University of Leicester

BSc Human Resource Management

At A Glance

Course Title

BSc Human Resource Management

Course Type

Full Degree / Top-Up Degree / DipHE

Course Level

Undergraduate

Study Method

Distance Learning

Start Date

February / November

Course Duration

41 months / 19 months

Awarded & Delivered By

University of Leicester
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Course Description

The BSc Human Resource Management by distance learning combines all the benefits of a University of Leicester degree with the flexibility to suit the needs of working professionals. You have the option of applying for the Diploma or full BSc depending on the level of qualification you aim to achieve.
Studying the BSc gives you the opportunity to focus in-depth on some of the key issues within human resource management today. By selecting which modules you wish to study, you can tailor the course to your interests and career objectives.

By the end of the BSc, you will:

  • Understand the key principles of high-performance working and critically review the links between performance and HRM practices
  • Evaluate the tensions between the interests of employers and employees in the management of performance
  • Be able to identify recent trends and issues concerning flexible learning in the workplace

Course Content

All students on the course begin their studies with a short introductory module called Academic Writing Skills. This prepares you for the academic requirements of the course and introduces you to the range of resources available to ensure you are confident as you progress to your first module.
This module considers the nature of workplace learning with particular reference to informal modes of learning at work. The material also covers the impact of workplace learning on the employment relationship and examines various methods used by organisations to identify learning needs.
This module critically considers both formal and informal systems of predicting individual behaviour then explores the psychology of group membership and the dynamic interactions that occur between individuals and the collective identity, purpose and behaviour of the group. The latter part of the module examines how organisational and employee development can establish a shared sense of purpose and a commitment in order to manage change.
This module provides students with an understanding of what is meant by an organisation and the context within which learning is provided to its members. It introduces them to the theory and practice of management within the organisation, and considers the emerging importance of leadership, HRM, and how the two functions are interrelated in modern organisations. Finally, it introduces the concept of the learning organisation and shows how organisations can achieve collective and continuous learning.
This module reflects on the similarities and differences between personnel management and HRM. It looks at the contemporary use of information technology in organisations. The module then explores the various stages of HR resourcing, from manpower planning through job analysis to recruitment and selection of individuals. Lastly, this module examines the legal framework which underpins the terms of conditions of employment.
This module seeks to identify important global processes and examines how these processes affect human resource management and the national environments in which HRM situates. It also identifies the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) within the ‘convergence-divergence’ debate.
The emphasis of the case study – which is very different from that of the dissertation – is to use a workplace environment to examine a HR concept, model or principle that the student comes across in previous modules, such as team working and mentoring.
This module serves as a broad introduction to social science research methods, covering a range of quantitative and qualitative methods such as survey research and interviewing. It also discusses more complex issues such as epistemology and ontology and prepares you for the dissertation.
This module is delivered by distance learning. The dissertation, is 9,000 words based on independent supervised research.

In additional to the core modules above, choose three option modules from:

  • E-learning
  • Industrial Relations in a Changing Economy
  • Labour Market Themes, Issues and Controversies
  • High-Performance Work Practices
  • Equality and Diversity

Study Method

The BSc Human Resource Management degree is studied 100% online through the University of Leicester distance learning platform. As a distance learning student you will receive support throughout the course from a group of dedicated academic mentors and module tutors. You will use module study books – available in hard copy and electronically – and Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. This will give you online access to materials to support each module, discussion forums hosted by module tutors and chat rooms where you can network with fellow students.
This course allows you to study in your own time and space so that you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments. Studying by distance learning has the benefit of allowing you to develop your career without having to leave employment. It also means you can apply new knowledge and insights into your working life whilst you are still studying.
You will be assessed at the end of each module by written assignment which is usually between 3,000 to 4,000 words. Your final piece of work, the dissertation, is 15,000 words. The Case Study requires a shorter research report of 2,000-3,000 words. The Research Methods module requires you to put together a portfolio which will form your research proposal, leading to a dissertation of 9,000 words based on independent supervised research. When you start, at whatever level, you will initially complete an Academic Writing Skills portfolio which will introduce you to the study requirements of the course.

Course Fees

Please get in touch with us to get the most up-to-date course fee for this programme.

Entry Requirements

For the full degree:

  • A relevant Level 4 academic qualification (e.g. Certificate of Higher Education; Higher National Certificate (HNC))
  • Or significant work experience in human resources, training, management or similar

For the top-up degree:

  • Completion of the University of Leicester Diploma in Human Resource Management or Lifelong Learning and Industrial Relations (achieving an average of at least 45% overall)
  • Or an equivalent University of Leicester qualification (e.g. foundation degree)
  • Or we will consider equivalent qualifications (in level and content) to the Diploma. Please note that we can only consider qualifications taken within the past five years from reputable academic institutions
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

Enrol Now

This degree programme has intakes in February, May, August & November. Click the Enrol Now button and share your information so that one of our Academic Advisors will get in touch with you promptly.

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