BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

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.

Arden 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 The course will introduce you to the latest principles and practices of successful HR functions, without the outdated concept of the employee as a commodity for business success.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.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider 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 – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Arden 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, Arden also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£5500

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

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.

AU also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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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, Arden will 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 Arden 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 Arden 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.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

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 Arden students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

Level 4

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)

Level 5

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)

Level 6

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)

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 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 Arden 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

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 Arden 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 Arden 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.

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.

AU 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 AU 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 AU 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 Arden Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have 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. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Full time, blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose AU blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at AU centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden 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 AU 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.