1. University of Strathclyde
  2. Program
  3. Bachelors
  4. BA Joint Hons History & Human Resource Management

BA Joint Hons History & Human Resource Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This joint honours degree combines History — giving you insight into societies, cultures, politics and how the past shapes the present — with Human Resource Management (HRM), where you’ll learn how organisations manage people: recruiting, developing, conflict resolution, and more. It’s suited for students who are curious about both the human side of organisations and want to develop analytical, research, communication and people-management skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin with a broad foundation:

  • In History, modules like History 1A (covering the British Isles from 1700-1914) and History 1B (up to the end of the 20th century) introduce themes such as industrialisation, empire, political reform, war and social change.
  • In HRM, you take Managing People, an introductory class that sets out the basics: how people are organised, the employer-employee relationship, recruitment, selection, and what HR looks like in contemporary settings.

Year 2 & 3
These middle years deepen your knowledge:

  • History options get more specialised: you’ll pick from national history classes (often century long), but also other modules such as Scotland & the Americas in the 17th century, Theory & Practice of Oral History, Slavery in World History, Cold War Europe etc.
  • On HRM side, you’ll explore Work Psychology (how individuals behave, what motivates them, wellbeing), Work, Employment & Society (how work and employment have evolved, social change, regulations), Employment Relations (trade unions, collective bargaining, conflict in the workplace), and organisational behaviour theories.

Year 4 (Honours / Final Year)

  • For History, you write an honours dissertation (about 10,000 words) on a topic of your choice — this is where you pull together what you’ve learned in research methods, historiography, and apply it to primary/secondary source investigation. You’ll also choose from advanced optional classes.
  • For HRM, you choose specialist classes in your final year: more critical, comparative, and advanced topics. You may also have opportunities for study abroad, applying HRM in international contexts, perhaps through comparative employment relations or global HR practices.

Focus areas

“Understanding past societies and change; organisational behaviour; recruitment, development & training; employment relations & workforce wellbeing; research, historiography & critical thinking; global and comparative perspectives in work and history.”

Learning outcomes

“Gain strong analytical, research and communication skills; develop ability to interpret historical sources and understand societal developments; ability to apply HRM theories to practical issues; prepare you to manage people, conflict, diversity; foster ethical thinking around employment & organisational structures; ready to work in varied sectors (business, public, non-profit).”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

  • The HRM department at Strathclyde is recognised for very good teaching in HRM in Scotland and the UK.
  • The university has a triple-accredited business school for its HRM degrees (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) — this ensures recognised standards in management education. For pure HRM (single honours) this accreditation applies. Joint Honours still benefit from the institutional strength.

Reputation (employability rankings)

  • The History programme is ranked Top 10 in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2026.
  • Strathclyde is recognised for its strong employability focus, practical learning, work placements, and industry connections. The “Place of Useful Learning” motto reflects how degrees are designed to connect you with real-world skills.

 

.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Strathclyde, this degree is built so you get practical experience alongside academic study. You’ll learn in lectures and seminars, but also do group projects, work with primary sources, participate in presentations, and even complete a dissertation in your final year. The HRM side involves real workplace-behaviour theory, managing people, recruitment, performance etc., often with input from industrial partners. You’ll also have access to the enormous library, online material and tools for research.

Here are some of the specifics:

  • Research & Dissertation:
    By Years 3-4, History includes a compulsory class in Historiography & Research Methods. Honours level usually involves writing a ~10,000-word dissertation on a topic you choose, drawing in primary sources (archives, documents etc.).
  • Group projects, presentations & teamwork:
    HRM modules include team-based projects and assessed presentations. Also, external/industrial partners help in teaching and sometimes in assessment.
  • Library, computers, software & online tools:
    • The Andersonian Library: ~1 million print volumes; ~1 million e-books; 105,000+ e-journals.
    • Over 550 networked computers, WiFi zones for laptops/tablets, and access to a wide range of software and electronic databases.
    • Learning & teaching methods include online teaching materials; in HRM, often lectures, seminars, tutorials with online support.
  • Assessment variety:
    You won’t just sit in exams. Assessments include group work, presentations, essays, document analysis, projects, and the dissertation. This mix helps you develop different skills: writing, analysis, public speaking, research.
  • Industry connections / external input:
    HRM involves industrial partners (employers) who contribute to teaching and assessment (for example by giving feedback on student presentations).
  • Study abroad options:
    In Year 3 you have the choice to study abroad in Europe, North America, etc. This adds cross-cultural experience and can deepen your understanding of global HRM or different historical perspectives.

Why this matters: Skills & Tools you’ll pick up

Putting all this together, here’s what you’ll walk away able to do:

  • Use historical sources (archives, documents, testimonies) to build arguments, analyse evidence.
  • Conduct your own in-depth research (dissertation).
  • Understand and apply theory in HRM: recruitment, conflict management, organizational behaviour etc.
  • Present ideas clearly in writing and orally; work in teams.
  • Use online learning tools, databases, library systems.
  • Adapt to different assessment styles.
  • Possibly get international exposure via exchange.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Joint Honours in History and Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde offers a unique blend of analytical depth and practical application. Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles such as:

  • Human Resources Officer
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Employee Relations Advisor
  • Training and Development Coordinator

This interdisciplinary program not only hones your understanding of historical contexts but also provides essential HRM skills, making you adaptable in various professional settings.

Graduate Outcomes & Career Support:

  • Employment Rate: 95% of HRM graduates from Strathclyde are employed or engaged in further study within 15 months of graduation.
  • Average Salary: Approximately £26,500 per year for HRM graduates 15 months post-graduation.
  • University Services: The Careers Service offers personalized support, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and access to internships and placements.
  • Industry Partnerships: Strathclyde has strong connections with various industries, facilitating networking opportunities and real-world experience.
  • Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), enhancing its value in the HR field.
  • Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have pursued successful careers in HR, management, and consultancy, benefiting from the program's comprehensive curriculum.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or History. The program's strong academic foundation and research skills are excellent preparation for master's programs or professional certifications in HRM.

 

Program Key Stats

£21.550 (Annual cost)
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBB
3.0
30
70

1200
27
6.5
80
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • HR Assistant
  • HR Coordinator
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist
  • HR Administrator
  • Training and Development Officer
  • Employee Relations Advisor
  • Payroll Assistant
  • HR Data Analyst
  • Compensation and Benefits Analyst
  • HR Compliance Officer
  • Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
  • Learning and Development Coordinator
  • HR Generalist
  • People Operations Coordinator
  • HR Project Assistant
  • Workforce Planning Analyst
  • Graduate HR Trainee
  • Organizational Development Assistant
  • HR Support Officer

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts

Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.