Undergraduate study

Overview

The HRM courses at Keele provide students with a diverse range of opportunities to acquire the intellectual, personal and professional capabilities that will stand the individual in good stead during and after their degree studies.

HRM is a multidisciplinary subject area that is concerned with the world of work. As most people’s adult lives revolve around working it is important to understand how jobs are regulated and what the effects are on people’s experience of employment. HRM deals with the complex issues involved in the employment relationship from an economic, legal, political and social perspective. It provides essential knowledge for the management and experience of work at national, European and international level. Areas like work organisation, pay, discrimination, recruitment and selection, performance, development, national and global labour regulation and industrial relations are the main focus of study.

HRM at Keele is embedded in a single-honours programme in Management (HRM pathway) and a dual-honours system that permits students to engage with a broad range of other subjects, like business management, psychology, sociology, economics, politics and history. The dual-honours programme enables cross-fertilisation of ideas from one area of study to another as well as the development of knowledge and skills in two subject areas. It also allows individuals considerable scope to tailor their own learning through the selection of a range of elective modules. The advantages accruing from this approach are discernible, providing a valuable asset to the individual, which also promotes the student’s ability to engage either in further postgraduate opportunities in HRM and related subjects or to secure graduate-level employment.

Keele is acknowledged to offer a reputable HRM degree that equips individuals with the critical knowledge and the skills to pursue a successful career through a supportive and stimulating learning environment. Our teaching is research based and is mainly carried out into relatively small groups where students have the opportunity to engage in lively and constructive debates and activities within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Some of our staff have internationally recognised teaching and research expertise in the subject area and their work has influenced policy making in diverse employment issues. We publish a twice-yearly journal, Historical Studies in Industrial Relations, and deliver a popular postgraduate programme to practitioners and to those who wish to advance their knowledge in HRM. We also have an active doctoral community and our staff engage in various roles and activities ranging from book/journal editorships to board memberships and national study groups, like in the British Universities Industrial Relations Association. We pride ourselves on the pastoral care and the level of academic support that we offer to our students at all levels.

The quality of our HRM courses is also endorsed by the External Examiner, Professor John Kelly (Birkbeck University of London), who writes that ‘the high standards of teaching, learning and intellectual rigour on the Keele HRM undergraduate programmes produce exceptionally well trained students with degrees of which they should be extremely proud’.

The course achieved a 100% student satisfaction in the NSS Survey 2011.

Course Content

The Dual Honours HRM programme has a sequential structure that starts from the principles and gradually builds up your critical understanding of HRM through the study of a balanced and flexible 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 subjects 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). To obtain your dual-honours degree you must gain a minimum of 120 subject-related credits (8 modules) in each principal subject over your three-year degree. Subject-related credits are made up of core modules and approved programme electives (free-standing electives count towards your degree but not towards your principal subjects). Each module is worth 15 credits unless otherwise stated.

Year 1

An insight into the nature and scope of management and HRM is provided and the following core modules are taken:

Management in Context provides an introduction to management and organisations, and places them in a historical, political and economic context.

The British and Global Economy provides an introduction to the study of (institutional) economics by exploring contemporary developments in the global economy from a historical perspective (core module only for those HRM students undertaking a dual-honours degree with the following principal subjects: Business Management, International Business and Marketing).

Foundations of Human Resource Management explores the nature of the employment relationship from a historical perspective identifying the principal theoretical bases for understanding the development and practice of HRM nowadays.

Depending on your other principal subject modules can also be taken from a range of School electives (variable), including:

The British and Global Economy (elective only for those HRM students taking a dual-honours degree outside of the three principal subjects noted above)

Market and Hierarchies

Accounting Principles

Marketing Principles

Business Law

Globalisation

Financial and Management Accounting

Depending on your other principal subject, modules can also be taken from a wide range of attractive free-standing electives, like modern languages, music, physics, computer sciences, criminology and politics.

Students wishing to study abroad for a semester in their second year they need to register for Intercultural Communications (free-standing elective).

Year 2

Knowledge gained in the first year is built on by taking the following three core modules, which examine the key issues affecting HR professionals:

Workforce Planning explores the theory and practice of employee resourcing, retention and associated managerial processes and practices.

Industrial Relations addresses the collective aspects of the employment relationship by looking at the nature of industrial relations in the UK and in the EU. 

Managing Human Resources provides a critical understanding of the management of labour in the 21^st century environment and of workplace procedures and forms of employee representation and employee involvement.

Depending on your other principal subject modules can also be taken from a range of School electives (variable), including:

Pay and Performance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Social Theory at Work

Critical Perspectives on Management Research

Organisational Behaviour

Depending on your other principal subject and the subject-related credits that you have gained in year 1, modules can also be taken from a wide range of attractive free-standing electives across the university.

Year 3

In the final year, subject knowledge on specialist areas is gained, by taking the following core modules:

The Employment Relationship and the Law addresses the changing role, values and limits of the law in industrial relations and HRM.

You then choose either:

Strategic Human Resource Management (optional core)analyses central issues and themes that dominate contemporary debate and research in the management of labour through critical examination of the idea of HRM as a strategic function and an overview of new forms of work organisation and employment.

Or

Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work (optional core) examines the evidence for labour market inequalities, offers an understanding of the debates surrounding the causes of these inequalities and assesses the usefulness of existing devices that have been used as remedies for these inequalities.

Depending on your other principal subject modules can also be taken from a range of School electives (variable), including:

Strategic Human Resource Management (elective if Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work has been taken as an optional core)

Discrimination and Equal Opportunities at Work (elective if Strategic Human Resource Management has been taken as an optional core)

Employee Development

Global Labour Regulation (Independent Study Project)

Leading Change and Entrepreneurship

Identity, Culture and Organisations

Comparative Business Cultures

International Business Strategies

New Business Plan

Contemporary Issues in Management

Depending on your other principal subject and the subject-related credits that you have gained in the previous two years, modules can also be taken from a wide range of attractive free-standing electives across the university.

Study Abroad and Co-curriculum Activities

We offer the opportunity to expand your geographical and other horizons by studying HRM abroad for a semester at a partner institution in the EU, Australia or North America.  Students study abroad during either the first or second semester in their second year and take a series of modules at the partner university that are equivalent to those at Keele.  Through this opportunity you will gain valuable study and life experiences and skills, which may enhance your employability and the potential to pursue an international career or a career in an international company.  Here are a few comments from Keele HRM students who have spent a semester abroad: 'The most unforgettable and memorable experience of my whole life.' (Amy Lowe, Griffith University, Australia); 'All in all I love this place so much.  The school spirit is incredible.  I've made some lifelong friends. (Jennie Brookes, Ball State University, USA.)  It is a growing experience.  It broadens your perspective and puts everything in a larger context.' (Nathan Wheeler, Deakin University, Australia. The Study Abroad Office oversees the process and offers excellent support for students both as they prepare for their study abroad period and while they are away.

Visit our Study Abroad pages

There is also a wide range of co-curriculum activities that you can pursue in order to enhance your self-confidence and self-awareness and to boost your employability.  Examples include becoming a Student Academic Representative (StAR) for the HRM programmes and the Keele Management School, work experience, engagement in entrepreneurial activities and becoming a member of any one of the many student societies.

Visit our Careers and Employability pages

Visit our KUSU pages

Codes and Combinations

Students are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) (BA Hons) if their two Principal courses are in humanities and/or social science subjects.

All students who study a science subject are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science (with Honours) (BSc Hons).

Dual Honours Course can be combined with:

For overseas students who do not meet direct entry requirements, we offer the opportunity to take an intensive International Year One in Business and Management leading to second year degree entry

Foundation course available:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and (in the final year) supervised research towards your independent study project. Some of your learning will consist of guided independent work and some will involve teamworking. You will have the opportunity to develop a wealth of highly valuable generic and transferable key skills.

A range of formative and summative assessment methods is utilised across the programme comprising weekly or fortnightly activities and exercises, mid-semester assessment, individual essays, case study reports, presentations, role-play exercises and both seen and unseen examinations. The precise combination in each module will depend on the material covered.

Programme specifications (new window)

Skills and Careers

HRM graduates are able to think, talk and write critically and purposefully about work related issues in a systematic way drawing on the traditions and methods of the social sciences. They are used to communicating ideas and information effectively using a range of media. They can evaluate and apply theories and concepts about the nature, management and experience of employment and appreciate the local and global contexts in which it occurs. They are familiar with different formal and informal ways in the regulation of the employment relationship, including policing and legislation, and the role of institutions at national, European and international levels. Graduates have knowledge of the functions, practices and strategies of HRM and their ethical implications. They have experience of dealing with practical work related issues and problems by following relevant procedures and choosing appropriate means of investigating their origins and collecting and analysing different forms of relevant data. From undertaking an independent study (option) on HRM, graduates are capable of conducting a project independently and ethically using suitable methods, and writing up their findings in accordance with scholarly conventions.

Our critical approach to the subject means that students are well prepared for today’s competitive labour market and the vast majority of our graduates find employment within six months upon graduation. Keele HRM graduates enter a range of occupations worldwide in the private and public sectors; in national and multinational companies; in manufacturing and service industries; in health authorities; government departments; universities and colleges; and in trade unions. Just a few recent examples of the employers that our graduates joined include: Enterprise-Rent-A-Car; Wilkinson; Phones 4 U; Marriott Hotel; Poundland; Keele University; Vodafone; Edinburg Woollen Mill; ISG Pearce; NHS; Calor Gas; McDonald’s; AT&T; Alliance Insurance; Citizens Advice Bureau. Some of our graduates also opt for an academic or a consultancy career following the completion of a postgraduate degree.

HRM destinations for graduates who completed their undergraduate course in 2011:

Of those who responded:

Want to work in?

Many students are excited by careers that utilise the academic knowledge and skills developed on their degree:

• Human Resources Officer
• Training & Development Officer
• Equality and Diversity Officer
• Recruitment Consultant

What else?

For those who do not wish to pursue a career directly related to their degree, here are some career ideas to open up options:

• Occupational Psychologist
• Solicitor
• Management Consultant
• Operational Researcher
• Company Secretary
• Counsellor

Careers information

Visit our Careers pages (new window)

Human Resource Management and Sociology
By combining Human Resource Management with Sociology, students will strengthen their understanding of the impact the employment relationship has on contemporary society. This includes a study of how people behave in the employment setting – as managers, as workers, and as representatives. Through this combination, students will be able to link issues such as class, gender and racism to employment, and will be more aware of the ways that conflict in the workplace is linked to conflict in the wider society. The combination provides enhanced opportunities for students considering career options in the public, private and voluntary sectors, giving students a broad understanding of work, employment, management and society more generally.

Human Resource Management and Psychology
The combination of Human Resource Management with Psychology presents students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the behaviour of the individual at work. This applies particularly to such issues as employee motivation, job satisfaction, payment systems, disciplinary action, training and development, and workplace health and safety. Human Resource Management provides an important outlet for practical application of the knowledge and skills gained through the study of Psychology. This combination is particularly appropriate for students considering careers in management or in any other field where an understanding of human behaviour is important.

Human Resource Management and Law
The combination of Human Resource Management with Law provides the opportunity to focus on the regulation of industry and the parties to the employment relationship. While Human Resource Management directs students to a consideration of the employment relationship and offers the opportunity to study employment law, combining this discipline with Law offers scope for specialism in areas of industrial, corporate or employment law. The study of discrimination and equal opportunities in employment is also complemented by aspects of law including discrimination law, social policy and European equality directives. This combination would be particularly appropriate for students considering careers in employment law and related areas.

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.

Connor McNeil (Postgraduate Student in Management and Human Resources at London School of Economics and Political Sciences): 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.  

Nathaniel Tetteh (HR Consultant - Intern, Salford & Postgraduate Student in HRM at Manchester Business School): 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!

Tanya George (Graduate Recruitment, West Midlands):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 in 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.             

Nurul Zulkefle: 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 where 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.                                                                                                                  

Janet Chepkwony: 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 practising HRM as a future career. The HRM lecturers are qualified researchers and this has unquestionably give me an extra edge in my future studies and research. My future plans include the 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.       

 Jacqueline Lee (HR Administrator, Life Opportunities Trust): 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.

Gaby Greenwood (HR Assistant, Network Rail, Manchester): 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.

Helena Bratt (HR Advisor, Caudwell Group):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. I believe that my studies at Keele prepared me well for the world of work!

Robert Plummer (European Affairs Department of the European Foundation Centre):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.

Karen Hayes (University College Dublin): 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’.

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

Philippa Bateman (Group HR Adviser, Smart and Cook Group Ltd):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.

Alison Dunn (Office Administrator, Hydroserve): 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.

Ivy Kihara: 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.