Duration
2 Years
Course may be subject to change.
The Foundation Degree in Business with Human Resource Management (FdA) is a two-year programme designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in HR and business roles, with a particular emphasis on small businesses and entrepreneurial environments.
In Year 1 (Level 4), students begin by exploring the foundations of Human Resource Management, gaining an understanding of core functions such as recruitment, performance management, and employee development, tailored to the needs of small enterprises.
Alongside this, modules in Business Environment and Principles of Marketing provide insight into how external forces impact small businesses and how effective marketing strategies can be developed to engage target audiences.
In Year 2 (Level 5), the programme explores Contemporary Human Resource Managment and strategic business practices.
The Performance Management for Small Businesses module covers the full performance cycle, change management, and strategies for managing organisational growth. Contemporary Human Resource Management explores evolving HR practices including diversity, engagement, and the integration of technology. This comprehensive programme prepares graduates to thrive in HR and business environments, whether progressing into employment or further study.
Entry Criteria
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2
Entry Criteria
The following admissions criteria will apply at level 4:
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applicants applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of?32 UCAS points (For example A Level Business Studies, BTEC Diploma in Business Studies or T Level Business Management).
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applicants will require 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
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applicants are also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as Level 2 functional skills).
- all applicants will have a standardised admission interview (online or in-person).
Non-Standard Entry Requirements (including Mature students)
Mature students (aged at least 21 by the start of the academic year of admission) or applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience and whose qualifications and/or experience is deemed to be appropriate to gain entry onto a named foundation degree may be admitted onto a foundation degree programme. For applicants with non-standard backgrounds, we consider relevant work experience and demonstrated skills that indicate an ability to engage with the programme material at this level.
The following admissions criteria will apply:
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All applicants will have a standardised admission interview (online or in-person).
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A personal statement submission is mandatory, allowing the admissions tutor to assess academic writing, grammar, and motivation to join the programme
- consideration of qualifications in non-business and human resource management areas at Level 3 or, evidence of employer references to support an application, which demonstrates work experience in the sector.
- applicants are also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as Level 2 functional skills)
What are the next steps?
All students will attend an interview with the programme leader or a member of the programme team.
Study Aims
- Learn core HR practices, employment law, and how to manage, lead, and develop people within small business contexts.
- Illustrate fundamental problem-solving and decision-making techniques to common people management and operational issues.
- Build a strong foundation in areas such as business environment analysis, finance, and strategic planning tailored to small enterprises.
- Explore marketing principles and entrepreneurial strategies to launch, promote, and grow small businesses in competitive markets.
- Develop essential professional skills in communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and apply data analysis for informed decision-making.
- Engage with current HR trends, digital technologies, and organisational development strategies to adapt to evolving business needs.
Modules Studied
Level 4
- Human Resource Management
- Business Environment
- Organisational Behaviour and Culture
- Principles of Marketing
- Professional Skills for HR Practitioners
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Data Analysis for Business
- Level 5
- Performance Management for Small Business
- Contemporary Human Resource Management
- Business Finance
- Employment Law for Small Business
- Entrepreneurship for Small Business Start up
Times of Delivery
The programme has two delivery methods:
Face to Face: This would be two full days a week on campus
Blended: Blended learning will be combining the flexibility of online learning with the depth and engagement of face-to-face interaction, ensuring that students actively construct knowledge through meaningful interaction, real-world application, and critical reflection. Study days and times are to be confirmed.
Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
There will be a range of assessment methods across level 4 and level 5, these include:
- Portfolio/Journal
- Presentations
- Professional Discussions
- Written Reports
- Projects
- Case Studies
- Professional Poster
Upon successful completion of this programme students may consider other *progression routes to achieve a qualification at level 6.
- BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management (Top up)
- BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top up)
- Professional qualifications at level 6 Upon successful completion of an appropriate level 6 qualification students may wish to *progress their studies to level 7.
- Professional qualifications at level 7
- Human Resource Management (CIPD Accredited) MSc
- MBA Business Administration (HRM pathway)
