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The BA (Hons) Business & Human Resource Management at the University of the West of Scotland is a highly specialist degree programme, designed to support and develop current and future professionals in Human Resource Management.
The programme has been designed to deliver up-to-date practical and
professional skills, underpinned by appropriate academic theory. This
is fostered by a comprehensive learning journey, supported by a clear
programme structure — in line with UWS’ Curriculum Framework,
aimed at delivering simple, coherent and authentic education:
The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and therefore meets the highest standards in the profession of People/Human Resource Management.
For that reason, the programme design is driven by the CIPD Core
Knowledge and Core Behaviour, in line with the CIPD CPD Map, as
outlined below:
On successful completion of the Honours degree, students will be
entitled to the Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of
Personnel and Development (CIPD).
In line with UWS Curriculum Framework, aiming for flexible (using
best-in-class technologies and pedagogies, meeting the learning
needs of students in contemporary Scotland) and inclusive
(recognising the diversity of the student body, and the need to be
accessible to all) education, the programme is designed around the
various needs of our diverse student body. This means the programme
is offered full-time across all four years while providing a meaningful
part-time/blended learning approach towards meeting the needs of
students currently in Human Resource Management employment.
Furthermore, both the university and the programme aim to make a
contribution not only to the Human Resource Management profession
but also to communities and the wider society. This is nurtured by a
proactive approach towards incorporating the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (UNSDG), with a focus on the following:
The aim of working towards achieving these principles is embedded
throughout the entirety of the BA(Hons) Business & HRM at UWS, and
through the provision of the opportunity to develop the requisite
knowledge, critical thinking and skills.
Our Programme has achieve at 95% overall student satisfaction in the NSS 2023.
“Passionate lecturer who goes above and beyond constantly to ensure we have the best support and help possible to do well and understand everything.”
“Practical modules were very useful, helped me gain confidence going forward into my professional career.”
“The lecturers offered their time and gave extra help a€" their doors were always open.”
While there are currently no formal arrangements around placement,
we pro-actively help students obtain internships, placements, work
experience or part-time work through strong industry and alumni
connections.
The dedicated HRM Alumni Network continues to work with UWS to
help create opportunities for students, including work-placements,
guest lecturers and networking events.
Here at UWS, we pride ourselves in creating a supportive learning
environment, aimed at enabling all students to be successful in their
degree and beyond. The universe offers a wide range of support
mechanism, including the following:
Scottish, UK, EU and international students are all considered on an individual basis. A range of factors are considered when assessing applications, and alternative combinations of qualifications and experience are accepted.
During Clearing our entry requirements remain flexible, and we are committed to providing opportunities to study with us based on a range of qualifications. Please get in touch, and we can discuss your specific circumstances.
Check the Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for more information about country-specific entry requirements.
As a Widening Access & Participation University, we can other students accelerated entry. This can give students the opportunity to enter into second or third year, depending on qualifications. Due to the professional accreditation of the programme, direct fourth year entry is unavailable.
*for more information on standard and minimum entry requirements, see our Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Scottish Advanced Highers: BCC (128 UCAS Tariff points) Should have a relevant subject.
A Levels: BBB (120 UCAS Tariff points)
International Baccalaureate: 28 points
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in relevant subject
HNC: HNC titles with required Required Modules:
Human Resource Management : Business Managing People & Organisations; HRM Core Activities/HRM: An Introduction
Management & Leadership: Managing People (J1F5 34) (L8) AND Managing People & Organisations (F84T 34) (L7) OR Human Resource Management: An Introduction (H1KP 34) (L7)
HND: Business; Leadership & Management without relevant modules.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from english language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Adult Nursing, MSc Adult Nursing, BSc Mental Health Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing, BSc Midwifery and MSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
On our course pages, you will find details of our entry criteria listed as Standard Entry Requirements and Minimum Entry Requirements. These are the academic qualifications that, depending on your personal circumstances, you will be required to meet to allow your application to be considered for a place at UWS.
Competition for places on many of our courses can be very high and even if you meet the standard or minimum qualifications stated, there is no guarantee that your application will progress to the next stage of the admissions process. We review individual applications very closely and place great importance on your personal statement and academic reference as well as your academic qualifications before making selection decisions.
Our Standard Entry Requirements are the grades that you will need to achieve to allow you to be considered for entry to a specific programme of study.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. We may be able to provide you with a contextual offer if you fall into one of the categories below:
If you fall into any of the first four categories above, please mention this on your UCAS application. We will automatically apply category 5 if it applies to you.
If you have already achieved the required grades for either our standard or minimum entry criteria, we may be able to offer you an unconditional offer for some course areas. If you have not yet achieved these grades, we may be able to make you a conditional offer, which will rely on you achieving further qualifications before you can be accepted on to a programme of study.
Further details of our Admissions processes can be found as follows:
The programme has been designed to deliver up-to-date practical and
professional skills, underpinned by appropriate academic theory. This
is fostered by a comprehensive learning journey, supported by a clear
programme structure — in line with UWS’ Curriculum Framework,
aimed at delivering simple, coherent and authentic education:
Therefore, the programme takes a strategic approach to developing
skills and knowledge across all four years, throughout which it
develops students' intellectual and imaginative understanding and
judgement, the ability to resolve problems effectively and the ability to
recognise the relevance of a wide variety of approaches fundamental
to Human Resource Management. The programme engenders an
analytical and creative approach and encourages independent
judgement and critical self-awareness all directed towards continual
improvement in the business and Human Resource/people areas.
First year lays the groundwork for the successful completion of the degree programme in Human Resource Management by providing an overarching outline of key business- and HRM-related concepts,
covered by the following modules:
Second year of the programme focuses on the further development of a generalist understanding of Human Resource Management, the role it plays in organisations and its contribution to organisational success, addressed through the following modules:
Third year places a strong emphasis on the understanding and alignment of skills, knowledge and behaviours to the CIPD CPD Profession Map, as well as helping students to develop key research
skills, preparing them for their Honours Project in fourth year — through the following modules:
In addition, third year outlines more contemporary issues in HRM, including the following:
In fourth year, students will explore a variety of more specialist areas within Human Resource Management, including the following:
This is further nurtured by the completion of the Honours Project, where students will conduct their own research project, exploring a contemporary issue in Human Resource Management in great depth.
In line with the University’s Curriculum Framework, the BA (Hons) Business & HRM utilises a range of learning, teaching and assessment methods to enable learning outcomes to be achieved — fostered by
the university’s contemporary approach to hybrid learning. This approach exposes students to a wide range of learning, teaching and
assessment methods in order to assist in the development of a variety of skills within students and to achieve a wide range of learning
outcomes.
Furthermore, the programme aims to balance academic knowledge and employability-focused skills within its assessment strategy. This
includes the use of written assignments, presentations, assessment centres/in-trays, role plays, and vivas, among others.
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
Upon completion of the programme, our graduates are equipped with the professional knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue careers within human resources. The business modules arm our graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore careers in general organisation management.
Recent Business & Human resource management graduates are employed across the public, private and third sector in industries such as recruitment, NHS, BP, IKEA and local authority.
UWS offers various postgraduate qualifications which can help graduates further develop their knowledge and understanding of business and HRM. MSc HRM & Pathways, MSc International Management, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are only a few of the options available to graduates of the BA(Hons) Business & HRM programme.
Graduates looking to pursue research or education may wish to consider an academic career and apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree.
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£15,500 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£2,580 per module (20 credits)
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCASAll UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2025/26 entry is 29 January 2025, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2025. Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via ‘UCAS Clearing’ if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
We will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.