BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Business (Foundation Year)

This programme begins with a Foundation Year that builds confidence in academic writing, research, digital skills, and professional development. It prepares students for degree-level expectations while introducing them to the context of modern organisations and the role of HR within them. The foundation year also connects students to wider business sectors — including events, hospitality, sport, and tourism — giving a broader understanding of how HR operates in different industries.

When students progress into the main BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Business degree, the learning becomes more applied and industry-focused. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based activities that require students to analyse real organisational issues and apply HR theory to practical scenarios. The university also integrates employability-focused activities throughout the course, encouraging students to gain internships, volunteer experience, or short-term placements to build a strong CV.

Guest speakers and practitioner-led sessions are a regular part of the course, allowing students to explore current HR challenges directly from professionals. Students also have access to Manchester Met’s “Rise” initiative, which provides opportunities to earn additional academic credit through experiential learning such as industry projects, digital skills training, and employer-led activities.

Transitioning into specific experiential learning opportunities:

• Foundation Year Skill-Building: Academic writing, research, digital literacy, business context, and professional development support.

• Industry Guest Lectures: Practitioners from HR and business share real-world insights.

• Applied Projects: Coursework often involves analysing real companies and HR issues.

• Practical Assessments: Presentations, group projects, case studies, and problem-solving tasks.

• “Rise” Employability Programme: Extra credit available through employer projects, digital courses, and hands-on activities.

• Internships and Volunteering: Encouraged throughout the programme to build experience.

• Optional Placement Year: Opportunity to gain year-long industry experience once students progress to the main degree.

• Study Abroad Option: Potential to spend a year abroad during the degree.

Facilities & Tools

Manchester Metropolitan University provides an excellent learning environment, especially through its highly regarded Business School:

• Triple-Accredited Business School (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), ensuring high teaching quality and strong business links.

• People & Performance Department specialising in HR, organisational behaviour, leadership, and people development.

• Workshop and Seminar Rooms designed for interactive and practical learning.

• Digital Learning Resources including HR databases, business case studies, and online learning platforms.

• Professional Development Weeks offering employer networking, CV workshops, interview practice, and skills sessions.

• Academic and Study Support throughout the Foundation Year, designed to help students transition smoothly to degree-level study.

Graduates from Manchester Metropolitan University's BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Business (Foundation Year) complete their degree with strong business knowledge, practical HR skills, and a competitive professional profile. Students progress into roles across HR, talent management, organisational development, and wider business functions. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning & Development Consultant, and Business Operations Analyst.

University Services Supporting Employability:

• The university’s dedicated Placements Team supports students in securing year-long placements with well-established companies.

• Employability is woven throughout the degree, with the “FutureMe Plan” helping students build a career strategy, strengthen their CV, and develop a strong digital professional presence.

• The Rise at Manchester Met programme enables students to gain additional experience through internships, volunteering, industry challenges, and skills courses.

• Careers fairs, employer events, and workshops run throughout the year to help students connect directly with industry professionals.

Employment Stats & Value:

• Manchester Met Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), a status held by only a small percentage of business schools worldwide, adding high international recognition to your degree.

• Students benefit from real-world projects, consultancy challenges, and employer-focused assessments that demonstrate job readiness to future employers.

• The foundation year supports students in building essential academic, research, and communication skills, increasing long-term academic and professional confidence.

University–Industry Partnerships:

• The Business School collaborates with a wide network of employers across sectors such as finance, retail, consulting, and public services.

• Students learn from guest lecturers, industry specialists, and business leaders who bring current workplace insights into the classroom.

• Placement opportunities and live project work are often supported by well-known organisations across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:

• The Business School’s triple accreditation enhances the credibility of your qualification worldwide.

• The HR aspects of the programme are aligned closely with contemporary professional standards, supporting progression toward recognised HR professional routes.

Graduation Outcomes:

• Graduates enter a range of HR and business roles, including employee relations, HR operations, recruitment, organisational development, and business analysis.

• Many graduates progress quickly into supervisory or advisory positions due to the blend of people-management and business strategy skills gained through the course.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this BA (Hons), students may continue their studies through:

• MSc Human Resource Management – for advanced HR strategic expertise.

• MSc Organisational Psychology, MSc Leadership & Change, or MSc Management – to specialise in business–people dynamics.

• MBA – for those aiming for senior leadership roles.

• CIPD Professional Qualifications – to deepen HR professional status and progress toward Associate or Chartered membership.