Human Resource Management BA

Course overview

You’ll study your Human Resource Management degree at the world-renowned Leeds University Business School. We’re a leader in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) and one of the few Russell Group universities to offer the subject for undergraduate study.

This industry-accredited degree will support you to become a reflective and ethical HRM professional. You'll graduate with eligibility to gain associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), an accolade that is increasingly highly sought after by graduate employers in the HR sector.

You'll study HRM using a combination of economic, political, psychological and sociological methods.

By combining practical approaches with an academic focus, you’ll develop the analytical, leadership and other transferable skills required to work in the business world. The course will also build your understanding of the modern economy, the nature of business and the important role that HRM plays within it.

Shape your learning with pathways

This course offers pathways from Year 2, which allow you to tailor your course to your specific interests or professional aspirations. The pathways provide modules that can be taken in particular areas and can be followed through to your final year. This unique level of personalisation and self-direction provides you with flexibility to meet your career goals, whilst helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.

The pathways available on this course are: 

• Ethics and Sustainability
• Enterprise and Innovation
• Consulting

Course highlights

• Choose to take an optional year in industry to gain valuable practical experience, or immerse yourself in a new culture by spending a year studying in a different country at one of our many partner universities across the world.

• Learn about the latest real-world HRM issues, with teaching informed by our Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change, to prepare you for a successful career in the sector.

• Graduate with the eligibility to become an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Supporting your personal development

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.

You’ll also have access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team who will help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.

Read more about personal development support within the Business School.

Specialist facilities

At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters. Read more about our Business School facilities.

Explore our virtual campus tour.

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

We’re proud to be one of a select number of universities to hold professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meaning you'll graduate with the eligibility to become an associate member of the CIPD. You'll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills, relevant knowledge and professional commitment to deliver on today’s business needs.

Please note, reaccreditation from CIPD is due in 2024/25.

Course details

Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need. 

Alongside these compulsory modules, you’ll also have the opportunity to shape your course through optional, pathway and discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out in a competitive graduate job market. 

• Optional modules are related to the field of human resource management enabling you to deepen your knowledge and skills within this area. 
• Pathways are optional modules which you can study in your second and final year. These are themed around key business disciplines, designed to complement your core knowledge and skills in human resource management and broaden your expertise. You can choose to study modules from up to two pathways during each year, with the opportunity to continue, choose a different pathway* or return your focus to optional human resource management modules as you progress between years. 
• Discovery modules give you opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area. They are categorised into 10 Discovery Themes ranging from arts to sciences, and from theory to practice.  

Whether you choose optional, pathway or discovery modules, you’ll be shaping your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. In all years, you will be able to choose from a selection of modules that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff at Leeds.

*Subject to prerequisites in year 2.

Year 1

A suite of compulsory modules in your first year will give you a broad introduction to the nature of businesses and those who work within them. You’ll study organisational behaviour, the sociology of work and gain an understanding of the nature of leadership. At the same time, you’ll put this into the context of the broader economy and the institutions which directly impact on business and employees. You’ll also have the opportunity to select optional HRM modules or discovery modules to broaden your knowledge.

Year 2

You’ll build on this foundational knowledge in your second year and examine how the principles of organisational behaviour work in practice. Compulsory modules will examine management and the changing nature of work and organisations. You’ll also explore contemporary HRM and industrial relations together with the economic and legal context in which businesses operate and recruit and retain employees.

Optional HRM modules, give you the chance to examine marketing or to develop knowledge of the skills employers are looking for in our ‘From Study To Work’ module. You’ll also have the opportunity to study pathway modules covering topics such as evidence based consultancy, corporate social responsibility or managing innovation in business. A choice of discovery modules will also be available.

Final year

When you reach your final year, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of employment law and examine the challenges and principles of human resource management in more depth. In addition, you’ll select from optional HRM modules on topics such as strategic management, or pathway modules on areas including management consulting, business ethics and innovation thinking. Again, you’ll also have the choice to study discovery modules from the wider University. 

The culmination of your studies is your dissertation – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice, which allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from the latest academic research and professional practice embedded within your course content. You’ll be taught by experienced HR practitioners and teaching staff engaged in cutting-edge research, including those active in the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC).

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Human Resource Management BA in the course catalogue

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Personal Tutorials for HRM (20 credits)
• Economic Institutions: Labour (10 credits)
• Economic Institutions: Industry (10 credits)
• Business and Society: Combined (20 credits)
• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Starting Your Own Business (10 credits)
• Economics for Management (20 credits)
• Global Entrepreneurship (10 credits)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Management, Work and Organisations (10 credits)
• Contemporary Industrial Relations (10 credits)
• Contemporary Human Resource Management (20 credits)
• Business and the Legal Environment (20 credits)
• HRM Research Practice and Personal Tutorials (20 credits)

Optional modules

• From Study to Work (10 credits)
• Organisational Behaviour in Practice (10 credits)
• Marketing (20 credits)
• Labour Economics (10 credits)
• Experiencing the World of Work (10 credits)

Pathway modules

Ethics and Sustainability Pathway

• Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)

Enterprise and Innovation Pathway

• Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)
• Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)
• Leading and Managing Small Businesses (10 credits)

Consulting Pathway

• Evidence Based Consultancy (10 credits)

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Human Resource Management Dissertation (40 credits)
• Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits)
• Employment Law (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Strategic management (20 credits)
• Global Perspectives on HRM and Employment Relations (20 credits)
• Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)
• Diversity Management (20 credits)
• People Analytics: Strategy and Practice (20 credits)

Pathway modules

Ethics and Sustainability Pathway

• Business Ethics (20 credits)

Enterprise and Innovation Pathway

• Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Innovation Thinking and Practice (10 credits)

Consulting Pathway

• Contemporary Management Consulting (20 credits)

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and dissertations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.* *If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature we will accept a Grade B/5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.

Other course specific tests:

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.

Alternative qualification

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: BBB

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4

Access to Leeds: Pass

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Read more about International Entry Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our Entry Requirements page.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £26,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Leeds University Business School awards a generous range of scholarships.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School courses is 30 June.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in Leeds University Business School. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on applications.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.

Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office

Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. Leeds University Business School is one of the few universities in the UK with a dedicated Employability and Opportunity team. You’ll be supported throughout your studies with one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers, helping you develop the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for.  

Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme 

You’ll have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive for Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path as you are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year. 

Find out more about the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity support. 

During your time at Leeds, you’ll also have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies. The Careers Service work with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme. 

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.

You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.

Read more about studying abroad.

Work placement

Work placements can help you decide on your career and improve your employability prospects. You’ll have the opportunity to put theory from your course into practice whilst gaining practical work experience and transferable skills sought after by graduate employers.

On this course you have the option to apply to spend a year in industry working within organisations across the public, private or voluntary sectors, in the UK or overseas. If you take this option, your degree will be extended to a four-year course with the third year spent on placement.

Support to find shorter summer internships is also available.

Learn more about work placements.