Human Resource ManagementHuman Resource Development

Core modules (take 45 credits):

Managing People in Organisations

This module aims to introduce students to the core aspects of Human Resource Management (HRM), using research-informed teaching to critically assess HR tools and techniques, engage with current debates in the field, and provide a reflective analysis of HRM today. Supporting aims of the module are to enable participants deepen their knowledge and understanding of HRM issues, to develop insights into the changing role of HRM practitioners in the context of ongoing organisational change, and to think about the issues involved in 'live' HRM problems in organisational contexts. The module covers some core building blocks in HRM to introduce concepts to students, moving on to examine some thematic themes, with the overall aim of introducing students to key issues and debates in HRM today. This module relates to the CIPD 'People Management and Development' standard.

15 credits

Professional Development

This module develops the professional knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for effective HR and people management practice within a CIPD-accredited programme. It adopts an applied, experiential approach that enables students to translate organisational, psychological, and HR theory into professional practice. Teaching is delivered through interactive workshops in which students actively participate, practise key skills, and receive structured feedback. Over the course of the module, students progressively move from participating in workshops to designing, delivering, and evaluating professional HR development sessions. This reflects the expectations placed on HR professionals, consultants, and people managers in contemporary organisations.

Indicative content includes teamwork and group dynamics, leadership and facilitation, conflict management, interviewing and assessment, training needs analysis, learning evaluation, consultancy skills, and reflective practice. The module also addresses the regulatory and ethical frameworks influencing HR practice, including pay, reward, and equality considerations, and develops students' confidence in using digital and IT-enabled tools relevant to modern HR and e-HR contexts. The assessments focus on the demonstration of professional competence, effective collaboration, reflective capability, and the ability to provide and evaluate constructive feedback, ensuring alignment with CIPD professional standards and graduate employability expectations.