University of Wolverhampton Business School

BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with Sandwich placement

BA (Hons) Sandwich 4 years

The BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management course provides a contemporary business education that offers a solid foundation for success in personnel, human resource management or a general business career. 

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The BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management course provides a contemporary business education that offers a solid foundation for success in personnel, human resource management or a general business career. 

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BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
N603
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Sandwich (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
University of Wolverhampton Business School
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

6th in the UK for Business and Management courses (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

The BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management course provides a contemporary business education that offers a solid foundation for success in personnel, human resource management or a general business career. The vocational aspects of the course are underpinned by a study of current and future developments in industry and commerce. The course aims to prepare students for a professional career by developing knowledge and understanding of business disciplines, but particularly encouraging the critical investigation of people management related topics and also developing independent personal development skills.

The course is designed for students who want to embark on an in-depth study of Human Resource Management to develop analytical and evaluation skills that can be applied to international real-world situations.  The course recognises that people management is a key force for successful economic growth and thus emphasises the development of knowledge and understanding of a range of management and business practices, and the ability to apply them effectively in an innovative manner.

What's unique about this course?

  • This course provides you with a contemporary business education that offers a solid foundation for success in personnel, human resource management.
  • The course is designed for students who want to embark on an in-depth study of Human Resource Management to develop analytical and evaluation skills that can be applied to international real-world situations.
  • The course provides an interdisciplinary approach to global citizenship and will help you develop your own understandings of complex and contested notions in the business environment.  
  • 6th in the UK for Business and Management courses (The Guardian University Guide 2025)

What happens on the course?

The BA (Hons) Human Resource Management suite of courses are designed to equip you with the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours to enable entry into the Human Resource Profession. This course enables you to identify, release and apply your talents in practical and beneficial ways that will inspire you towards achieving your personal ambitions and future career success

Organisations worldwide today focus on the need to employ staff who have the appropriate skills to help the businesses achieve their objectives. The Human Resource Profession has a fundamental role to play in modern organisations.

The programmes we offer provide the opportunity for students to explore the key areas of Human Resource Management. The modules you will study throughout the degree are taught by HR specialists and will explore the variety of specialisms within the HR Profession.

The delivery of the modules includes a variety of interactive approaches, encouraging you to consider the theories and principles supporting the HR profession. There is also a clear focus on the application of HRM to Case Study organisations. Guest speakers are used in the programme to provide the workplace context to your studies.

The Programme provides, the opportunity for Accreditation for Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – CIPD. This is a professional organisation for experts in people at work. For more than 100 years the CIPD has been setting professional standards for HR and People Development and driving positive change in the world of work. 

Course Modules

Module: 4HR020
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

Skills development is of paramount importance for all professional practitioners. 'Preparation for business' should be taken to mean the development of a range of specific business knowledge and skills, together with the improved self-awareness and personal development appropriate to graduate careers in business with the potential for management positions and to employability in general. This includes the encouragement of positive and critical attitudes towards change and enterprise, so as to reflect the dynamism and vibrancy of the business environment. In this module, students will be introduced to the skills required of a HR professional, using relevant HR CIPD tools. The module will introduce the use of reflective practice for the use of CPD. LO1 Explain and apply the fundamentals of theory in relation to identifying tools and techniques for self and skills development . LO2 Develop and understand the role of critical reflective practice in personal and professional practice. LO3 Explain and discuss research methodologies and methods for practical use in the workplace. LO4 Develop a range of HR skills for practical application in the workplace.

Module: 4BU017
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module is sectioned into two parts. The first part of the module aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the digital business, the need for digital transformation to support innovation and to continue to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The various digital business models are explored along with the importance of digital capability. The second part of the module introduces students to the information systems that support todays digital business. A range of information systems are examined including those that support the operations of the digital business, through to its sales and marketing functions. The importance big data and business intelligence are introduced before examining how today’s digital business can apply business intelligence to develop new products and services long with improvements in efficiency and its business processes.

Module: 4HR019
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The Inclusive Business module will introduce students to the legislation, issues and considerations related to supporting an inclusive approach to employees and stakeholders in the business environment. Applicable to all students, whether planning to work for themselves or others, the module will encourage students to think about and apply skills and knowledge in equity, diversity and inclusivity in current and future roles and the discussion and reflection activities offered will facilitate the examination and consideration of good practice in inclusivity; barriers to inclusivity and; how to lead and support organisation-wide adoption of inclusive practice.

Module: 4BU015
Credits: 30
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will introduce students to responsible business practices with an emphasis on professional, moral and personal responsibility. This module will encourage the development of personal and professional development skills and self-reflection as a personal development tool.

Module: 5HR010
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module focuses on developing an awareness of wider business issues and priorities and how current practices in developing people can support wider organisation strategies as well has taking into account the implications of decisions made. It will consider the skills required to provide relevant, fair and inclusive people development opportunities, including problem solving, how to influence and negotiate with a range of internal and external stakeholders. This is supported by a robust consideration of personal skills related to the learning in the module.

Module: 5HR009
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

A global human resources (HR) professional plays an important role in the operations of not only the HR department, but of the entire organization. HR professionals are high in demand in today’s world where humans are more connected than ever and this module highlights some of the important practices and issues that require consideration when operating within an international environment.

Module: 5MG001
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The aim of this module is to develop students’ understanding of management and leadership principles, and to explore the influence various leadership and management approaches have on key Human Resource Management functions, including Change Management. Through the study of emerging leadership concepts, such as super-leadership, students will develop an appreciation for the development of self as a method to support others in their development. Reflective practice underpins the module to support students in assessing their own approach to learning and development.

Module: 5HR011
Credits: 30
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module tackles the issues that a HR professional needs to address as part of his or her everyday job. The approach adopted for this purpose is manifested in the concept ‘Employment Cycle’. The employment cycle is a means of thinking about how people are managed in the workplace, through considering the processes of, for example, recruitment, selection, induction, development, performance, reward, discipline and exit. This all takes place within a framework of employment legislation. People issues are both systemic and complex and thus require the HR professional to possess a diverse variety of skills. "This module is mapped onto the CIPD Intermediate standards and forms part of the knowledge required to achieve Associate Membership of the CIPD on completion of the BA (Hons) HRM."

Module: 5BU005
Credits: 40
Period: 3
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module represents an opportunity for students to apply and develop, through work experience, the skills and knowledge they have gained on their course. This module involves a year long placement in a business related area, supported by a workplace mentor and UWBS Employability and Placement Unit (EPU). The year-long placement provides students with the opportunity to gain experience of graduate level work. In this way students can gain a second, world-recognised qualification with no extra work. Employers are very keen to employ graduates who have already had work experience as part of their course and this contributes to a student’s unique selling point.

Module: 6HR008
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module will examine the importance of the 'People Profession' in developing the organisational strategy and structure of a business. The focus of this module is to: 1. Developing understanding of the importance of Organisational strategy on Structure 2. The impact of the People Profession on Transforming Organisational Structure 3. The impact of Organisational Design, Change and Development in creating a Sustainable Business. 4. Preparation and development of students for a career in Business and Management, with specific focus of the ‘People Profession’. 5. Enhancement of a wide range of skills and attribute to equip them, as graduates, for the future as Global Citizens.

Module: 6HR010
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module explores how events and actions in the macro-environment impact upon organisations, and the strategies that organisations may adopt to manage this. You will engage with contemporary discourses around new ways of working and communicating including within dispersed collaborations, learning and development strategies to meet changing organisational needs, and creating inclusive and sustainable workplaces. You will also engage with emergent topics within the field, as organisations adapt and requirements change, impacting on organisational approaches.

Module: 6BU020
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The Professional Project capstone module is an independent study unit. Students will be able to draw together learning form their previous subjects, focusing on their key strengths, in the production of a business artefact. Alongside the artefact students will develop a written critical reflection, which is designed elucidate their rational for choice of artefact and reflect on the process of its production and dissemination.

Module: 6HR009
Credits: 30
Period: 4
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module aims to create awareness of the changing labour market and the strategies which are necessary to maximise career progression as you transition into the HR profession. You will be encouraged to consider current debates relating to the concept of employment and careers in the 21st century and apply them to the HR profession. In addition this module enables you to critically evaluate, analyse and enhance your employability skills using a wide range of current tools, concepts and techniques in order to better equip you for your future professional HR career.

Potential Career Paths

Students who successfully complete the course are expected to enhance their job prospects and strengthen their employment opportunities. The course is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in a variety of people management related areas including training and people development, resourcing organisations, reward practice and personnel strategy.

The course will provide the underpinning for postgraduate study in human resourcing leading to full membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students can choose to follow programmes leading to the award of an MA Human Resource Management or an MA Human Resource Development and Organisational Change.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Enhancing your employment and career prospects

Studying with the Business School gives you a head start in your career through offering:
 
Internships - You can choose to gain valuable work experience through taking an internship (sandwich placement) as part of your programme of study.  Full support in preparing and securing internships is provided through our dedicated support team.  
 
Study abroad - You can choose to undertake one semester or a full year study abroad at one of our EU partners, as part of your programme of study.  
 
Working with real managers - We find many opportunities for you to work with practising managers, from company projects, guest lectures and site visits through to short internships or full year long sandwich placements. 
 
Developing real business skills - Studying at Wolverhampton will allow you to develop the skills businesses demand including IT, project management, team working and leadership.
 
Careers support and guidance - You will be able to gain an Employability Award.  Having developed your CV and enhanced your interview skills you will be able to undertake a short internship to prepare yourself to gain employment on graduation.
 
Volunteering - You can gain valuable employability skills through volunteering.  Opportunities exist for you to work with voluntary organisations.
 
Starting your own business - Not only will you develop the business acumen necessary to start and manage your own business but on-going support is available both during your studies and on graduation to help you make a success of your business start-up.
 
Management mentors - You will have the opportunity to be mentored by a senior manager from the region through our Institute of Directors mentoring scheme or alumni.

A supportive professional study environment

Your learning experience at the Business School will be enhanced by:
 
Tutors who know about business - The tutors on this programme will have had experience as practicing managers, have worked with business in an advisory capacity or will be researching business and management in order that what you learn is current, leading edge thinking which has real relevance to the world of business.
 
A friendly and supportive environment - We are known for the support we provide to our students.  Whether pastoral or study advice your personal tutor and course leader are there to give you the support you need, when you need it.
 
Blended learning - The School has developed a blended learning approach where lecture and tutorial activities are supported by online learning to become a seamless learning experience both in and outside of the classroom.
 
Flexibility - The programme offered gives you flexibility over your study options as you progress and develop, whether this is choosing to study abroad or take an internship or being able to move between the courses we offer.
 
Professional body informed programmes - The school has strong professional body links and these are used to inform the curriculum to ensure they reflect the latest professional thinking and standards and to maximise the exemptions and accreditation you will gain alongside studying your programme.
 
Internationalisation - Our international student and staff body and a curriculum underpinned by internationalisation will enable you to learn how to operate in a global business environment.
 

At the end of this course you, the student, will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of your field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline with an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
  2. Demonstrate an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline and apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects.
  3. Demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the student: to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline & to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to manage your own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline) and communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
  5. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem.
  6. Propose, undertake and present an independent study project that analyses a key issue in the area of business and human resource management.

 

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2024-25
International Sandwich £13450 per year 2022-23
International Sandwich £14450 per year 2023-24
International Sandwich £14950 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

 

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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Lord Swraj Paul Building

Lord Swraj Paul Building

Named after our Chancellor, the Lord Swraj Paul Building offers six floors of purpose-built student space, and is our Business School’s impressive multi-million pound home.
Study spaces

Study spaces

You can access the computers and dedicated study spaces located on each level of the Lord Swraj Paul building from 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
Specialist software

Specialist software

In the Lord Swraj Paul building, you’ll find our computer labs with specialist business simulation and management tools software.
Study spaces

Study spaces

We’re got plenty of study spaces around campus – so you can find the ideal place to suit your style, wherever – and whenever – you get your best ideas.
Libraries

Libraries

Our libraries offer helpful support and resources to aid your studies including: social learning and quiet study areas, bookable spaces, and 24/7 opening at key times in the year.

World Class Facilities

World Class Facilities

How We Compare

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