BA Business Enterprise and Human Resource Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business Enterprise and Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde blends creativity, entrepreneurship, and people management. It’s designed for students who want to develop the skills to build, lead, and grow organisations — understanding both the business strategy and the people behind it.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Students begin with a broad foundation in business through the Management Development Programme (MDP), covering essential areas like marketing, accounting, and management. In Business Enterprise, you’ll explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and innovation through modules such as Introduction to Business Enterprise and the Value Challenge, which involves tackling real business problems. On the HRM side, you’ll take Managing People, introducing you to how organisations recruit, select, and develop their workforce.

Year 2
This year develops a deeper understanding of enterprise creation and the role of people within growing organisations. You’ll study modules such as Entrepreneurial Management and Innovation and Organisation, focusing on opportunity recognition and venture creation. In HRM, topics like Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour build insights into motivation, teamwork, and effective leadership.

Year 3
You’ll apply theory to practice by analysing how innovation, growth, and people strategies drive business success. Core modules include Employment Relations and Human Resource Development, exploring equality, diversity, and employee engagement. There are opportunities for international exchange, industry placements, or consultancy projects through the Management Development Programme, offering real-world experience and networking.

Year 4 (Honours Year)
In the final year, students specialise in advanced topics such as Venture Management Strategy and Growth, Advanced Organisational Behaviour, and Human Resources in the Global Economy. You’ll also complete an independent dissertation in an area that reflects your interests and career goals — whether focused on entrepreneurship, HR strategy, or the intersection of both.

Focus areas

“Entrepreneurship and innovation; venture creation and management; organisational behaviour; employee relations and development; diversity and inclusion; strategic human resource management.”

Learning outcomes

“Graduates will develop the ability to design and manage new ventures, apply HRM principles to real organisational contexts, analyse and improve employee performance, and lead ethically in global business environments.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Strathclyde Business School holds triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB — a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. The HRM component is delivered in a CIPD-recognised department, aligning the degree with professional HR practice standards.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Strathclyde Business School is consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools and is the highest-ranked in Scotland in the Financial Times European Business School rankings. The university’s strong industry connections, practical projects, and “Place of Useful Learning” ethos make graduates highly employable and career-ready.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree is designed for students who want to learn by doing. From your first year, you’ll be involved in live business challenges, team projects, and enterprise activities that build real employability skills. You won’t just study management and HRM — you’ll experience how they work in practice through consultancy, innovation, and leadership exercises that mirror the modern workplace.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the programme:

Management Development Programme (MDP):
A unique feature of Strathclyde Business School, this runs through your first three years. You’ll work on real business cases with clients, take part in innovation and enterprise simulations, and develop leadership and teamwork skills that employers value.
Live Consultancy and Enterprise Projects:
Students regularly collaborate with local small businesses and charities, acting as consultants to solve real organisational problems — a direct way to apply HR and business theory to practice.
Internship and Work Experience Options:
In later years, you can undertake an internship or work placement as part of your degree, gaining hands-on experience in recruitment, people management, or business development.
New Venture Planning and Entrepreneurship Activities:
Enterprise modules let you design and pitch your own business ideas, with opportunities to enter competitions and get feedback from industry professionals.
Study Abroad Opportunities:
The programme offers the chance to spend a semester or full year studying at a partner university overseas, giving you global exposure to business and HRM practices.
Teamwork and Assessment:
Many modules are assessed through group reports, presentations, and collaborative projects — preparing you to work effectively in teams and communicate ideas clearly.
Digital Tools and Learning Platforms:
You’ll use Strathclyde’s virtual learning environment (MyPlace), along with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Office and data analysis software. Online simulations and digital collaboration tools are integrated into coursework to reflect real-world business settings.
Specialist Academic Centres and Mentorship:
You’ll benefit from the expertise of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation — both renowned for research and industry partnerships that bring real business insights directly into your learning.

Facilities and Learning Resources

Andersonian Library: One of Scotland’s leading academic libraries, offering extensive business and HRM resources, journals, and digital databases.
Strathclyde Business School Spaces: Modern lecture theatres, collaborative classrooms, and breakout areas designed for interactive learning and group work.
IT and Software Support: Full access to business analytics tools, productivity software, and technical support through Strathclyde’s dedicated systems.
Enterprise and Innovation Hubs: Access to entrepreneurial spaces and support for students looking to develop their own ventures or research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for both entrepreneurial ventures and HR leadership roles, combining strategic business thinking with strong people management skills. Many go on to work in areas like:

Human Resources Assistant or Advisor
Recruitment Consultant
Business Development Executive
Project or Operations Manager

You’ll gain a versatile skill set that employers value: from leading teams to understanding how to grow and manage a business.

University Services Supporting Employment
- The Management Development Programme (MDP) gives you real-world experience through workshops and projects led by major employers such as Barclays, Deloitte, Procter & Gamble, and EY.
- The Strathclyde Inspire hub helps students develop business ideas through mentorship, competitions, and enterprise challenges.
- Dedicated Career Services offer one-to-one coaching, CV and interview support, and access to exclusive internship and graduate job listings.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
- Around 90% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.
- The average graduate salary is approximately £26,000, with many progressing quickly into managerial or consultancy roles.
University–Industry Partnerships
- Strathclyde’s strong ties with global companies through its business network and alumni community provide regular guest lectures, placements, and live projects.
- Employers regularly collaborate on student projects, giving you exposure to real business challenges and networking opportunities.
Long-term Accreditation Value
- Strathclyde Business School is triple accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) — a hallmark of excellence held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide.
- This ensures your degree is globally recognised, enhancing career prospects in the UK and abroad.
Graduation Outcomes
- Graduates often secure roles in HR, talent management, business analysis, and start-ups.
- Many continue within multinational organisations, consultancy firms, or develop their own enterprises, reflecting the practical and entrepreneurial focus of the programme.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students often continue their studies with:

A Master’s in Human Resource Management, Business Analysis, or Organisational Psychology.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) to move into senior management positions.
Professional HR qualifications such as the CIPD accreditation, boosting credentials for higher-level HR roles.
Postgraduate research pathways (MRes or PhD) for those interested in academic or analytical careers in business and management.