The aim of this course is to develop you as an HR professional. You will be introduced to specialised knowledge and research evidence giving you an in depth understanding of successful people management in organisations. Perhaps more importantly, you will practice the tools and techniques of strategic and operational HRM giving you practical, insight-driven experience which will help further your career.
The course modules are designed to provide you with expert knowledge of distinct HR subject areas combined with exposure to contemporary debates, policies and practices, keeping you at the forefront of developments in your field. You will develop an understanding of HRM within a range of organisational contexts, and you will be equipped with the analytical and diagnostic skills required of HR professionals in the workplace.
Module overview
Year 1
HRM in Context: You will explore HRM in a business context to develop your understanding of the increasingly complex environments HR must work within, both inside and external to organisations. This module allows you to develop your analytical skills allowing you to make informed choices on which strategies may be most and least appropriate.
Leading Managing and Developing People: You will analyse key factors in leading, managing and developing people for organisational success. Every organisation is made up of individuals whose behaviour, individually or collectively, will impact on its ability to succeed. Organisational performance can be enhanced and increased through the strategic management, leadership and development of people. This module enables you to gain an in-depth knowledge of HRM and HRD and explores major themes from the growing literature and research in this subject area.
Resourcing and Developing Talent: You will evaluate strategies for resourcing and developing talent within the organisation. You will consider the practical aspects of recruitment, selection, employee retention and dismissal and explore the strategic aspects of planning an organisation’s long and short term human resource requirements. This module requires analysis of external labour markets and considerations of flexibility, as well as an understanding of how internal labour markets can become more productive and effective. You will also develop a critical understanding of the role and influence of a range of contextual factors associated with the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development in a variety of organisational contexts. You will explore and evaluate the contribution of learning and talent development strategies in meeting the ambitions and objectives of the organisation and the individual.
Year 2
Investigating a Business Issue: You will investigate a live business issue from a HR perspective, locate the issue within the body of contemporary knowledge, collect and analyse data, derive supportable conclusions and make practical and recommendations to improve and enhance current practice.
Employment Law and Relations: You will develop and reflect upon your knowledge and understanding of Employment Relations from a number of different perspectives. The holistic significance of employment relations within an organisation is emphasised together with the importance of aligning HR policies with business strategy, change processes, employee voice and involvement practices. Good employee relations are important for an organisation’s success in the achievement of its business objectives and for gaining employee commitment to those objectives. Increasing legislation in this area has also brought pressure to develop appropriate managerial strategies to ensure employee commitment to organisational success. You will analyse key aspects of employment law relevant to the jurisdiction you work in and their practical implications for the operation of HR and management practice.
