Course Summary

The world of work is changing. The rise of the internet; new creative industries; emerging economies challenging the established ones of Europe, Japan and North America; the serious threat of environmental damage all these factors combine to challenge the old models of work.

However, there is one thing that doesnt change: people. People still need to be recruited, developed, trained, motivated and paid to meet the requirements of the organisation, whether they work in the private sector, the public sector or in not-for-profit organisations, and wherever they are located in the world.

If this sounds like your kind of challenge, this degree will provide the insights you need to

meet and manage it. You will be taught by tutors who are experts in their field, carrying out practical projects that emulate working in an organisation as a professional manager. You will be offered the chance to spend a years paid work placement with a company in a human resources management (HRM) role. You will be given every opportunity to develop an exciting career as an HRM professional.

This is a practical course, but it is grounded in theory. In stage one we will build up your awareness and you will study the full range of business subjects in our innovative Business Pods. In stage two your knowledge will be developed, and in stage three you will focus on application.

You will cover every aspect of what the HRM professional needs to know in practice: leadership and motivation, pay and reward, business systems, selection and recruitment, employee relations and employment law.

At stage three, you will study strategic HRM, work with a firm on solving people problems, and carry out an independent academic research project. If you dont choose to work in HRM, the knowledge you have gained will be very useful for any management career.

Why choose this course?

Human Resources Management offers a wide range of exciting careers. It is developing fast as a key discipline in emerging economies such as China, India and Central Europe, and there are job opportunities worldwide. Our recent graduates have pursued careers in HRM both nationally and internationally.

From stage one you will be introduced to our professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) to learn about the opportunities available. You will also be supported throughout the course in your job search.

During this course you will:

• Have an opportunity to really understand how HRM works with other business disciplines, while

developing the specialist knowledge you need to start your career

• Work with lecturers who are active in the CIPD, the professional body for HR, and undertake both consultancy and research. In practice, this means that you are being taught new knowledge not just textbook material
• Gain an international outlook resulting from the diverse backgrounds of our staff and students
• Benefit from excellent teaching and learning facilities, giving you practical and transferable business skills

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Human resources development
• Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship
• International business
• Strategic management
• Practical HRM

Further Information

BSHRM-S

Assessment

• The underpinning philosophy of all the assessments is developmental, building on your knowledge, expertise and capabilities to ensure that you explore, experience and develop your understanding of business and human resource management. You will develop a wide knowledge and understanding of the broad range of areas of business and human resource management, and the detailed relationships between these, their application and their importance in an integrated framework.


• The overall aim of the assessment strategy is that you will receive constructive feedback from your course tutors, and student peers within the group. The team will support you to help you to use this feedback as part of your continuing development. Your tutor will give you the active guidance to plan the next stages of your learning. This opportunity for supported self-reflection will enable you to take charge of your learning through developing critical evaluation and planning skills.


• To facilitate and maximise learning for all you a range of assessment methods are used throughout the course and you will be required to undertake a variety of group and individual based assessments. These assessments include individual and group written feedback assignments and projects, action learning reports as well as presentations. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate underpinning theoretical input and research, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified in this document. An appropriate sample of all assessed work will be subject to multiple marking and external moderation to ensure appropriate quality standards and intended learning outcomes are achieved as well as consistency and fairness to all.

Educational Aims

The educational aims of the course are grounded in the Universitys strategic education plan to provide challenging and innovative learning and teaching that empowers the active and professional learner. The aims are also rooted in the mission and practice of the Business School to provide enterprising and fit for purpose courses that are necessary for businesses to expand and diversify. The Schools Learning and Teaching strategy supports these aims through the development of an engaging and stimulating learning environment that articulates relevant research and scholarly activity. The underpinning philosophy of the course is to engage in critical, analytical, historical, creative and comparative approaches to the study of people management within a business setting. It is interested in the implications of contemporary research relating to the development of creative and innovative learning cultures at an operational and strategic level within modern business organisation. The course is also underpinned by and takes full cognizance of national benchmarks for management.

The course blends practical and theoretical aspects of the management of people in the workplace with an understanding of critical enquiry. The course will familiarise you with current issues in the study and management of people at work from a variety of perspectives. You will develop their own knowledge of organisational behaviour, as well as developing a number of important transferable skills. Overall, the course aims to equip you with a wide range of skills that, together with an in-depth understanding of the working environment, will provide you with the essential management skills for careers that involve the management of human resources. More specifically these are:

• To provide you with an understanding of the nature and structure of workplace organisation in a variety of sectors in the UK and internationally


• To enable you to acquire a broad knowledge base regarding the principles and practice of human resource management within the entire range of sectors


• To be able to apply such knowledge to the management of people in the workplace


• To develop a range of academic skills - including research, investigation, deduction, logical argument and clear thinking - to a level appropriate to an honours degree


• To provide integration between the units of the course so that you, in carrying out student centred work and dealing with industry derived situations, simultaneously process the learned elements of different units and therefore develop your ideas in an integrated manner


• To enable you to acquire and develop competencies which promote your ability to perform effectively in post-honours degree activity

Student support

Your first contact with fellow students and staff will be induction which is held during the September of the first year of your degree. After induction, covering administrative, academic, corporate and safety issues, you will be allocated a personal tutor. The role of the personal tutor is to be the main point of contact for you on academic issues. Regular meetings will be held at least once per term or more if required. The tutor relationship is important for student development. In addition your subject (subjects are taught in Units) tutors are available for consultation normally two hours per week while the Field Chair, who manages the BSc course, also has regular surgery sessions. At the start of each new year there will be an induction to ensure that you understand the requirements and to give feedback. Formal feedback is also gathered for each unit and course via surveys and focus groups. It is reported via the course journal. Full contact details for staff, including email addresses are published in each separate unit handbook. Other support is provided by Student Services and by the Student Union.

Team working

A key aspect of the course is that of working with others and, when appropriate providing leadership. You are required to work with others both in certain assessed components (group presentations and reports), but also within lecture and seminar sessions in achieving certain tasks. As well working with others, certain units (e.g. Pod, Strategic Management and Human Resource Development) require the student to reflect upon, and evaluate the process of working with others as part of the overall assessment. Leadership opportunities exist throughout their time at the University including acting as Course Representatives or in University Societies.

One of the key purposes is to improve continuous development and learning ability through continuous contact with your tutors and your fellow students. The advantages of team working are well understood and self-evident but in the context of this degree course they are essential for knowledge development and creativity and result in focused thinking.

Career Management Skills

The Business School offers courses on behalf of the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Leadership and Management as well as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The nationally recognised professional organisations all provide career management information and networks. The Centre for Personal and Career Development is available to support and advise all student. Master level qualifications can be studied both on a full time or a part time basis.

It is important that we stress that we plan to integrate personal, academic and career development within the course and you as a professional learner will feel better equipped to make relevant decisions and moves in line with your personal and career goals.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

We would encourage our graduates to enter a career track leading to a professional HR position although of course other roles in organisations in any sector would not be discouraged. To this end we would leverage our relationships with local businesses as well as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) to provide opportunities for networking. The Field Chair is responsible for co-ordinating such activities although the onus remains with you as the student. The University also provides excellent support for career development.

We seek to develop an appetite and ambition for lifelong learning. When you complete the BSc you should be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the core knowledge bases of Business, Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at national and international level


• Critically debate major theoretical and practical issues relevant to the study and management of people in the workplace


• Demonstrate their understanding of the contemporary workplace and management dilemmas


• Be able to apply a range of business and management skills and knowledge to the workplace context and environment


• Understand, debate and use as a basis for decision making, the factors which influence human resource policy and planning, management and development in a variety of sectoral and national and international contexts


• Demonstrate their research and problem solving abilities by critically understanding methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing information appropriate to the study of workplace and management issues


• Understand and demonstrate a critical awareness of the moral, ethical, environmental and legal issues which underpin best practice considerations in people management


• Express themselves fluently both in written and verbal form to a level, which will enhance employment prospects and general personal performance


• Be able to work in teams to address business issues at a local and global level


• Initiate and plan academic research projects on workplace and organisational issues by exploiting the knowledge and competence base acquired during the course


• Identify and evaluate factors of concern to marginalised groups in contemporary organisations (e.g. equal opportunities, diversity management)

Further study:

• Masters level courses


• Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) professional courses


• Various professional management development courses e.g. Chartered Management Institute diploma

Entry

Standard:

Standard entry requirements for UK students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs

Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides

International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

All teaching is undertaken on premises that provide reasonable access for students with disabilities. One subject Unit (Strategic Human Resources Development level 3) has a mandatory field trip. Assessments prior to such trips will be carried out to ensure that the needs of disabled students can be met. Colleagues on the Course team are very conscious of the requirements of Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 and seek to ensure that the practice that the Act seeks to encourage is emulated.

Concerning special educational needs (e.g., unseen such as dyslexia) special provision is made for assessment for course work and through the administration of central examinations. The Course team endeavor to make course materials available to you in formats that you feel comfortable using (e.g. through BREO).

Skills Development

Below is set out how we as the Course team plan to help you to cope with skills development during the degree course.

The course aims to develop the skills and attitudes relevant to the continued development over the expected working lifetime of a professional manager. These skills include such cognitive skills as critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. They also include interpersonal skills and skills around personal development. To be more specific the skills we want to develop in this programme are: communication, information literacy, independent research, creativity and critical thinking as well as leadership and team work, learning and self development, and career management. We also aim to develop awareness of personal responsibility. Knowledge is quickly out of date. What does not become redundant is the ability to learn and the belief that learning is both possible and important. But the purpose of learning is more than mere personal gain, it is to leave some legacy in the development of others or by positive impacts on the wider world. We want to develop future global citizens.

Communication:

In order to be a successful and creative manager it is essential that your communication skills are of a very high standard. Throughout the qualification you will be involved in expressing and reflecting on your ideas as well as influencing and shaping decisions. You will be communicating with a wide network of diverse people and groups and your oral communication skills will be effective and persuasive. The development of communication skills is a particular priority of the level 1 Integrated Business Unit where students have an opportunity to develop the full range of skills at an early stage in your course.

Information Literacy:

This will be introduced to you to enable you to access journals and information and to make reasoned decisions and judgments. In order to engage in academic research you will need to find, understand, evaluate and use information. Tutors will provide study skills practice to help you to understand how to approach abstracting relevant information from an academic article and hence to cope wit the demands of academic practice. These academic practice skills are probably new to you but here will be support from the course team to help you, particularly in the initial stages of the course. There will also be online guides to take you through accessing basic principles and procedures of the learning regime. In addition you will receive help from specialist staff to help you navigate your ways through Learning Resources (the Library), as well as giving your encouragement to produce new information through empirical research and use of digital media.

Research and Evaluation:

These skills are central to the learning strategy within the course to enable you to develop and to demonstrate original, independent and critical thinking, and to further develop relevant theories relating to how you will translate these into action. The project is a final year activity for honours level students which gives you the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of a particular topic, synthesising various course elements, yet pursuing one area of interest in depth. The project allows you scope for expression of skills, knowledge and abilities, and offers the chance to develop - in an original and creative way, areas of particular interest. The project also performs the important integrative function of bringing together different elements from the course, testing the ability and discipline of the student in producing a long and detailed study.

Creativity and Critical Thinking:

The course is structured around developing your capabilities as a critical and evaluative thinker to enable you to make reasoned arguments, based on research findings. You will be given the opportunity to think reflectively about learning materials and activities you are presented with, you can take time to pause an reflect, and then perhaps question what is said. Testing out your critical and creative thinking skills will be done with other you and tutors, in tutorials, self-help groups and other course forums. Creativity will be specifically developed during the level 3 unit.

Improving learning and performance

The course aims to enable you to become an independent learner willing to reflect on experience and explore and anticipate future opportunities, and then applying your learning to ensure progression and designed to ensure you will have suitably designed tasks and assignments with clearly defined criteria and standards. The culmination of the honours programme is that of the final year project, where you take overall responsibility for production of an in-depth extended piece of work.

• You will be supported throughout the course to take greater responsibility for your own development through a knowledge-based apprenticeship. This energetic and active approach to learning will enhance your confidence and self-esteem and will provide a continuous feedback loop ensuring your motivation to act as a professional and autonomous learner


• Your personal tutor will be an anchor throughout the course. The course is designed to ensure there is connectivity between the tutor, the student and the wider course team to maximize learning opportunities. All tutors are experienced in facilitation and active listening skills. He or she will work with you in a constructive relationship to ensure a clear sense of purpose and positive intention, in line with you own personal and business needs and goals


• You may be apprehensive about your ability to cope with the degree and the associated study skills involved. There will be a dedicated Induction facilitated by the tutors on the course. Here you will be taken through the academic skills required for successful completion of the course including approaches to enquiry and research, reading and decoding an academic journal article and writing academic reports and formal assignments. Web technology is used extensively by the University to support learning and access to these resources will be explained to you. You will also have a presentation from your Tutor Librarian from within the Learning Resource Centre who will help you to access journal articles and other relevant learning resources, electronically

Progress files

You will be expected to keep a progress file, along with all you of the University. Over the duration of the qualification you will be collecting a large amount of information, which is an important record of your achievements. You will be guided and supported to collect and save relevant evidence related to your personal development.

Professional standards

There are no dedicated professional standards for related specifically to this qualification. However the University has links and partnerships with both the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and actively networks with both these organisations to ensure professionalism and excellence. As a graduate within the HRM field, you will be a strong role model and we would expect by the end of the course that you would conform to the following behaviours:

• Being a inspirational and ethical leader that people want to


• Being able to manage yourself and being positive to manage emotional responses to situations and people in a constructive manner


• Managing relationship through self awareness of ones own emotions and those of others to successfully engage others


• Leading and following others to ensure sustainable and ethical change is occurring in your organisation


• Use communication strategies that bring differing viewpoints and generate positive results and to use suitable language and perspective when delivering messages


• Show awareness and knowledge of the applied social sciences in your team working and building


• Be a respectful and listening manager / team player who is open to others perspectives and who will evaluate ideas constructively and positively


• Be committed via mentoring and coaching to continuing personal development and promote the CPD ethic within your business


• Be mindful of the ethical implications of your practice through dialogue with peers, clients and mentors and adhere to professional ethical standards at all times in relation to action learning and action research, formulating alternative solutions as necessary, including the demonstration of an awareness of the ethical implications of creativity versus conformity. Your tutors will adhere to ethical, personal and professional standards at all times. The University has specific policies and procedures to ensure such standards are rigorously adhered to

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

These standards underpin and drive and learning and teaching philosophy of the qualification and are integrated into all aspects of the degree provision.