Keele Management School

Introduction

The HRM & Industrial Relations teaching group within Keele Management School has over 20 years of experience of delivering quality academic programmes. We are dedicated to the widest possible access for potential students from all backgrounds. We have always been committed to lifelong learning.  We are a main provider of courses in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management in the UK at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

We offer a full-time BA in Human Resource Management, a part-time Certificate in Industrial Relations, and full and part-time Post-graduate Diplomas and Masters in Industrial Relations and associated subjects. We have a number of full and part-time Doctoral students, located in the Research Institute for Public Policy and Management.

We are a research active group, which means that our teaching is informed by the latest trends, developments and knowledge in employment matters.  We put emphasis on contributions useful to practitioners, policy-makers and other stakeholders.

Our main research interests and publications lie in the following areas:  public sector pay; pay modernisation and part-time work; gender discrimination and equality; trade union organisation; industrial relations in the EU and internationally; job regulation and front-line work; employment of migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees; the regulation of work and the work-life balance of white-collar workers; Britain as a particular variety of capitalism.

Why Study HRM?

The study of HRM at Keele allows students the opportunity to learn about the world of work and employment while studying a critical, social science-based programme which will equip you for a wide range of future career options. Students on the programme will encounter debates about:

• The value of work - what is ‘fair pay’ and how can this be determined?
• Motivating employees - why should anyone work hard in their job? Are managers also exploiters of their workers’ labour, or are employees essentially lazy?
• Is there a role for trade unions in modern industry? What do unions do, and why should employers talk to them?
• What is discrimination? Why does it still exist, and can it be remedied?
• Does government have a role in industry? Should governments intervene to prevent the closure of companies such as Rover, major airlines, telecommunications companies?
• Is legislation giving employees rights at work a burden on industry, or vital protection for workers in the 21st century with the disappearance of a job for life?
• Do multinationals really run the world?
• Should ethical standards apply to employment practices? Is it fair for the West to try to apply its standards to developing countries, for example in relation to child labour?

...and many more challenging themes besides these. You will also undertake a degree programme which opens up a range of career options which will potentially offer knowledge for gaining membership to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body of human resource specialists.

HRM at undergraduate level is offered as a single-honours programme in Management (HRM pathway) or as a dual-honours programme that enables students to combine HRM with a broad range of other subjects/disciplines.  Popular combinations within the Keele Management School include HRM and Business Management, HRM and Marketing, and HRM and Accounting.  Outside of the Keele Management School some of the most popular combinations include HRM and Law, HRM and Sociology, HRM and Psychology and HRM and Politics.  Some of our students also opt for more unusual combinations, such as HRM and Music, HRM and Biology, or HRM and Geography.  Alternatively, you could take the single honours route.  The main difference between the single-honours and the dual-honours HRM programme is the number of subject related credits that you need to obtain.

It is up to you really to choose a course that best matches your interests! The choice is very wide - and at Keele, if you decide you made the wrong choice for you, we will help you to change to something that suits you better.

An open and questioning approach to ideas, demonstrating curiosity, independence of thought and the ability to appreciate a range of perspectives on HRM is adopted in the programme.  Our modules aim to enhance your critical intellect through a versatile curriculum and various modes of teaching and learning.  All our modules also raise awareness of different elements of the institutional context (political, economic, legal, social) of HRM and the provisional and dynamic nature of knowledge and practice.  A problem-solving approach is adopted allowing an understanding of general principles to be acquired in various work related situations.  Written and verbal communications skills are progressively developed during the HRM degree and various types of feedback on how such skills can be further enhanced is provided throughout the course.  Every module involves some form of written and verbal work, including discussions and debates, formal and informal presentations, interpretation, analysis, reviews, reports and case studies, as well as more traditional essays and seen/unseen time constraint assessments.  Through enabling individuals to work with both real-life work related problems/issues and those of an academic nature, the HRM programme provides a variety of experiences and challenges to help you to develop the knowledge, skills, self-confidence and self-awareness to pursue future goals.

Studying, theorising and analysing emerging and topical HRM issues help you gain a unique understanding and experience of the latest HRM developments in a variety of industry, workplace and social settings.  This enables you to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to thrive in a diverse range of careers after graduation.  The HRM programme focuses on developing an understanding of the implications of the ever changing economic, global and social environments and how this affects HR professionals, businesses, workers, stakeholders, the government and other important institutions at national, pan-national and international level.  The research-led ethos of the HRM group means that you will be introduced to the latest developments and thinking in the field, through diverse readings, the empirical research of lecturers in the group and individual research projects. In addition to this, all modules in the second and third year look at current trends in the field, therefore ensuring that you stay abreast of theoretical advances and emerging employment issues as well as enabling analysis of contemporary changes in the complex environment of the world of work.

Whether you choose a single or dual-honours degree in HRM, you will have to study a balanced curriculum amongst core and elective modules.  Core modules are either 'compulsory' (automatic registration) or are 'optional cores' (choice amongst a small list of options).  Elective modules are either 'approved programme' for the principal subject(s) you are studying (aim to support your learning in principal subjects) or are 'free-standing' (aim to support your personal development and enhance your CV).  For the dual-honours degree you must successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits (eight 15-credit modules) from a combination of core and approved programme electives in each principal subject over your three year studies.  For the single honours degree you must successfully complete at least 255 credits (seventeen 15 credit modules) from a combination of core and approved programme electives in HRM over your three year course.  Free-standing electives count towards your degree but not towards your principal subject(s).

Year 1

In your first year, you will follow a core management studies programme, before going on to specialise.  This will consist of six core and two elective modules for single honours and, depending on your other principal subject, you will have to gain at least 60 subject related credits (4 modules) for dual honours.  In both programmes, you are able to choose electives, from the School's portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the University.  Students wishing to study abroad for a semester in their second year need to register for Intercultural Communications (free standing elective).

Core (dual honours)

• Management in Context (core in single honours)
• Foundations of Human Resource Management (core in single honours)
• The British and Global Economy (in dual honours, this is core only for students undertaking HRM with the following principal subjects: Business Management, International Business and Marketing)

Some School Electives (variable) (dual honours)

• The British and Global Economy (elective only for single honours and for those HRM students taking a dual honours degree outside of the three principal subjects noted above)
• Market and Hierarchies (core in single honours)
• Accounting Principles (core in single honours)
• Marketing Principles (core in single honours)
• Business Law
• Globalisation (core in single honours)
• Financial and Management Accounting

Year 2

The second year of the single honours degree allows you to study four core HRM modules (specialised pathway) and four electives.  In the dual honours degree, you are required to complete at least 45 subject related credits (3 modules) in HRM.  In both programmes, you are able to choose electives from the School's portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the University.

Core (dual honours)

• Workforce Planning (core in single honours)
• Industrial Relations (core in single honours)
• Managing Human Resources (core in single honours)

Some School Electives (variable) (dual honours)

• Pay and Performance (core in single honours)
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Social Theory at Work
• Critical Perspectives on Management Research
• Organisational Behaviour

Year 3

The third year of the single honours degree enables you to deepen your knowledge in HRM (specialised pathway) by studying four core modules and at least one Independent Study Project.  In the dual honours degree you are required tocomplete at last 30 subject related credits (2 modules) in HRM.  However, you need to ensure that by the end of your final year you have successfully completed a minimum of 120 credits (8 modules) from a combination of core and approved programme electives in HRM.  In both programmes you are able to choose electives from the School's portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the University.

Core (dual honours)

• The Employment Relationship and The Law (core in single honours)
• Choose either
  • Strategic Human Resource Management (core in single honours) OR
  • Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work (core in single honours)

Some School Electives (variable) (dual honours)

• Strategic Human Resource Management (elective only for dual honours if Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work has been taken as an optional core)
• Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work (elective only for dual honours if Strategic Human Resource Management has been taken as an optional core)
• Employee Development (core in single honours)
• Global Labour Regulation (Independent Study Project) (core in single honours)
• Leading Change and Entrepreneurship
• Identity, Culture and Organisations
• Comparative Business Cultures
• International Business Strategies
• New Business Plan
• Contemporary Management Issues

Our students' view on their experience of teaching, learning and support while studying HRM at Keele has remained consistently positive over the years and our students' quotes speak for themselves.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the course has greatly enhanced my understanding of the history of, and contemporary issues concerning, HRM.  The staff are helpful and very informed about their subject areas, and the status of Keele University as a research University simply means that the Human Resources school is far more connected with the real world than the stereotypical view of academics would suggest.  The course itself is broad and challenging, but is taught in such a way that encourages engagement by students.  Those who are more vocal can feel free to agree or disagree with the points of view put forward, and I myself have gained a lot of insight into different points of view through spontaneous debates during tutorials.  I would happily recommend Keele University's HRM degree to any prospective students looking to enhance their understanding of this subject area, and put this knowledge to good use in a future career.

Connor McNeil, Postgraduate student in Management and Human Resources at London School of Economics and Political Sciences

As soon as I drove onto Keele campus on Open Day I knew that this was the place for me! I loved the atmosphere and the look of the campus.  Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.  Studying HRM at Keele has allowed me to develop as a person in terms of my confidence to speak out loud, presentation skills and time management skills.  There are lots of modules which one can choose to study, and each module is taught by a member of staff who has expertise in that particular area.  Staff are extremely knowledgeable and passionate in what they are teaching.  The lecturers are always there to help you whenever you need them! It's extremely nice that all the lecturers know you by your name, as this allows each student to have an individual relationship with the tutors, which really makes a difference.

Tanya George, Graduate Recruitment West Midlands

Studying HRM at Keele University has been a delight and the best decision I have taken thus far with regard to my academic development.  The HRM course at Keele purports a critical take on issues to do with the management of people in contemporary organisations.  This stance enables "us" students to go beyond the mainstream rhetoric and really get to understand the ideals of management.  This, in turn, develops a vital awareness of the prevailing discourses that is very much a prerequisite on the road to success with regard to career prospects and personal development.  Moreover, studying at Keele University provides a real opportunity to learn under well-respected lecturers, who are knowledgeable and readily available to help us along the path of discovery in academia and career development.  Finally, living and learning in this environment has provided me with a life time experience and has instilled the ideals of thinking "global" in my mindset, as Keele on its own is a truly globalised community.  To end, it's been a totally brilliant experience!!! I Love Keele!

Nathaniel Tetteh, HR Consultant, Intern, Salford

The HRM course is exciting and I have developed a strong interest in it.  I do not regret studying at Keele as the tutors are very supportive and approachable in times of need.  They always have time to give support and advice.  They have helped me to improve on areas I had weaknesses in.  The teaching material is interesting and relevant to the course and it has enabled me to gain in-depth understanding of each module.  Hence, I would recommend this course to prospective students and I believe that the knowledge that I have gained from Keele has prepared me well to undertake my future career.

Nurul Zulkefle

In my three years of studying HRM, I have found the course to be exceptionally riveting.  My love for HRM has certainly gradually grown.  Through the help of my friendly and efficient tutors my knowledge of HRM has increased, and so has my thirst for practicing HRM as a future career.  The HRM lecturers are qualified researchers and this has unquestionably given me an extra edge in my future studies and research.  My future plans include to study a CIPD accredited postgraduate degree and eventually the pursuit of a career in HRM.  HRM is a top-notch subject and I would 'without question' recommend it to all forthcoming students.

Janet Chepkwony

I graduated from Keele with a BA in HRM and Business Administration in 2003.  Throughout my studies I found HRM and Industrial Relations staff to be extremely professional, helpful and efficient.  It was of incredible benefit to be taught by lecturers with so much experience and knowledge of their subject areas.  We were well guided and additional help was always available if requested.

I have no doubt that my degree enabled me to get my first job in HR at a law firm in London. I have been able to use the knowledge I gained at Keele in work situations, which cannot be said of all degrees. I have since gone on to study towards the CIPD professional qualification. The HRM modules that I covered at Keele also allowed me to skip a large section of the CIPD course.  It is also nice now to see the familiar names of my Keele lecturers popping up as researchers in my CIPD text books!

I would certainly recommend the subject to all prospective students.

Jacqueline Lee, HR Administrator, Life Opportunities Trust

I studied Human Resource Management (HRM) and Educational Studies at Keele and looking back now, I wouldn’t have decided to study anything different. I really enjoyed both courses over the 3 years and found all my tutors to be extremely supportive and friendly. As Keele is such a close community, course tutors were much more approachable when support was needed, which was especially apparent in my final year, which was highly stressful! 

The wide choice of modules made it more interesting as you could study the topics you wanted to study. Studying HRM gave me a strong foundation to go on to study for my postgraduate CIPD qualification.  I am just entering into my final year of this course that I am studying part-time whilst working in a full-time generalist HR position.

Keele is totally different to any other University – a friendly, close community with loads to offer, set in a leafy campus with everything you need within walking distance - I’d definitely recommend the experience to anyone.

Gaby Greenwood, HR Assistant, Network Rail, Manchester

HRM and Industrial Relations stood out from many of the larger academic departments, in that it had a really friendly atmosphere.  Most of the lecturers knew you by name and seemed genuinely interested in helping you to improve your grades, always willing to spend time with students. It was particularly noticeable that all of the lecturers had a passion for their subjects. This helped to add life and interest to the topics.

Since leaving Keele, I studied law on a legal practice course for a year.  In July 2004 I joined the Caudwell Group Graduate Scheme as an HR Graduate, assisting the HR manager in looking after the HR needs of 5 companies across the Group.  In January 2005 my department was drafted to one specific company and I was given sole account management responsibility for 7 busy departments containing over 250 staff.  Following this, in June 2005 I was promoted to HR advisor.  I believe that my studies at Keele prepared me well for the world of work!

Helena Bratt, HR Advisor, Caudwell Group

I found studying HRM at Keele to be a very interesting and thought-provoking exercise. The range of modules covered really provided an insight into the world of HRM and industrial relations. One aspect that I found particularly rewarding was the opportunity to study abroad at Gothenburg University. HRM and Industrial Relations staff have close links with their counterparts in Sweden, which allowed me to add an alternative dimension to my studies of HRM. I would strongly recommend exploring the possibilities of studying abroad to any perspective students.   

My experiences of HRM at Keele and studying abroad have clearly benefited me as I am currently working for the European Affairs Department of the European Foundation Centre in Brussels, putting to good use that which I learnt during the second and third year HRM modules on European industrial relations.

Robert Plummer, European Affairs Department of the European Foundation Centre.

What Our Mature Graduate Students Say...

I decided to take some time off work, live in a new place, make new friends and change my life – not too much to ask. At the same time I wanted to study subjects I was interested in, learn new theories and concepts that would benefit me in my future career and spend the precious time valuably.  Keele offered me the opportunity to do all this and so much more …

Studying HRM was an excellent choice for me – the subjects were relevant and diverse, the modular approach and combination of course work and examinations gave me an opportunity to rediscover forgotten skills and develop new ones and the tutorials and presentations were challenging and fun!  Every member of staff was both supportive and encouraging and they seemed to be genuinely interested in their students.  Each did all they could to ease my return to full-time learning after a long period in the workplace and assist and prompt me to achieve my best.  What I learnt in Keele I now put into practice on a daily basis and my acquired knowledge and learning of HRM and Industrial Relations theories combined with my practical experience has greatly enhanced my application for personal promotion.

Dublin to Keele was a big change and more of a cultural one than I was expecting – I was a foreigner and a mature one at that!  The people in Keele, my friends from the student body and the academic staff made me feel very welcome and gave me a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which quickly overcame my concerns and initial panic.  Two years on I still benefit and value the friendships I made.  What I miss about Keele are the ‘Keele People’.

Karen Hayes, University College Dublin.

 Coming to Keele as a mature undergraduate student in 2000, gave me the opportunity I never thought I would have. From the first day at Keele my degree course gave me a feeling of confidence that has moved me forward ever since. Human Resource Management is a demanding degree that requires students to work hard and achieve a high academic standard.  However, such hard work is also rewarded with great support and encouragement from all the academic staff that make the degree both interesting and enjoyable.  I was impressed by the brilliant teaching methods of each of the lecturers. During the degree, they helped me to acquire the necessary motivation, knowledge and analytical skills to complete the degree to first class level. Three years as an undergraduate studying HRM has clearly been a positive educational experience for me as mature student at Keele. 

Jim Hakim, PhD student, School of Social Relations, Keele University.

I joined Keele at the age of 23, which technically made me a 'mature student'.  I made friends with proper mature students and students who were a few years younger than me - all of them found the HRM and Industrial relations staff to be approachable and friendly throughout the duration of their studies.  I had excellent relationships with most of the staff and during a particularly difficult final year, they supported me without question and beyond what was probably ‘the call of duty’. The support that the HRM and Industrial Relations staff give their students is far beyond that of other department I came into contact with during my time at Keele.

Philippa Bateman, Group HR Adviser, Smart and Cook Group Ltd

What Our Overseas Graduates Say...

I really miss everything about Keele: the area, the parties, the people and the lectures! I came to Keele as an overseas student and left with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, something that I still find hard to believe. During my undergraduate degree I studied Law and Human Resource Management. I enjoyed every aspect of both subjects and, as I look back on what I learned, I can see it being applied in a practical sense every single day. I got to know some brilliant people from among the staff teaching my subjects, people who helped and guided me throughout my degree. If I could repeat the whole experience again there is nothing I would change.

Alison Dunn (from Kenya), Office Administrator, Hydroserve

As an international student from Kenya, I was apprehensive about studying so far from home but the amazing thing is that everything fell into place. I was able to adjust to Keele and HRM and Industrial Relations staff were especially helpful when my grandfather passed away and I missed some of my classes. The staff are very open, friendly and helpful and I benefited greatly from my studies at Keele. I am currently back home in Kenya working in the family business as I study for my Bar exams.  I have been able to implement what I learnt about HRM at Keele with much success. Although studying at Keele was an experience with its ups and downs - exams essays and presentations - it was, nonetheless, a good experience.

Ivy Kihara (from Kenya)

The Graduate Attributes Statement is designed to raise awareness of the attributes that will be developed whilst you are a student at Keele University. It explains each of the attributes in detail, tips on how to achieve them and how they relate to your chosen programme of study.

The Graduate Attributes Statement for this course can be downloaded as a PDF here.

For further information regarding course content please contact: