2024/25 entry
BA (Hons) Human Resource Management
Why study Human Resource Management at Liverpool John Moores University?
- 100% of students surveyed felt that the teaching staff were good at explaining things, National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
- 100% of students surveyed felt it was easy to contact teaching staff and that they supported their learning, National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with emphasis on real-world case studies and role play (skills practice) to enhance essential practical and academic skills
- Opportunities to undertake a year's professional placement or voluntary work and internships supporting the development of requisite skills for CIPD Associate membership
- Diverse range of career opportunities, including HR business partner, recruitment consultant, training and development, employment relations adviser, coaching and mentoring, HR pay and benefit support, online HR practitioner services and equality advisor
- This programme is also available as a Top Up Level 6 entry degree
About your course
The professionally accredited BA (Hons) Human Resource Management at Liverpool John Moores University is taught by academics with direct professional experience of working in HRM roles.
The goal of Human Resource Management is to boost the morale of an organisation thereby reducing staff turnover and increasing productivity. For this you need high levels of interpersonal skills, self-motivation, adaptability and persuasiveness. If this sounds like you, the degree in Human Resource Management at LJMU is an ideal starting point from which to launch your career.
This course explores the legal aspects of business and employment, business management and employment relations. There is emphasis on case study and role play to enhance your practical as well as academic skills, and 'working life' events give you a first-hand view of HRM in action, with regular input from professionals. We also include visits to employers to develop understanding of business operations and the vital role that HR plays in organisational success, and 'a day in the life of' sessions with current HR managers so that students have a broad understanding of the profession.
By the time you graduate, you will have developed the high-level leadership and management skills that enable you to make a significant contribution to organisations and the individuals who work for them.
We support a HR Community of programmes offering shared events and Master Classes to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as HR professionals to encourage networking and development of professional practice. We have a Facebook page, 'LJMU HR students' and graduating students have continued to engage with the page offering advice and alerting current students to prospective job opportunities.
Liverpool Business School has partnerships with business schools at universities and colleges across Europe, in the USA and in China. Students on this programme are able to spend a semester in their second year at a partner university abroad as part of their studies. Students can also choose to spend an additional year of study at one of our partner universities between the second and third years. All study abroad opportunities are in English. There are also many supported opportunities for activities at partner universities during summer vacations and Liverpool Business School provides places on language skills courses.
Human Resource Management Top-Up
This one year, full time, top-up degree is ideal for students who are completing/already hold a relevant HND, relevant Foundation degree, or Diploma and want to top-up their qualification and boost employment prospects by gaining an honours degree. The Top Up programme joins the Level 6 (3rd year) students on the Human Resource Management degree.
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have one of the following: a Foundation Degree with 60% or above in a relevant subject or a relevant HND with overall Merit (240 credits).
"This course is excellent for individuals seeking to pursue a career in Human Resources or in Business Management. The modules cover many different areas of Human Resources and equip you in applying the knowledge and course content to real life situations. Most importantly, the support and guidance provided by the Lecturers was invaluable. The Teaching Team were very encouraging and helped me to achieve the best grade I could."
Professional accreditation/links
This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). If you successfully complete this programme, you will also achieve the Intermediate Level Professional Standards for CIPD leading to Associate Membership.
You will be enrolled as a student member of CIPD at the end of Level 5, with your fees being paid by LJMU for both your placement year and Level 6 (final year).
We have excellent links with the CIPD, both nationally and locally, which enable us to maintain our high standards of teaching, learning and assessment. Prizes are awarded annually from CIPD Liverpool Group and local employers to students who excel in both the academic and the practitioner elements of the programme.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Career prospects in Human Resource Management related roles remain strong and our students do well even in a tough economic environment.
Liverpool Business School has historically had an excellent employment record with graduates securing graduate-level positions with leading employers in public and private sectors. These include Everton Football Club, Kellogg company, Santander and Deloitte.
The skills in communication, self-motivation, adaptability and persuasiveness that you will acquire through this course open up a diverse range of careers in this popular field. They range from consultancy, general human resource or personnel management, training, learning and development, recruitment, talent and resourcing, online and phone-based HR support, equal opportunities and diversity, reward, pay and benefits, employment law advice, coaching and mentoring services, performance management, health, safety and wellbeing, welfare and employment policies, communication systems, information systems for HRM, and work psychology.
Recent graduates have enjoyed considerable success despite the recession, gaining HR roles in companies as diverse as London Underground, Toyota, Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Siemens and Morrisons.
We also have progression routes to postgraduate study so that your knowledge can develop as your career progresses. The MA Strategic People Management and Practice at LJMU develops the professional knowledge and skills to support Chartered Membership of CIPD.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Academic and Digital Literacy
20 credits
This module prepares students for
academic life at university by teaching them how to apply academic and digital
skills. Students will develop an
awareness of the internal and external business environments. Economic factors influencing business and HR
decisions will be explored. Students
will also learn how to conduct HR financial planning.
Professional People Management
20 credits
Students will develop the core knowledge of a range of people practices across the entire employee lifecycle. This module aligns with the CIPD's professional map, which underpins the core knowledge that all professional people managers require. This module also helps students develop skills related to team working and stakeholder management.
Management Functions and Practice
20 credits
This module provides insights into the broader business environment and
offers awareness of the interconnected and cross-functional perspectives that
exist in organisational settings. Students will develop an insight into the
value that each function of a business brings to the organisation as a
whole.
HR in the Business Context
20 credits
This module will use 'lived history' case studies to demonstrate how history and sociology has impacted on HR practice and employee legislation. It will recognise the significance of the EU, UK government, trade union and employers and how they have historically shaped the contemporary employment relationship. It will explore how politics has sculptured HR practice over the decades and review who the key actors/agencies are. This will cover the differing influences opposing political parties have had on the UK and EU and how this has impacted on organisations, HR and the population.
Learning and Development: Theory and Practice
20 credits
This module will enable students
to build knowledge of learning, including how others facilitate and support
their own learning. Different learning
styles will be explored, particularly in relation to training and development
interventions in organisations. Students
will come to know how learning takes place at individual and organisational
levels.
Work Psychology and Interpersonal Skills
20 credits
This module provides a comprehensive foundation for theoretical and practical applications relevant to the psychology of behaviour in the workplace as well as interpersonal skills development. The module is designed for students to actively learn and apply these concepts with others. Communication, learning, and reflective skills will also be developed.
Level 5
Core modules
Ethical Practice and Behaviours
20 credits
The module will develop students' understanding of ethical practice and develop the skills and knowledge to drive principle-led behaviours as people professionals
Professional Behaviours and Valuing People
20 credits
In this module, students will explore and develop the application of core HR professional behaviours to build positive working relationships and support employee voice and well-being. Students will also consider how to develop and master new professional behaviours, and how these impact employee performance in the workplace.
Employability
20 credits
This module aims to provide students with the practical skills necessary to secure employment. There is a focus on securing a paid undergraduate placement or summer internship, but extends to graduate employment and further career advancement.
Reward for Performance and Contribution
20 credits
Students will explore the theoretical underpinnings of reward practices and performance management in the workplace. Internal and external business factors and their influence on reward strategies and policies will also be explored. Students will be prepared to support line managers in the application of all elements of performance management.
Evidence-based practice: Research and Data Analysis
20 credits
This module addresses the significance of capturing robust quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform meaningful insight to influence critical thinking. It focuses on analysing evidence through an ethical lens to improve decision- making and how measuring the impact of people practice is essential in creating value.
Advanced Assessment Techniques
20 credits
In this module, students will design, develop, and deliverassessment centre activities. Studentswill learn to measure candidates performance in relation to core competencies,provide effective feedback, and be able to implement assessment centres inexisting organisational settings.
Optional Modules
Sandwich Year - HRM
120 credits
To provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements or shorter durations may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200hrs will be spent in the workplace
Study Year Abroad HRM
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will compliment their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Developing Organisational Change
20 credits
This module will enable students to build a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the theory and practice of change management and organisational development. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to influence and seek to align theory with organisational development and improvement.
Contemporary Employment Relations
20 credits
Students will be able to analyse the development of
approaches, practices, and tools to manage and enhance the employee
relationship. The tensions between
creating better working lives and improving organisational performance will
also be explored.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
20 credits
Students will critically evaluate how adapting leadership
styles to manage, monitor and report on equality and diversity is essential for
inclusive practice and legislation.
Students will explore how promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce
and culture can improve organisational performance, as well as meet the needs
of employees and customers more effectively.
Conflict management – Legal Framework
20 credits
Students will develop practical knowledge of contemporary HR
policies and practices on dealing with workplace conflict. Students will explore various challenges when
handling conflict through dispute resolution, conducting investigations,
grievances, disciplinaries, and employment tribunals.
Developing HR Strategy and Culture
20 credits
Students will explore the connections between organisational
structure and the wider world of work, which impact on business strategy and
effective workforce planning. Students
will also explore how to develop diverse talent pools, recognise the influence
of culture, employee well-being, and behaviour in delivering business and HR
strategy.
HR Impact Project
20 credits
Students will produce an impact project that investigates a Human Resource Management of their choice. Students will engage with a range of contemporary knowledge and sources in considering the impact their research can have in an organisational setting.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is delivered via a combination of lectures, online activities, seminars, workshops, tutorials and individual support meetings, plus e-learning support and email surgeries with tutors. We also encourage you to use our virtual learning environment, Canvas, and networking opportunities provided through programme community meetings and Facebook.
As with any degree-level programme, private study is a significant and important part of your learning, as it will give you a wider perspective on your subject area as well developing the commitment to a life-long skill that will prove invaluable to your future career.
Professional practice and behaviours are part of the learning experience and you will have opportunities to get involved with CIPD events, support the management of events and master classes, and shadow Liverpool Group Committee roles. You will also be able to become a Friend of the Liverpool Group Committee, giving you access to a wide range of events and networking opportunities.
Work-related Learning
Early in your second year of study you can decide whether to undertake a paid 48-week work placement in the UK or overseas. You would do this placement between your second and third year of study.
This experience allows you to put into practice skills aquired on the course and conduct a piece of assessed research. If you aquire the appropriate employer-verified skills during your placmeent, you will be able to build your portfolio to upgrade your CIPD student membership to Associate member (Assoc CIPD).
Previous HR students have completed placements with organisations as diverse as Liverpool John Lennin Airport, Liverpool Football Club and Vauxhall Motors.
If you choose not to take up the placement option, there are intern and voluntary opportunities available. Specialist modules will also enable you to develop skills and experience needed for CIPD membership.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
The Liverpool Business School is a supportive environment in which to study and the 'student-centred approach' of your tutors will ensure that you are given the support and guidance you need. During your studies you will also have the continual support of a personal tutor who will meet with you one-to-one to discuss assessments, monitor progress and help you to formulate your career plans. We also provide study support classes should you need extra help with assessments.
Networking is an effective way to make new contacts and improve your career prospects, and so the HR team at LJMU is currently bringing together a community of undergraduate and postgraduate HR students and practitioners who can learn from and support each other. We run a series of events throughout the year and invite all our students, from first year undergraduates to doctoral students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We understand that each student performs differently depending on the way they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include:
- reports
- essays
- exams
- case studies
- summaries of e-discussions
- group and individual presentations
- poster presentations of research
- practical assessments, such as mock interviews
- records of learning
Many of our modules use formative assessment providing informal opportunities for feedback before the assessment is submitted.
Your tutors will aim to provide assessment feedback within 15 working days, and will happily discuss it with you one-to-one. This is particularly important as it gives you a chance to identify your strengths as well as the areas that may need further attention. We adopt the ethos that assessments are an essential part of your learning experience. You demonstrate your progress and development to yourself and us. We have tutors and sessions in place to offer additional support in key areas if this is required.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool 's growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, a café and a roof terrace with far reaching views of the cityscape and welsh hills. It is only a short walk from LJMU 's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open seven days a week.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BCC-BBB (104-120)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
A levels
BCC-BBB
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM
Access awards
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
T levels
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The following criteria are desirable but not essential. We will use them to rank applications. Please demonstrate your development of these attributes in the personal statement included in your application:
- A critical interest in how societies are constructed and the issues and challenges presented
- A questioning mind
- Good analytical skills
- Good reading and information retrieval skills - obtaining information from a range of sources and using it to support analysis
- The ability to construct and critically assess arguments
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.