Studying human resource management degree guide

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Human resource management (HR) is all about managing people within an organisation. The role of a HR team is to get the most out of employees by ensuring their happiness and wellbeing. Study this subject and you’ll learn how to understand people and get the most out of them. Read on to find out about studying human resource management at uni and whether it’s for you.

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What do you need to get on a human resource management degree?

The ranges of entry requirements for human resource management are as follows:

UCAS points: 153–112
A-levels: AAB–BBC
Scottish Highers: AAABB–BBBB
BTEC Nationals: DDM–DMM
International Baccalaureate: 34–26

Unis won’t necessarily ask that you’ve studied specific subjects. However, A-levels (or equivalent) like business, management, economics, psychology and sociology will look good on your application.

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What human resource management degrees can you study?

Degrees in human resource management include:

BA Human Resource Management
BSc Management with Human Resources
BA Business and Human Resource Management

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics will you study on a human resource management degree?

Common modules for human resource management include:

Managing people
Understanding business
Employability and professionalism
Organisational behaviour
Introduction to work and organisations
Developing talent
Dispute resolution
Business ethics
Reward management
Employment relations
Strategic management
Equality and diversity
Employment law

What do you learn studying a human resource management degree?

Studying a human resource management degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

Management theory
Marketing
Employment law
Analytical
Computing
Cultural and commercial awareness
Productivity theory
Employment practices knowledge

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

Communication
Interpersonal
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Leadership
Research

What professional accreditations can you get with a human resource management degree?

Some human resource management degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

What can you do with a human resource management degree?

Most businesses and organisations need an HR department, so human resource management graduates have opportunities in lots of different industries. Some jobs that human resource management graduates can go into are:

Human resources officer
Office manager
Payroll specialist
Training coordinator
Project manager
Marketing executive
HR consultant
Compensation and benefits manager
Occupational psychologist
Business development manager
Customer success manager
Growth executive
Recruitment consultant

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How long is a human resource management degree?

A human resource management degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry), which may increase the course to four years.