Business and Human Resource Management (Including Foundation Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Business and Human Resource Management (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Business and Management
BSC N263
02/10/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Admission criteria

UK and EU applicants:

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you

  • think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
  • have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
  • are returning to university after some time away from education; or
  • are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer:

Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.

Examples of the above tariff may include:

  • A-levels: DDD
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
  • T-levels: Pass with E in core

For this course all applicants must also hold GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.

Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:

We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

You will still need to meet our GCSE requirements.

International applicants:

Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr MARGARITA NYFOUDI

Associate Professor of Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour

University of Birmingham

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 0 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  IA122-3-FY-CO  Introduction to Management and Marketing  Core  30  30 
02  IA124-3-FY-CO  Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business  Core  30  30 
03  IA174-3-FY-CO  Introduction to Accounting and Finance  Core  30  30 
04  IA191-3-FY-CO  Research and Academic Development Skills  Core  30  30 

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE401-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Management  Core  15  15 
02  BE501-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Marketing  Core  15  15 
03  BE102-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Accounting I  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE303-4-AU-CO  Quantitative Methods and Finance  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE707-4-AU-CO  Understanding Organisational Management  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE103-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Accounting II  Compulsory  15  15 
07  BE402-4-SP-CO  Understanding Value and Values  Compulsory  15  15 
08  BE909-4-FY-CO  Professional and Academic Development (Management and Marketing)  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE111-5-AU-CO  Management Accounting I  Compulsory  15  15 
02  BE410-5-AU-CO  Organisational Behaviour  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE431-5-AU-CO  Business Strategy  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE708-5-AU-CO  Foundations of Human Resource Management  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE411-5-SP-CO  Operations and Supply Chain Management  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE413-5-AU-CO  International Business Environment  Compulsory  15  15 
07  BE420-5-SP-CO  Leadership in Organisations  Compulsory  15  15 
08  BE425-5-SP-CO  Research Methods in Management and Marketing  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE736-6-FY-CO  Critical Issues in Human Resource Management  Compulsory  30  30 
02  BE439-6-AU-CO  Business Ethics  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE733-6-AU-CO  Strategic Human Resource Management  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE734-6-AU-CO  Digital Human Resource Management and People Analytics  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE735-6-SP-CO  Equality and Difference at Work  Compulsory  15  15 
06    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

The aims of this course are:



  1. To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to be successful and progressive Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals.

  2. To provide students with the opportunity to study general management issues and topics, including business strategy, introduction to marketing, management accounting, and operations & supply chain management, combined with a specialist focus on subjects directly related to a career in HRM.

  3. To ensure that students possess the requisite academic knowledge, but to also nurture their communication, team-working and analytical skills that will be directly transferable to world of work and employment.

  4. To provide final year students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project into a contemporary HRM topic of their choosing, putting their knowledge into practice and providing them with the chance to further develop vital employability skills in areas of data collection, time management and critical cognition.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates in the areas of management, organisational behaviour, leadership and business strategy.

A2: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates of the core notions pertaining the international business environment.

A3: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates of the core notions in operations and supply chain management.

A4: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates of the core notions in accounting and finance.

A5: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates of the core notions in ethical business management.

A6: Knowledge and critical appreciation of concepts, frameworks and debates of the targeted sub-functions and practices within the field of human resource management.

Learning methods

A combination of different learning methods and resources will be used, with a view to retain audience attention, facilitate delivery, and increase retention of core knowledge across the programme. The delivery of lectures will be supported by relevant readings, video clips, and interactive class activities, such as class discussions, case studies, visits to web pages, group work and role-plays.

The plurality of approaches will allow for different learning styles and lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used across the programme, including more traditional summative assessment methods such as multiple choice tests, written exams and narrative/essay type coursework, along with formative activities such as class discussions, case study analysis, web-based research into academic and non-academic sources, group reports and presentations.

The plurality of assessment approaches will support learning, and allow for different learning styles and preferences. Lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Critical thinking, through the thorough evaluation of multiple sources of evidence and rival conceptual ideas and interests.

B2: Synthesising and bringing together concepts and ideas in an argument.

B3: Creative problem solving.

B4: Identifying suitable frameworks in support of decision-making and research efforts.

B5: Adapting best-practice people management models to specific contexts and contingencies.

B6: Filtering best practice models in people management through personal values and wider ethical stances.

Learning methods

Learning and assessment methods will be used creatively throughout the programme, with a view to allow for the development of meta-cognitive skills which can then be transferred to students’ professional lives. For instance, discussion of case-studies and reports which require the independent collection of information and evidence-based decision making/recommendations, along with exercises which foster a critical approach to argument building and group discussion, as well as situational analyses contrasting business-case scenarios with justice-orientation stances, will be productive not only for students’ performance at the university, but also in preparing them for their professional careers.

Assessment methods

As per learning methods.

C: Practical skills

C1: Soft skills, such as: critical thinking, team-work and leadership, showing initiative, adaptability and motivation to succeed.

C2: Communication skills, such as: expressing ideas in written format and orally, writing for specific genres (e.g. business reports or essays), being able to deliver convincing and professional presentations, understanding how to use evidence in support of own arguments, understanding how to present data effectively.

C3: Data analysis skills, such as: making sense of qualitative and quantitative data, including academic sources, financial data, business reports, legal sources and government reports and statistics.

C4: Technology skills, such as using core IT applications, working with data interactively, using and understanding HRM-specific software.

Learning methods

A combination of different learning methods will be used, with a view to embed career-supporting skills across the programme. A variety of skills will be developed through class activities, as well as formative and summative assessment, including: class discussions, case study analysis, web-based research into academic and non-academic sources, group work, organisation and delivery of reports and formal presentations, hands on exposure to different software.

The plurality of approaches will allow for different learning styles and lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.

Beyond that, this course will take advantage of the recently introduced Professional and Academic Development (PAD) year 1 module, which is designed to help support student development and the generation of life-long reflection and independent learning competencies. Those will not only serve them during their studies but also in their future professional career.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used across the programme, also considering the need to develop different types of skills. Alongside more traditional summative assessment methods such as multiple choice tests, written exams and narrative/essay type coursework, further formative activities will be incorporated - such as class discussions, case study analysis, web-based research into academic and non-academic sources, group reports and presentations.

The plurality of assessment approaches will allow for different learning styles, existing competencies and preferences. Lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.

D: Key skills

D1: Identify and analyse problems and apply appropriate knowledge and skills to develop effective solutions;

D2: Use appropriate Information Technology to locate, acquire and analyse data.

D3: Manipulate and analyse numerical (including financial) data and appreciate the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts.

D4: Identify relevant guiding frameworks, use multiple sources of reliable evidence, and engage creatively towards achieving effective problem-solving.

D5: Demonstrate conflict-handling, leadership, adaptability and all-round interpersonal competencies towards effective approaches to working with others.

D6: Demonstrate a reflective approach to practice and engage with independent learning towards continuous personal learning and improvement.

Learning methods

A combination of different learning methods will be used, with a view to embed career-supporting skills across the programme. A variety of skills will be developed through class activities, as well as formative and summative assessment, including: class discussions, case study analysis, web-based research into academic and non-academic sources, group work, organisation and delivery of reports and formal presentations, hands on exposure to different software.

The plurality of approaches will allow for different learning styles and lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.

Beyond that, this course will take advantage of the recently introduced Professional and Academic Development (PAD) year 1 module, which is designed to help support student development and the generation of life-long reflection and independent learning competencies. Those will not only serve them during their studies but also in their future professional career.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be used across the programme, also considering the need to develop different types of skills. Alongside more traditional summative assessment methods such as multiple choice tests, written exams and narrative/essay type coursework, further formative activities will be incorporated - such as class discussions, case study analysis, web-based research into academic and non-academic sources, group reports and presentations.

The plurality of assessment approaches will allow for different learning styles, existing competencies and preferences. Lecturers will be made aware of students’ specific learning needs, when relevant.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.