BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- N16A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
In an economy dominated by services, the biggest asset organisations possess is their people. Managing employees, keeping them motivated, planning their training needs & career paths and rewarding their success are all key to running a successful organisation. All this explains why a great Human Resources (HR) department can make such a difference. This degree will teach you all about HR management within the broader context of other key management disciplines.
Prepare for a career getting the best out of people with a degree in business and human resource management. This degree, offered by Norwich Business School (NBS), in the Social Sciences Faculty at UEA, will prepare you to work within businesses – in general management, consultancy, and the human resource function. At UEA, we focus on evidence-based management. You’ll learn to pose questions and challenge assumptions, as well as how to use evidence to make your own decisions and back them up.
The course is designed to allow flexibility in what you study while providing a clear focus on the realm of people management. People are often cited as a key source of competitive advantage in business, and through this course you’ll discover both why this is the case and how people are able to transform organisations. You’ll also develop the skills necessary to manage people effectively and have the chance to work socially with others on your course. Managing a ‘live’ HR project is just one experience on our course which will help enhance your CV and give you a competitive edge with employers. This version of the course also includes a year studying abroad, giving you the opportunity to explore human resource management in a new cultural context.
Norwich Business School is a friendly and supportive school with a lively and international cohort. We're in a region that’s safe and welcoming, with a thriving business innovation and enterprise community. All our teaching is informed by our world-leading research and real-world business experience. That means you’ll gain knowledge of the latest issues and debates facing industry and employers. Norwich Business School at UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Business and Management Studies in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis.
After your degree, you’ll be equipped to enter a career within any human resources department. You’ll have the experience necessary to thrive in a large multinational corporation as well as the drive and enthusiasm to help small businesses and start-ups reach the next level. Additionally, the interpersonal skills you’ve developed throughout your degree will prepare you for any career you might choose to enter, whether business-related or not.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities in Europe, Australasia, North America or Asia. This is a unique opportunity to increase your understanding of the world of human resource management, build your network of contacts, and show future employers that you have the skills and experience to succeed on an international stage. You’ll return to UEA in the fourth year to finish your degree.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Accreditations
This course offers dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). When you successfully complete this programme, you'll receive the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and gain CMI membership for the duration of your studies. As part of this CMI accreditation, you'll also receive Foundation Chartered Manager status, starting you on your journey to Chartered Manager.
Study and Modules
Structure
At Norwich Business School, all our BA degrees share a common first year. This structure will provide you with a broad view of business as well as the opportunity to switch to one of our other BAs during your first year if you so choose. As you progress through your degree, you’ll discover your particular area of focus and have the freedom to curate your studies to support your interests and career goals.
Six fascinating core modules will introduce you to the essentials of contemporary business. You’ll study the business environment, principles of marketing, accounting and finance, managing data in the digital world, and managing organisations. You’ll also undertake an applied business project which will give you your first experience of independent learning and an opportunity to explore a topic that interests you.
By the end of your first year, you’ll have both a thorough understanding of your chosen subject and a broad foundation in the key disciplines of business. Your future career will likely require you to work closely with people in different areas of business, so this understanding is extremely valuable. Being able to communicate with and understand other disciplines is a crucial part of management.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your first year, you’ll attend 11 hours of lectures per module along with weekly seminars in small groups. In lectures, you’ll have the chance to gain an in-depth understanding around the relevant theory in each thematic area, whereas in seminars you’ll learn to apply theory to practice.
Teaching
Throughout your degree, you’ll hone your skills and build your knowledge through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and independent study.
All our teaching is informed by the latest research and real-world business experience. That means that you’ll benefit from the latest thinking in the industry. Many of our lectures are interactive, and across all our teaching you’ll use a rich selection of source material, including textbooks, articles, academic research papers, videos, and business articles from publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist.
Business is ever-changing, so we’ll teach you both how to engage with and utilise current theories and best practices as well as how to evaluate and integrate any new theories and methods you encounter during your career.
You’ll have work alongside other Norwich Business School students during various modules. Skills such as leadership and collaboration are valued by employers, and throughout this degree you’ll be encouraged to grow in these key areas. You can also choose to enhance your skills and CV by getting involved in the various student-led, extracurricular business-related societies.
Employability
Your career is our priority, and employability is threaded throughout your degree in numerous and varied ways, from guest speakers from industry to working on ‘live’ projects. You’ll have many opportunities to interact with future employers throughout your degree.
Assessment
Within Norwich Business School, assessment generally comprises a mix of coursework and examination.
For this degree, coursework will encompass individual and group-based assessment and target both theoretical and practical, skills-based learning. Formative and summative assessments will include written essays, presentations, case studies, online tests, reports and practical management projects. Examinations will assess learning from both theoretical and practice perspectives.
At Norwich Business School, feedback is viewed as a significantly important mechanism for your engagement and future learning. You’ll be given feedback via a variety of approaches depending on the nature of assessment, though it'll be prompt, accessible, developmental and future-oriented.
There will be a variety of assessment methods including coursework, presentations and exams. You’ll receive rich, constructive and timely feedback on your performance.
Structure
The second year will be more closely focused on human resource management while still offering you flexibility to choose wider topics in business. You’ll take a specialist module in people management and a module in strategic awareness and analysis. You’ll also get to choose from more select lists of modules covering people management and general business.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, you’ll have lectures and workshops in your core module. During the lectures, you’ll become familiar with the relevant theory, whereas in workshops you’ll apply HR theory into a real business case.
Assessment
You'll encounter different assessment methods like coursework, presentations, and exams. Expect to receive detailed, prompt and constructive feedback on how you're doing.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll study abroad at one of our partner institutions. This unique opportunity gives you the chance to understand human resource management in its international context. After completing this year, you’ll return to UEA for your final year of studies.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your teaching and learning experience during your third year will depend on your host university. You’ll be exposed to new instructors with new methods of teaching, broadening your understanding of the field of human resource management and increasing your adaptability and independence.
Assessment
Assessment during this year will depend on your host university, but you can expect a focus on constructive feedback.
Structure
In the final year, you’ll develop your understanding of strategic and international human resource management. You may also have the opportunity to undertake a final-year project, choosing from more select lists of modules covering human resource management and business.
Given all this choice, we provide plenty of opportunities to learn about the modules on offer throughout your degree. Some modules are only available if you’ve taken specific second year modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In the final year, you’ll encounter a stronger emphasis on supporting you towards becoming an independent learner. To this end, teaching methods will provide more time for self-learning.
Assessment
You can expect a mix of assessment methods, including coursework, presentations, and exams. You'll receive thorough, constructive feedback on your performance in a timely manner.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
General Studies A Level is not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual Offer: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual Offer: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
Acceptable subjects: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Accounting, Finance, Legal Services and Management and Administration.
LIBF Diploma
LIBF Diploma is accepted as equivalent of 1 A Level.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
General Studies A Level is not accepted.BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Norwich Business School is where great business careers begin. Our degree programs have a proven track record of leading to successful management careers.
With this course, whether you want to excel within a large organisation or bring big ideas to a small business, your degree will provide a springboard for future success. After studying both the wider spheres of business and the specialist realm of human resource management, you’ll be able to choose a career in general management or a more focused career in people operations. And whatever career choices you make, you can be confident that you’ll excel using the management skills you have acquired.
To that end, you could work in any industry, from manufacturing to retail, to the service industries, media, arts, entertainment, sport and more, at major multinationals or small to medium-sized companies.
Careers
Possible career outcomes for this course include:
- HR officers
- HR consultants
- Recruitment officers
- Trainers
- Payroll officers
- Further academic study leading to a career in academia
Discover more on our Careers webpages.