BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

Business Management (Human Resource Management)

BA (Hons)

Summary

Study level
Award
Full time
3 years
Part time
3 years+
Location
Berlin or Online
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

It’s a competitive time for businesses right now, and getting the best out of a workforce is vital for success across all industry sectors. Graduates who understand how people and culture can help an organisation grow are now well placed to enter successful careers. 

Our BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) has been developed with input from world-leading organisations and researchers to bring traditional human resource management practices into the modern era. The course will introduce you to the latest principles and practices of successful HR functions, without the outdated concept of the employee as a commodity for business success.
 
Your course begins by helping you develop broad knowledge in key areas of business management, including managing people and an introduction to how modern organisations function. In your second and third study levels you’ll explore subjects covering the development of high performance teams, talent management, rewarding performance, people analytics, and other key areas that you’ll find indispensable in the workplace.

This degree has dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Not only will you graduate with a recognised degree, but you’ll also receive a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership and an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. This will help you show employers that you have both the modern skills and professional recognition to fill current skills gaps in the field. 

When you graduate from this course you will receive:

  • BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)
  • CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership
  • Foundation Chartered Manager Status and the post nominal fCMgr
  • ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
  • IOEE Professional Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Studying Business at Arden
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Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and Institute of Leadership and Management, supporting your career and connecting you with likeminded professionals.

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Course details and modules

By providing you with knowledge of the fundamentals of business and then developing your core skills and knowledge in the recruitment and management of people in organisations, we’ll prepare you to become a skilled and informed professional who is able to excel in this challenging yet highly rewarding career choice.  

During your studies you’ll gain a wider understanding of HR functions, operations, and cutting edge technologies. You’ll also develop new personal and professionals attributes in dedicated skills-related modules to help build your soft skills and decision-making abilities. Learning research and data analysis techniques using academic and industry focused texts, articles, and reports, you’ll gain a better understanding of contemporary human resources management and overall business functions, with the ability to analyse practical case studies drawn from a range of international organisations. 

Using our business simulation software, you’ll be able to access a virtual business and run it as your own enterprise – managing activities such as marketing, sales, finances, people, product development, operations, and your supply chain. This will give you the chance to practice making critical decisions within a safe environment, helping you develop your ability to interpret commercial information and apply your learnings to generate a profit for your enterprise. You’ll also have access to our Digital Enterprise Hub throughout your course, which provides you with additional software and resources as well as real-world mentors and industry experts to draw knowledge from. The Digital Enterprise Hub also gives you the chance to engage in social learning with your classmates, developing your collaborative skills and providing the opportunity for networking with fellow professionals.

Toby Bradley

It’s a great way to study if you’re looking for flexibility. It was challenging to balance a full-time job with my degree but once I was in a routine, it was much easier to manage everything. Online learning has actually helped me become very good with time management and given me the ability to prioritise tasks.

Toby Bradley
BA (Hons) Business & Accountancy

Modules

You have 3-9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

  • Digital Skills & Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Business Finance (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Technology & Innovation (20 credits)
  • Data Analytics & Management (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits)
  • Sales Management (20 credits)
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)
  • Resourcing & Talent Management (20 credits)
  • People Analytics (20 credits)
  • Business Transformation (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Corporate Governance, Law & Ethics (20 credits)
  • Independent Study (20 credits)
  • Future Leaders & Talent Management (20 credits)
  • Reward & Performance (20 credits)

How do we assess you?

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you don’t need to sit any exams on the BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management), and you won’t need to spend the summer at home writing a dissertation either. Your assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-word scenarios. This means you’ll be better prepared to apply the skills you’ve gained on the course to your professional role after graduation. 

As you work through your course modules you’ll have the chance to complete a range of useful assessment methods such as individual reports, case study analyses, group presentations, and personal independent assignments devised in consultation with your course module leader. Your assessments will have an emphasis upon personal discovery, digital technology, the application of theory to real world business, and management practice and innovative thinking. 

We encourage you to be innovative when carrying out your assignments and assessments. You can create podcasts, videos, infographics, consultancy reports, campaigns, posters, interviews, debate sessions, and more. This approach will help you develop skills you'll use in the real world, and most of all, is a fun and engaging way to demonstrate your knowledge and development.

Study options

This course is available to study full time through our blended learning study mode at our campus in Berlin, Germany.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Adrian Williams

"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."

Adrian Williams
BA Business (Human Resource Management)

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location. 

Our online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud.  ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning. 

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Learn more about online learning

Full time, blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at our centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.
 
Full time study in Berlin is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students.

Learn more about our Berlin campus

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study your degree in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for our BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) course, you must have:

  • Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent

If you don’t currently hold the above qualifications, we also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Professor Dilshad Sheikh

Here at Arden University we strive to provide a fresh and unique approach to your business and management education. With ideas and experiences taken from employers and thought leaders across the world, we give you the opportunity to put proven business skills and techniques into practice during your studies. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Professor Dilshad Sheikh
Dean of the Faculty of Business

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your human resource management degree, or maybe you want to keep your career options open for now? Either way, don’t worry if you’re still a little unclear about what the future holds. The course will give you a range of in-demand and transferable skills that will help you understand how modern organisations work. This gives you the freedom to take your time deciding where in the business ecosystem you’ll fit best, be it as an entrepreneur, manager, or if you’re an experienced professional looking for a career change. 

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) do for me?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of business functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from our lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel. 

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of our enterprise simulation software and Digital Business Hub, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers. 

The BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) will also give you the chance to: 

  • Understand and appreciate the importance of the key professional skills, behaviours, and competencies required to build and lead high performance teams. 
  • Identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key business functions applicable to contemporary organisations. 
  • Identify and apply a range of HRM approaches and theories to address strategic objectives in different organisational contexts. 
  • Identify and evaluate the various organisational challenges to effective HR management, including complexity, plurality, and resistance to change. 
  • Develop your research and analytical skills. 

What can I do after Arden University?

Your bachelor’s degree in human resources, people, and culture will open up many opportunities across all aspects of the business sector. As you study with us you’ll have access to our dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional 'bolt-on' e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

  • Human Resources Manager
  • Human Resources Consultant
  • Careers Adviser
  • Office Manager
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Training and Development Officer

Industry skills

 

 

This course accredited by both the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). It is also aligned with available certificates from Amazon and Salesforce which you will be able to pursue.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

This course is accredited by the Institute of leadership and Management (ILM). That means you’ll graduate with a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, which costs up to £3,000 if pursued independently.

The ILM is a professional membership body for leaders and managers, with a mission of inspiring great leadership through qualifications, training, and cutting-edge research. The institute is a globally recognised mark of quality for its members and provides valuable insights through its vast industry links and publications. 

As an Arden student, you’ll receive free membership to the ILM for a year after your graduation, giving you access to over a thousand comprehensive learning resources, including webinars, videos, leadership assessment tools, a dedicated e-learning tool, careers advice, and networking opportunities.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers Foundation Chartered Manager Status *

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline. 

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and gain Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

Arden University is an approved IOEE Centre of Excellence, highlighting our commitment to staying at the forefront of education and industry standards. We continuously update our services to meet market and student needs and offer IOEE membership to our staff, students, and learners.

This course awards the IOEE Professional Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) is the first learning institute dedicated to developing and recognising enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Arden University has been recognised as an IOEE Academy and our courses are accredited. This demonstrates our commitment to enterprise and equipping students with the skills needed to set up and run their own business, work in a small enterprise, or bring entrepreneurial skills to a larger organisation.  

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Aligned to Salesforce and AWS Educate (Amazon) 

During the course you will learn about some of the most prominent cloud-based tools used in business currently, allowing you to independently acquire certification from Salesforce and Amazon to add to your degree qualification. Certification from Salesforce and Amazon will help you understand how to process real time data and insights to create more meaningful relationships with your customers.

Business Graduates Association (BGA) 

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

enterprise incubator

Arden Enterprise Incubator

As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.

The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts, so our students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, we foster an entrepreneurial culture among our students. We are dedicated to supporting their continuous growth by promoting enterprising thinking and practical entrepreneurial skills.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.