BA(Hons) Business & HRM
Our exciting Undergraduate Programme
Join an exciting Programme
The BA(Hons) Business & HRM at the University of the West of Scotland is a highly specialist degree programme, designed to support and develop current and future professionals in People/Human Resource Management.
In line with the UWS Curriculum Framework, aiming for flexible (using best-in-class technologies and pedagogies, meeting the learning needs of students in contemporary Scotland) and inclusive (recognising the diversity of the student body, and the need to be accessible to all) education, the programme is designed around the various needs of our diverse student body. This means the programme is offered on a full- and part-time basis across all four years.
Professional Qualification & Membership
The University of the West of Scotland was the first Scottish Institution offering an HRM Undergraduate Programme with professional accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) — and continues to do so — ensuring that our education meets the highest professional standards within HRM.
The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and therefore meets the highest standards in the profession of People/Human Resource Management. For that reason, the programme design is driven by the CIPD Core Knowledge and Core Behaviour, in line with the CIPD CPD Map, as outlined below:Â
Core knowledge: People Practice; Culture and Behaviour; Business Acumen; Analytics and Creating Value; Digital Working; and Change.
Core behaviour: Ethical Practice; Professional Courage and Influence; Valuing People; Working Inclusively; Passion for Learning; Insights Focused; and Situational Decision Making; Commercial Drive.
Upon successful completion of the Honours Degree (Fourth Year), you will be eligible to become an Associate Member of the CIPD automatically*.
* Additional Costs occur as CIPD Student Membership is required (click HERE for more information)
Meet the Programme Leader
BA Business & HRM - Promo.mp4Dr. Silvio Hofmann, Programme Leader, and the HRM teaching team are looking forward to welcoming you to the programme.
Why study with us?
There are great reasons why studying with us benefits you:
Here at UWS, we pride ourselves on our engaging & supportive teaching staff from many disciplines, including a team of enthusiastic HRM lecturers, to support you on your university journey (find out more HERE);
At UWS, we are here for our students - this is also reflected in the various support mechanisms we have in place - from funding advice to councilling to Personal Tutoring (click HERE for more information);
The whole teaching team aims at developing an engaging and supportive learning environment, where you can explore the programme and module content in a deep and meaningful manner, while also receiving the learning support YOU need;
We strive for ongoing development of co-curricular activities - all of which are aimed at further deepening your understanding and knowledge of your subject, including our HRM Engagement Events.
Programme Structure
The aim of working towards achieving these principles are embedded throughout the entirety of the BA(Hons) Business & HRM at UWS, and through the provision of the opportunity to develop requisite knowledge, critical thinking and skills. The programme has been designed to deliver up-to-date practical and professional skills, underpinned by appropriate academic theory.
This is fostered by a comprehensive learning journey, supported by a clear programme structure — in line with UWS’ Curriculum Framework, aimed at delivering simple, coherent and authentic education.
If you would like to find out more detail about each module (e.g. contact hours, assessments, etc.) and additional options, simply click on the module title (you will be redirected to UWS' PSMD website).
First Year: Foundation of Business & HRM
Purpose of First Year:
First year lays the groundwork for the successful completion of the degree programme in Human Resource Management by providing an overarching outline of key business- and HRM-related concepts. These include a fundamental understanding of people management, marketing, accounting and finance, among others.
Term 1:
Introducing People Management (20 Credits - Core)
Introduction to Marketing (20 Credits - Core)
Term 2:
Business Finance (20 Credits - Core)
Click HERE for more optional modules
Term 1-2:
HRM in Business Context (20 Credits - Core)
Aspire (20 Credits - Core)
Second Year: Generalist HR Management
Purpose of Second Year:
Second year of the programmes focuses on the further development of a generalist understanding of Human Resource Management, the role it plays in organisations and its contribution to organisational success. This also includes areas such as organisational behaviour, employee health and well-being and talent management.
Term 1:
Organisational Behaviour (20 Credits - Core)
People, Planet and Profit (20 Credits - Core)
Term 2:
Talent Management (20 Credits - Core)
Click HERE for more optional modules
Term 1-2:
The HR Function (20 Credits - Core)
Planning your Future (20 Credits - Core)
Third Year : Professionalism in HR Management
Purpose of Third Year:
Third year places a strong emphasis on the understanding and alignment of skills, knowledge and behaviours to the CIPD CPD Profession Map, as well as helping students to develop key research skills, preparing them for their Honours Project in fourth year. In addition, third year outlines contemporary issues in HRM, such as technology and sustainability, employee performance and reward, and the employment relationship.
Term 1:
Managing Performance & Reward (20 Credits - Core)
Organisation Strategy and Culture (20 Credits - Core)
Term 2:
Sustainability & Technology in HRM (20 Credits - Core)
Research Design & Methods (20 Credits - Core)
Term 1-2:
Critical Employment Relations (20 Credits - Core)
APPD3 / Professional Practice HRM (20 Credits - Core)
Fourth Year: Specialism in HR Management
Purpose of Fourth Year:
In fourth year, students will explore a variety of more specialist areas within Human Resource Management, including Human Resource Strategy & Change, Human Resource Policy & Practice, international HRM and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. This is further nurtured by the completion of the Honours Project, where students will conduct their own research project, exploring a contemporary issue in Human Resource Management in great depth.

Term 1:
HR Strategy & Change (20 Credits - Core)
HR Policy & Practice (20 Credits - Core)
Term 2:
Managing Equality & Diversity (20 Credits - Core)
Critical Issues in International HRM (20 Credits - Core)
Term 1-2:
Honours Project (40 Credits - Core)
Additional Information
The sections below provide additional information about the BA(Hons) Business & HRM in relation to study mode options (full-/part-time) and entry requirements across first, second and third year. Fourth year entry is currently unavailable.
Study Mode Options
Full-time
The BA(Hons) Business & HRM degree is designed as a four-year programme (Honours) when undertaken full-time - this assumes first year (level 7) entry with Scottish Highers or equivalent.
Some applicants may qualify for advanced entry into second year (i.e. Advanced Highers, A-levels), which reduces the period of study to three years for an Honours degree.
Students will normally dedicate 200 hours per 20-credit module over the duration of a term, with scheduled classes of three hours per week, per module.
Part-time
The BA(Hons) Business & HRM may also be undertaken on a part-time basis, although all classes are currently delivered during the day only.
Normal period of study is eight years, assuming completion of Honours year. Students will be provided with the flexibility to choose any number of modules (of up to 110 credits, core modules must be completed) each academic year which may impact on the overall duration of the degree programme.
Students will be required to obtain 'day-release' from their employment.
Entry Requirements
General Admission Criteria
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements:
SQA National Qualifications
Grades B, B, B, C @ Higher including English. Mathematics at least at standard grade.
or GCE
Grades C, C, C @ A level plus 3 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.
or SQA National Qualifications/Edexcel Foundation
An appropriate HNC/HND award in a suitable subject area commensurate with the programme, with the level of entry and/or credit being awarded being subject to the content of the HN programme (see below).
Applicants may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
Advanced/Direct Entry
Direct Entry is possible to the programme into second year (level 8) or third year (level 9), with the necessary qualifications or pre-requisites. DipHE or other equivalent qualifications may also be accept for advanced entry at the discretion of the Programme Leader.
Second Year (Level 8) Entry
Applicants holding a Higher National Cettificate (HNC) in Business or equivalent may be eligible for entry into the prgoramme at level 8. In order to qualify for advanced/direct entry into second year (level 8), HNC students will have successfully completed a number of HRM-related college units (or equivalent) -- see below:
Human Resource Management: Core Activities (H2W834)/

Human Resource Management: An Introduction (J2FH 34) (Option);
AND/OR
Managing People and Organisations (J4DL 34) (Core);
Any other HRM-related module (optional).
Third Year (Level 9) Entry
For third-year (level 9) entry, applicants holding HND, DipHE or other equivalent qualifications will have successfully completed an appropriate amount of HRM-related programme content (units/modules) at their previous institution.Â
In order to qualify for advanced/direct entry into level 9, HND students will have successfully completed several HRM-related college units (or equivalent) -- see below:
Human Resource Management: Core Activities (H2W834)/

Human Resource Management: An Introduction (J2FH 34) (Option);
AND
Managing People and Organisations (J4DL 34) (Core);
AND
Business Culture and Strategy (J56D 35) (Core);
Any other HRM-related module (optional).
Support arrangements are in place to assist the integration of those students joining the programme through an advanced entry route.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees:
Our tuition fees vary depending on whether you are a Scottish, British, European or international student. In supporting our students, we also offer payment plan option, allowing you to spread the costs. For more information, visit our tuition fees website.
Funding Opportunities:
Here at UWS, we have a number of funding support mechanisms in place, aimed at supporting our students through their time with us. These include scholarships, discretionary funds, among other.
Our Funding & Advice Team:
We appreciate that studying can be a challenging undertaking from a financial perspective. So, UWS offers a number of financial support and advice through a dedicated team.
Ready to join us? - Apply now!
You have Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about our HR & People Management programmes and provisions.
