Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)

This programme is designed so that you’re always applying your studies, not just reading about HR. You’ll engage in real business/HR situations, develop professional skills, and use both tech tools and modern facilities. Here are the clear details:

• Industry Placement / Sandwich Year
  You have the option to take a placement year before or after your third year. This gives you paid work experience in a real organisation, helping you develop workplace skills, build your CV, and make contacts in HR or business.

• Business Consultancy Project (Final Year)
  In your final year you can take a Business Consultancy Project where you work in small teams (3-4 students) on real briefs from local businesses or social enterprises. You’ll bid for the project, work with clients, provide ongoing updates, and deliver recommendations. This gives you experience of client management, teamwork, research, and presentation in a real context.

• Simulated HR Tasks
  Through modules you’ll do simulated interviews, run selection panels, set up recruitment campaigns, and mock tribunal exercises. So you're not just studying HR theory — you’re practising components of actual HR work.

• CIPD & Professional Qualifications
  The course is accredited by CIPD. On successful completion you’ll automatically gain Associate membership of the CIPD, which is often a requirement or great advantage for HR roles. Also you’ll gain a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership alongside your degree, which adds another professional credential.

• Blended Learning & Support Tools
  Teaching isn’t just face-to-face. Expect lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and online learning materials. You’re supported by a virtual learning environment (VLE) for resources, coursework, feedback, etc. There are also staff dedicated to helping with employability, academic skills, and personal tutoring.

• Relevant Modules with Practical & Analytical Focus
  You’ll take modules such as Introduction to Business Analytics, Managing People in Organisations, People Resourcing and Talent Management, Human Resource Development. These combine practical work (e.g. data analysis, case studies) with theory to build both your conceptual and hands-on skills.

• Facilities for Learning & Experiencing Business
  You’ll use:

  • A Business Simulation Suite that mimics boardroom/business meeting environments, to practice real business decision-making.
  • Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) rooms to support interactive, technology-rich classes, which help in collaborative work and more engaged learning.
  • The Library with business/HR resources for research, and librarians who help you locate journals, case studies, and business databases.
  • Support services for study skills: help with presentations, academic writing, critical thinking, time management etc., which are essential for succeeding in assessments like reports, group projects, and your dissertation or final project.

• Employability & Real Outcomes
  Because of the placement option, consultancy project, and professional accreditation, students graduate with a strong employability profile. Previous graduates have gone on to roles like HR executive, learning & development coordinator, business partner roles, among others, in a variety of organisations.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management at the University of Portsmouth are well-prepared to make an impact in the evolving world of work. The program develops strong business acumen combined with expertise in managing and developing people — essential for building high-performing, resilient organisations. Students graduate ready to lead teams, influence strategy, and support organisational growth across industries.

Typical career paths include:

• Human Resources Manager or Advisor

• Recruitment and Talent Development Specialist

• Learning and Development Officer

• Employee Engagement or Business Partner

At the University of Portsmouth, students benefit from:

• Comprehensive career support through the Careers and Employability Service, which offers career mentoring, networking events, and placement opportunities tailored to HR and business roles.
• Strong employability outcomes: Around 94% of University of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
• Industry partnerships: Collaborations with organisations such as IBM, the NHS, Airbus, and local councils provide access to real-world projects and practical learning opportunities.
• Professional accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), allowing students to gain student membership and enhancing their long-term professional credibility.
• Graduate success: Alumni secure positions across the private and public sectors in HR, management, and consultancy, with many advancing into senior leadership roles over time.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can progress to a CIPD-accredited MSc in Human Resource Management, MBA, or a Master’s in Business and Organisational Leadership. These postgraduate options deepen strategic and analytical expertise, paving the way for senior roles in HR, business strategy, or organisational consultancy.