BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Psychology

Human Resource Management and Psychology

BA (Hons)

Summary

Study level
Award
Part time
3 years+
Location
Online
Institute of Foundation Studies

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

Designed to give you modern skills in the interrelated fields of human resource management and psychology, this course will teach you how to support and empower people in the workplace. You’ll learn the role psychology plays in business, and how it can be used to improve employee performance and business outcomes - all directly from industry experts who will provide you with real insight into the sector.

In developing this course, we’ve consulted some of today’s biggest industry leaders, such as Google, Coca Cola, and Oracle, ensuring the skills you gain are both in-demand and highly relevant to today’s workplace. The course will delve into effective approaches for managing people and maximising performance in the modern business environment. Key psychological principles will be covered, including occupational psychology, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance, and managing conflict, giving you insight into individual and organisational psychology. 

Not only that, but the course is run with your long-term future and employability in mind. Through our business simulation software, SimVenture, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning to practise in a safe environment, allowing you to experience first-hand how to run a business and overcome the challenges you might face along the way.  You’ll also have regular guest speakers who will inform you of the latest developments in the field, providing you with knowledge of the real-world challenges you might face in your career and valuable opportunities for networking and professional development. 

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

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Course details and modules

Your course modules will illustrate how human resource management and psychology are two sides of the same coin - one looks at human behaviour from an organisational level, while the other at an individual one. You’ll have the opportunity to explore both of these disciplines in detail, including the psychological principles underpinning human resource management, employee engagement and performance, and overall business success.

Monika

By being able to study early in the morning, or when my son was sleeping, it allowed me to balance it all. The flexibility Arden provided allowed me to be a mother and a student at the same time and continue my education.

Monika
BA (Hons) Human Resource Management

Modules

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

  • Introduction to Studying Psychology (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • Social Psychology (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Technology & Innovation (20 credits)
  • Coaching Psychology (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits)
  • Consumer Insight (20 credits)
  • People Analytics (20 credits)
  • Occupational Psychology (20 credits)
  • Resourcing & Talent Management (20 credits)
  • Project Management (20 credits)
  • Future Leaders & Talent Management (20 credits)
  • Managing Performance and Reward (20 credits)
  • Cyberpsychology (20 credits)
  • Political Psychology (20 credits)
  • Independent Study (20 credits)

How do we assess you? 

Authentic assessments, no exams

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Instead, our assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios, emphasising modern skills you can apply immediately to the workplace once you graduate. These include researching and presenting information to various audiences in a range of formats, analysing and evaluating data, effective written and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Through negotiated assessments and an independent study, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose your topics of interest with your module lecturer, allowing you to align your studies with your ambitions and future career goals.

Assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through a range of assessments including:

  • Case studies
  • Company appraisals
  • Application to the workplace
  • Reports
  • Presentations
  • Group work
  • Reviews
  • Personal audits
  • Business plans
  • Podcasts
  • Marketing Plans
  • Individual project

Study options

This course is available to students as a fully online programme which you can study from anywhere worldwide. 

John Paul Asunicon

The best thing about studying with Arden is accessibility. I am able to contact student support easily and I always get a quick response back.

John Paul Asunicon
BA (Hons) HRM & Psychology

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course 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 Tuition Fee loan to pay for their course. If you cannot attend your course in person because of a disability, you may also be entitled to a Maintenance Loan to cover living expenses. 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 about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

Learn more about online learning

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Human Resource Management and Psychology degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.
 
Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

  • Office 365 subscription
  • Integrated zoom video conferencing
  • Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
  • Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
  • Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

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 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.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively. 

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Psychology course, you should normally 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 meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of appropriate work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

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

Dr Alison Watson

Dr. Alison Watson is the Head of School for Leadership and Management, she was also the Programme Team Leader for UG Business and Accounting programmes. Having taught at Arden for 15 years, she has supported many students on various management courses at all levels of study. Prior to this, Alison was an operations and project manager for a number of large retailers, and therefore has a wealth of experience in the field of business and management.

Dr Alison Watson
Head of School - Leadership and Management

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your degree, or perhaps you're still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. We prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.

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

Your course will focus strongly on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real HRM and psychology scenarios, and all the skills you need to maximise your career options. Studying this course with us is your opportunity to:

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of HRM management and psychology theory and practice.
  • Develop a critical appreciation of the role of human behaviour in HRM and everyday business activities. 
  • Critically analyse and reflect upon contemporary issues in workplace practices.
  • Apply your knowledge and experience to real-world scenarios.

What can I do after Arden University?

The real-world insight and practical workplace skills gained on your course will give you an edge across two of today’s most in-demand sectors. By mastering these highly valued skills, you’ll have everything you need to enter the role of your choice once you graduate. Some of the roles you might consider include:

  • HR
  • Office Manager
  • Training and Developing
  • Business Advisor
  • Careers advisor
  • Life Coach
  • Management Consultant
  • Mediator

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers CMI 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 CMI 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. 

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.

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.

  

IBISWorld 

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to the IBISWorld database, which provides trusted industry research on thousands of industries worldwide. Their in-house analysts leverage economic, demographic, and market data, as well as analytical and forward-thinking insights to help organisations of all types make better business decisions. You’ll be able to use this resource to both inform and enhance your academic and professional work.

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.