Course summary

The attraction, retention and development of high-calibre people are a source of competitive advantage for organisations today and are the responsibility of human resource professionals. This puts human resource management at the centre of business performance and a critical partner for organisational success. This programme offers an insight into the principal areas of managing human resources and the important influences of the wider international environment, providing a critical assessment of the HRM and employment relations approach. Teaching staff on the programme comprise academics who all understand the current business climate and are personally committed to students’ success. They bring a breadth of experience and expertise to their teaching and are involved in a wide range of research and professional activities. Many of the staff are members of the University’s Research Centre for Employment, Competitiveness and Growth, which was established in 2003 to develop world-class research and knowledge transfer activities through a multidisciplinary approach to HRM. The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Europe’s largest professional institute for HRM and HR development, to its Advanced Level Standards. As a CIPD Approved Centre, we are recognised as a professional deliverer of HRM education so that on completion of this programme, you will have acquired the level of knowledge and understanding to apply for full professional membership of the CIPD. We work closely with the CIPD to deliver extra-curricular events to enhance your learning, skills and employability. Such events have included an annual event with key speakers on a topical HRM issue, and a careers event involving a variety of HRM practitioners. Our relationship with the CIPD also gives you the opportunity to attend CIPD hosted events in the local area to further enhance relevant skills, knowledge and employability. Graduates typically go on to specialist management positions or consultancy roles in all areas of human resource management, including employee relations, reward and recognition, recruitment, retention, and people and organisational development within a diverse range of organisations.