HR9516 - Human Resource Management Essentials

What will I learn on this module?

Designed specifically for non-Human Resources specialists the HRM Essentials module will take you on a journey through the modern organisation offering you the opportunity to understand how Human Resource Management contributes to the strategic direction of organisations in varying industries and sectors. Building on the level 4 module ‘People, Management and Organisations’, this module is relevant to all those whose careers will involve dealing with and managing people in organisations. Managers are often considered the key link in ensuring the successful implementation of HR processes, and likewise, the support of the HR function is required to ensure that managers operate fairly and consistently within best practice guidelines. Managers are likely to play a key part in several core HR processes in order to ensure that they have the right people in their teams who are able to perform effectively. Thereby an understanding of Human Resources underpins effective management practice. ‘HRM Essentials’ provides a practical overview of each of these core areas, providing a broad grounding in HR practice ranging from recruitment and selection to performance and reward, and learning and development to absence and wellbeing.

This module will not only provide you with the key theoretical arguments in Human Resource Management but will also encourage you to apply this learning to practice and reflect on your own personal skill development in implementing effective HR processes which will be invaluable to you in your future graduate management role.

How will I learn on this module?

Your learning is supported through tutor-led and learner-led session activities, also through tutor-directed and self-directed independent study.

Tutor-led research-informed sessions will help you to develop your conceptual and theoretical understanding of the key topic areas covered on the module. A collaborative, learner-led, tutor-guided problem-based learning approach will support your application of these concepts and theories to real world-case studies. Application will be made to, for example, real-world case-studies and contemporary management issues of multinational corporations, regional/local SMEs through to public and not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises drawn from within your own management sub-discipline area.

Your learning is also supported by appropriate learning technologies that include extensive and carefully curated learning resources from the worlds’ leading HR researchers and practitioners, to enable your self-directed learning.

Your independent self-directed learning will involve you self-identifying learning activities, such as further academic reading, to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the subject and apply your learning to your future career path.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The learner-led, tutor-guided activities are organised in groups of around 20-30 learners working in smaller teams. This approach provides a closer, more personal academic support. Academics will support you through the led sessions and in planning the types of activities you should be engaging in during your independent study time. They are also available upon request to support you outside of formal session time by responding to questions or concerns that you might have either via email or via individually pre-arranged appointments and/or drop-in sessions.

Academic support is also provided through the provision of a range of University learning support services. A wide range of online support materials is also available thought the virtual learning environment. These materials include recordings, webcasts, pre-recorded sessions, key academic skills, also an electronic reading list including RSS feeds that showcase the application of various practices presented in the module.
To support you in your academic progress, you will receive both formative and summative feedback on your work through the course of each academic year. Regular formative feedback on class activities provides you with the necessary guidance to scaffold your knowledge and understanding of the key concept and principles of the subject to enable your success in the final summative assessment. Summative feedback/feed-forward will be provided on your work after it has been assessed and graded. You should use all feedback that you receive to identify areas of strength and areas for future study and improvement.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 To understand key Human Resource Management policies and practices and the value they add to organisational strategy
MLO2 To evaluate the effectiveness of Human Resource Management from policies and practices from various stakeholder perspectives

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3 To apply knowledge of Human Resource Management to organisational case studies identifying areas of best practice and developing responsible and practical recommendations

MLO4 To reflect on the role of the manager in Human Resource Management drawing links to future individual career goals and aspirations

MLO5 To work collaboratively on a team project.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment
The MLOs will be assessed through a group (25%) and individual summative assessment (75%).

The group assessment will involve working together in small groups to apply your knowledge of HRM to an organisational case study putting forward recommendations to improve practice (MLO1, MLO3, MLO5).

The individual assessment will involve:
• A 2500 word report to include a personal framework of skills development based on application of module learning (MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4).

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Whether you progress to be a manager or into any role dealing with people, ‘HRM Essentials’ will provide you with both the theory and practice of human resources functions. You’ll gain a practical overview of each of the core areas starting with an introduction to HR before covering recruitment and selection, performance management, total reward, and managing absence and well-being. Managers are often considered the key link for ensuring the successful implementation of HR processes. Likewise, the support of the HR function is needed to ensure that managers operate fairly and consistently within best practice guidelines. Managers are likely to play a key part in several core HR processes to make sure they have the right people on their teams who are able to perform effectively. As a result, an understanding of human resources underpins effective management practice.

Course info

UCAS Code N555

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

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