University of the West of Scotland

Undergraduate Programme Specification

Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 24/07/2022 13:22:55

Named Award Title:BA (Hons) Business & HRM Single

Award Title for Each Award: BA (Hons)  Business & HRM
BA  Business & HRM
Dip HE  Business
Cert HE  Business

Awarding Institution/Body: University of the West of Scotland
Language of Instruction & Examination: English
Award Accredited By:Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) - Pending
Maximum Period of Registration:
Mode of Study:Full Time
Part Time
Campus:Paisley

School:School of Business & Creative Industries
Programme Leader:Silvio Hofmann

Admission Criteria

Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements:

SQA National Qualifications

Grades B, B, B, C @ Higher including English. Mathematics at least at standard grade.

or GCE

Grades C, C, C @ A level plus 3 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.

or SQA National Qualifications/Edexcel Foundation

At the programme leader's discretion, advanced/direct entry is possible to the programme at SCQF Levels 8, 9 and 10, with the necessary qualifications and/or pre-requisites.

In order to qualify for advanced/direct entry into second year (level 8) or third year (level 9), applicants holding a HNC, HND, DipHE or other equivalent qualification will have successfully completed an appropriate amount of HRM-related programme content (units/modules) at their previous institution.

In order to qualify for advanced/direct entry into fourth year (level 10), applicants will have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management or equivalent (CIPD membership and qualification not available with level 10 entry).

Support arrangements are in place to assist the integration of those students joining the programme in this way.

Other Required Qualifications/Experience

At the Programme Leader's discretion, applicants may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications and/or experience deemed to be equivalent.

Further desirable skills pre-application


General Overview

The BA(Hons) Business & HRM 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 and people management.

In line with the UWS Curriculum Framework, aiming for flexibly (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 on a full- and part-time basis across all four years.

The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) (PENDING), and therefore meets the highest standards in the profession of human resource and people 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: 

  • Core knowledge: People Practice; Culture and Behaviour; Business Acumen; Analytics and Creating Value; Digital Working; and Change.
  • Core behaviour: Ethical Practice; Professional Courage and Influence; Valuing People; Working Inclusively; Passion for Learning; Insights Focused; and Situational Decision Making; Commercial Drive.
     

On successful completion of the Honours degree, students will obtain the Level 5 (Intermediate) qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Furthermore, both the university and the programme aim at making a contribution not only to the human resource and people management profession, but also to communities and the wider society. This is nurtured by a pro-active approach towards incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), with a focus on the following:

  • UNSDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all;
  • UNSDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
     

The aim of working towards achieving these principles are embedded throughout the entirety of the BA(Hons) Business & HRM at UWS, and through the provision of the opportunity to develop requisite knowledge, critical thinking and skills. 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 the UWS Curriculum Framework, aimed at delivering coherent and authentic education:

  • Year 1: Foundation of Business, Human Resource & People Management:
    • First year lays the groundwork for the successful completion of the degree programme in Business & HRM by providing an overarching outline of key business- and HRM-related concepts. These include a fundamental understanding of people management, marketing, accounting and finance, among others.
       
  • Year 2: Generalist Human Resource & People Management:
    • Second year of the programmes focuses on the further development of a generalist understanding of human resource and people management, the role it plays in organisations and its contribution to organisational success. This also includes areas such as organisational behaviour, employee health and well-being and talent management.
       
  • Year 3: Professionalism in Human Resource & People Management:
    • 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. In addition, third year outlines contemporary issues in HRM, such as technology and sustainability, employee performance and reward, and the employment relationship.
       
  • Year 4: Specialism in Human Resource & People Management:
    • In fourth year, students will explore a variety of more specialist areas within human resource & people management, including HR Strategy & Change, HR Policy & Practice, international HRM and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. 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 & people management in great depth.
       

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 and people management. The programme engenders an analytical and creative approach, encourage independent judgement and critical self-awareness all directed towards continual improvement in the business and human resource/people areas.

Students studying for a single title in Business & HRM are expected to achieve all of the learning outcomes of this programme. The programme is delivered on a full-time basis and can be completed in four years for an Honours degree and three years for an Ordinary degree. The part-time programme is delivered during the day and can be completed on a flexible basis.

On completion of the BA(Hons) Business & HRM, graduates may follow a variety of routes at post-graduate level both within the University and at other Higher Education Institutions. These may be at Masters level or Research degrees. They may also pursue professional advanced Human resource qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).


Graduate Attributes, Employability & Personal Development Planning

In line with the UWS 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 the 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.

The learning outcomes throughout the programme have been designed to ensure that, in addition to the development of knowledge and understanding of the business environment and HRM, students will have the opportunity to develop academic and employability-focused skills and attributes that are most valuable in the labour market.

In supporting and reinforcing the development of these skills, students undertake the Academic & Professional Development modules (TBC) throughout year 1, 2 and 3. These modules focus on personal development planning and student reflection, as well as the development of abilities in areas such as numeracy, languages, study skills, writing skills, time management skills etc.

Furthermore, the programme aims at providing a meaningful balance between academic knowledge and employability-focused skills within its assessment strategy. This includes the use of written assignments, presentations, assessment centres/in-trays, role plays, among others.

Work Based Learning/Placement Details

There are no formal arrangements for Work-based learning and/or placement opportunities currently embeeded into the prgoramme. However, we support our students in obtaining relevant work experience.

Engagement

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time.

Where a programme has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:

Please refer to the University of the West of Scotland Engagement Policy.

Equality and Diversity

The University's Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Procedure can be accessed at the following link: UWS Equality and Diversity Policy


Programme structures and requirements, SCQF level, term, module name and code, credits and awards ( Chapter 1, Regulatory Framework )

A. Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)

Outcomes should incorporate those applicable in the relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Knowledge and Understanding

A1Demonstrate a broad overview of the business and management discipline.
A2Explain the main concepts of the management and people management disciplines.
A3Understand the multidisciplinary nature of business including, accounting and finance, marketing, human resource management and business management.
A4Recognise the evolving nature of business and human resource management.

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

B1Use Information and communications technology as appropriate to business and human resource management.
B2Apply and practice relevant business and management information to a range of business and human resource management situations.
B3Apply knowledge to a range of concepts, values and principles of business and human resource management.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

C1Use appropriate communication, information technology and numeracy skills across a range of subjects.
C2Develop professional presentation and reporting techniques for working in the industry.
C3Utilise a wide range of skills for the gathering, basic analysis and presentation of routine information, ideas and concepts across a range of subjects.

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

D1List and use problem-solving approaches relevant to business, human resource management and other relevant subjects.
D2Implement basic evaluation techniques relevant to business, human resource management and other relevant subjects.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

E1Exercise some initiative and independence in carrying out defined activities independently or as part of a team under guidance.
E2Work with others to support development of active learning, reflective practice and personal development planning.
E3Accept responsibility for learning and engage in self and peer reflection.

Core Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
7HURM07001Introducing People Management20check mark  
7MARK07006Introduction to Marketing20check mark  
7HURM07002HRM in Business Context20check markcheck mark 
7APPD07001ASPIRE20check markcheck mark 
7ACCT07016Business Finance20 check mark 

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Optional Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
7ECON07003Business Economics20 check mark 
7BUSN07050Entrepreneurial Opportunity20 check mark 
7TOUR07007Tourism & The Experience Economy20 check mark 
7DAAD07011Digital Design 120 check mark 
Students may wish to choose a language option, such as Arabic, French, German, Mandarin & Spanish. Please pay attention to the timetable before making your choice.    

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Criteria for Progression and Award

Students obtaining 120 credits of which 120 are at SCQF7 or above from any programme are eligible for the exit award of the Certificate of Higher Education in Business.

For information on progression with credit deficit, please refer to University Regulation 3.13/3.14.

For information on Grade Point Average, please refer to University Regulation 3.18.


B. Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)

Outcomes should incorporate those applicable in the relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Knowledge and Understanding

A1Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of specific areas of Human Resource Management, with a detailed knowledge in some areas
A2Understand how different areas of Human Resource Management fit together and operate in the context of the working environment
A3Understand a limited range of theories, principles and contexts in Human Resource Management with some understanding of major specialisms and current issues

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

B1Demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical frameworks to organisational settings
B2Use a range of personal and Human Resource Management Skills, mainly at routine level, but with some at a more advanced/complex level
B3Conduct routine levels of enquiry, development or investigation into Human Resource Management and Business and Management issues

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

C1Use a range of communication skills and some advanced and specialised skills to convey complex information to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes
C2Use a range of routine skills and techniques in more complex situations
C3Use interpersonal skills of effective listening, persuasion and presentation

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

D1Develop an outline knowledge and understanding of management research and academic processes.
D2Undertake analysis, evaluation and synthesis of basic business concepts, information and arguments relevant to the discipline
D3Select and use problem-solving techniques to critically investigate and evaluate routine Human Resource Management issues

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

E1Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities with appropriate guidance
E2Take continuing account of own and others’ roles, responsibilities and contributions in carrying out and evaluating tasks
E3Systematically identify and address own learning needs in current areas, associated with the research and critical analysis of Human Resource Management

Core Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
8HURM08001Organisational Behaviour20check mark  
8HURM08002The HR Function20check mark  HRM students only.
8HURM08003Talent Management20 check mark 

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Optional Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
8BUSN08059Business Ethics in a Global Context20check mark  
8BUSN08035Business Intelligence10check mark  
8ECON08005Global Macroeconomic Policies20 check mark 
8MARK08009Contemporary Consumer Behaviour20 check mark 
8BUSN08033Professional Development Experience 120check markcheck markcheck markIntended for HRM-related Work Experience.
Students may wish to choose any other optional module(s) from across the institution, including a language option, such as Arabic, French, German, Mandarin & Spanish. Please pay attention to the timetable before making your choice.   

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Criteria for Progression and Award

Students obtaining 240 credits of which 100 are at SCQF8 or above from any programme are eligible for the exit award of the Diploma of Higher Education in Business.

For information on progression with credit deficit please refer to University Regulation 3.13/3.14.

For information on Grade Point Average please refer to University Regulation 3.18.


C. Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)

Outcomes should incorporate those applicable in the relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Knowledge and Understanding

A1Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a substantial range of major issues, concepts, values and principles of Business and Human Resource Management
A2Demonstrate an understanding and in context some of the substantive areas of Human Resource Management and knowledge of forefront developments
A3Demonstrate an understanding of the Human Resource Management profession and the specialist areas embraced within the discipline

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

B1Undertake independent research into Human Resource Management and/or related business disciplines
B2Use a selection of Human Resource Management skills, techniques, practices and/or materials including some that are specialised/advanced level
B3Reflect critically on their own learning and interact effectively with tutors and peers
B4Communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way for a range of different purposes and audiences

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

C1Effectively interpret, use and evaluate numerical and graphical data
C2Use a range of IT applications to support and enhance work
C3Use a range of communication skills and some advanced and specialised skilled to convey complex information to a range of audiences for a range of purposes

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

D1Use knowledge, understanding and skills to critically evaluate and formulate evidence-based arguments and identify solutions to clearly define problems of a generally routine nature
D2Identify and address own learning needs within defined contexts and to undertake independent learning with limited guidance

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

E1Exercise a degree of independence and initiative in carrying out more complex activities which are sometimes set in challenging contexts
E2Identify learning needs through reflection based on tutor, self and peer evaluation of performance in the more complex activities set in challenging contexts
E3Develop coping strategies of operating effectively within a team on complex activities in challenging contexts
E4Be aware of and deal with ethical issues of relevance to the Human Resource Management profession

Core Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
9HURM09002Managing Performance & Reward20check mark  
9HURM09006Professional Practice HRM20check mark  HRM students only.
9HURM09004HRM Research Design20 check mark HRM students only.
9HURM09005Critical Employment Relations20 check mark 
9HURM09007Sustainability & Technology in HRM20 check mark HRM students only.
8HURM08002The HR Function20   Direct Entry Students only.

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes
Direct Entry Students into third year are required to complete ‘The HR Function (HURM08002)’ module in order to obtain their CIPD qualification/Associate Membership at the end of their Honours studies.

Optional Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
9MARK09016Marketing Communications Mix20check mark  
9BUSN09057Strategy and Strategists20check mark  
9BUSN09053Emerging Business Issues10check mark  
9BUSN09056Project Mgt10check mark  
9BUSN09049Professional Development Experience 220check mark check markIntended for HRM-related Work Experience.
Students may wish to choose any other optional module(s) from across the institution, including a language option, such as Arabic, French, German, Mandarin & Spanish. Please pay attention to the timetable before making your choice.   

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Criteria for Progression and Award

Students obtaining 360 credits with 200 in the subject area, of which a minimum of 100 credits are at SCQF9, are eligible for the exit award of BA Business & HRM.

The award of distinction can be made to a student obtaining a pass degree as stated in the University Regulations 3.25/3.26.

For information on progression with credit deficit please refer to University Regulation 3.13/3.14.

For information on Grade Point Average please refer to University Regulation 3.18.


D. Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)

Outcomes should incorporate those applicable in the relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Knowledge and Understanding

A1Demonstrate and/or work with knowledge that covers and integrates most of the principle areas, features and boundaries, terminology and conventions of the Business and Human Resource Management disciplines
A2Systematically identify and address their own learning needs both in current and new areas, making use of research, development and professional materials, including those related to the forefront of Human Resource Management developments
A3Execute a defined Human Resource Management dissertation of research or investigation involving the evaluation and synthesis of a variety of sources including academic literature in order to identify, define, conceptualise and analyse complex Human Resource Management problems and issues in order to arrive at conclusions

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

B1Analyse problems in terms of Human Resource Management concepts and apply appropriate principles to propose solutions
B2Interpret and explain complex Human Resource Management concepts
B3Retrieve, interpret and manipulate primary and secondary information from a variety of sources including electronic sources
B4Identify accurately the issues which require researching
B5Maintain the skills of enquiry, investigation, analysis, evaluation and judgement necessary to undertake a sustained piece of individual research on a chosen topic with minimal guidance

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

C1Communicate effectively and appropriately in speech and writing at an advanced level and to a range of audiences
C2Read complex primary materials and find key statements form them
C3Make use of and evaluate numerical and statistical information
C4Make effective use of information retrieval systems and use information technology applications to present documents in an appropriate form
C5Distinguish between alternative opinions on the basis of evidence presented in coherent and logical arguments

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

D1Maintain expertise in the skills of enquiry, investigation, analysis, evaluation and judgement necessary to undertake a sustained piece of individual research on a chosen topic
D2Engage in discourse in relation to business related studies and associated ethical issues
D3Give reasons for opinions and identify flaws in arguments in relation to a business related discipline
D4Adopt an evaluative approach to the study of business and Human Resource Management subjects
D5Bring together information from a variety of sources, including research publications

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

E1Exercise a degree of independence and initiative in carrying out complex activities some of which are set in challenging professional contexts
E2Identify learning needs through reflection based on tutor, self and peer evaluation of performance in complex activities set in challenging professional contexts sometimes involving ethical considerations
E3Develop coping strategies for operating effectively within a team on complex activities in challenging contexts including working as a peer with a qualified professional
E4Be aware of current Human Resource Management professional and ethical codes, recognise the limits of the codes and seek guidance where appropriate

Core Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
10HURM10007HR Strategy & Change20check mark  HRM students only.
10HURM10002HR Policy & Practice20check mark  HRM students only.
10HURM10004Managing Equality & Diversity20 check mark 
10HURM10005Critical Issues in International HRM20 check mark 
10HURM10006HRM Honours Dissertation40check markcheck mark HRM students only.

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Optional Modules
SCQF Level Module CodeModule NameCreditTermFootnotes
123
               

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

Footnotes

Criteria for Award

Students obtaining 480 credits, with a minimum of 200 in the subject at SCQF 9 and SCQF 10, of which a minimum of at least 100 are at SCQF level 10, are eligible for the exit award of BA (Hons) Business & HRM.

For information on the classification of Honours degrees, please refer to University Regulation 3.20-3.24.

For information on Grade Point Average, please refer to University Regulation 3.18.


Regulations of Assessment

Candidates will be bound by the general assessment regulations of the University as specified in the University Regulatory Framework.

An overview of the assessment details is provided in the Student Handbook and the assessment criteria for each module is provided in the module descriptor which forms part of the module pack issued to students. For further details on assessment please refer to Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework.

To qualify for an award of the University, students must complete all the programme requirements and must meet the credit minima detailed in Chapter 1 of the Regulatory Framework.

Combined Studies

There may be instances where a student has been unsuccessful in meeting the award criteria for the named award and for other more generic named awards existing within the School. Provided that they have met the credit requirements in line with the SCQF credit minima (please see Regulation 1.21), they will be eligible for an exit award of CertHE / DipHE or BA / BSc in Combined Studies.

For students studying BA, BAcc, or BD awards the award will be BA Combined Studies.

For students studying BEng or BSc awards, the award will be BSc Combined Studies.



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