BSc Business and Management (Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour) with Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The BSc Business and Management (Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour) with Placement Year at the University of Reading equips students with a solid foundation in business management while specialising in people-centred areas such as human resources, leadership, and organisational behaviour. Across four years, the programme combines academic study with a full year of real‑world experience via a professional placement, giving graduates a significant edge in employability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students cover key management fundamentals through modules like Management Debates: Ways of Thinking about Business and Business in Practice: Accounting for Managers. They also explore economics, psychology, and data analytics to develop a rounded understanding of how different business functions interrelate. Interactive seminars and workshops help build analytical thinking and communication skills.

Year 2
During the second year, the focus shifts toward people management and organisational theory. Core subjects include International Human Resource Management, Strategic Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, and Leadership. Additionally, students take modules in business strategy, operations, and possibly data analytics or accounting, preparing them for the complexities of managing human capital in a global context.

Year 3 (Placement Year)
In year three, students embark on a full-year placement in a real business environment, where they apply and expand on the theoretical knowledge gained in previous years. The university supports students in securing placements and helps with application guidance, interview preparation, and CV development. This placement year helps deepen students’ practical skills, build professional networks, and significantly enhance their employability.

Year 4 (Final Year)
On returning for the fourth year, students consolidate their learning with advanced modules in HR and organisational behaviour, selecting optional topics aligned with their career interests, such as change management, people analytics, or global business. They also work on self‑development and professional skills projects that prepare them to enter the workforce confidently as HR professionals or organisational leaders.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, organisational behaviour, leadership, strategic HR, business strategy, professional development

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to analyse and solve people‑management challenges, design and implement HR strategies, lead organisational change, apply leadership theory, and integrate business knowledge from economics, accounting, psychology, and operations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is delivered by Henley Business School, which is triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

Reputation (Employability)

Henley Business School is renowned for its employability support and strong industry connections.
The placement year significantly boosts students’ professional networks and real‑world experience, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
The programme is structured as a four-year, work-integrated degree with a focus on HR and organisational behaviour.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience through workshops, projects, and a professional placement, using Henley Business School’s purpose-built facilities and resources. The program emphasises applied learning, teamwork, and professional development to ensure graduates are workplace-ready:

Year 2 guided project applying HR and business concepts to real-world social responsibility challenges.
Full-time professional placement in Year 3 to gain hands-on experience in HR, organisational management, or related roles.
Advanced modules and optional dissertation in the final year for deeper exploration of HR and organisational behaviour topics.
Mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study to enhance applied learning and collaboration.
Access to modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, dedicated business library, collaboration spaces, IT resources, and research support.
Development of employability skills such as leadership, teamwork, professional communication, and ethical decision-making.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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

University support services: The Henley Careers team provides one-on-one guidance, workshops on CVs, cover letters, and interview preparation, and assistance in securing placement and graduate roles.
Employment stats & salary figures: Approximately 86% of business and management graduates secure work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £30,000, rising to £37,000 within three years. Long-term earnings can reach £46,000. Around 82% enter highly skilled roles.
University–industry partnerships: Students engage with leading employers during their placement year, gaining practical insights from companies such as Deloitte, EY, IBM, Capgemini, and Vodafone.
Accreditation value: The program benefits from Henley Business School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring global recognition and a high-quality education.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates pursue roles in human resources, organisational development, operations management, consultancy, and leadership positions within various industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, graduates may continue to advanced studies, such as:

MSc Human Resource Management – to deepen expertise in strategic HR and organisational leadership.
MSc Organisational Psychology / Behaviour – to focus on workforce behaviour and organisational effectiveness.
MBA (with HR specialisation) – to combine broad business management skills with human resource strategy.