to employee engagement.
Research and Reflective Projects
You’ll complete an independent project or dissertation on a topic of your choice, using data collection and analysis methods used in real HR research. Reflective tasks will help you evaluate your own leadership and communication skills.
Facilities and Learning Environment
You’ll learn in modern business school buildings equipped with collaborative classrooms, IT labs, and simulation spaces that mirror professional work environments. Libraries and digital learning platforms provide access to HR case studies, research databases, and professional journals.
Career Support and Professional Development
Universities offering this degree provide specialist career teams who organise networking events, employer visits, and mock interviews — all helping you build confidence and prepare for roles in recruitment, training, or HR consultancy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Human Resource Management at the University of Plymouth are equipped to shape the modern workplace by driving employee engagement, wellbeing, and organisational effectiveness. The degree develops professionals with a deep understanding of recruitment, talent development, and strategic people management — skills that are in high demand across industries.

Typical career paths include:

Human Resources Advisor or Manager
Recruitment and Talent Development Specialist
Learning and Development Officer
Employee Relations or People Operations Partner

At the University of Plymouth, students gain a strong career foundation through:

Comprehensive career support from the Careers Service and Plymouth Business School’s Career Hub, including tailored mentoring, placement opportunities, and employer networking events.
Excellent employment outcomes: More than 95% of University of Plymouth graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Industry links: Partnerships with leading employers such as Babcock International, the NHS, and Deloitte offer students access to real-world experience through placements and live business projects.
Professional accreditation: The program is aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), allowing students to work towards professional membership and long-term career advancement.
Graduate success: Alumni have progressed into HR, leadership, and consultancy roles within multinational corporations, SMEs, and public sector organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates may choose to continue their studies with a CIPD-accredited MSc in Human Resource Management, MBA, or a Master’s in Organisational Leadership or Business Psychology — ideal for advancing into senior HR, consultancy, or strategic management positions.