Business and Management
Business and management with a specialism in human resources and organisational behaviour examines the people dimension of organisations, asking how individuals and groups behave at work, how organisations can develop and motivate their people effectively, and what the relationship is between human resources practices and organisational performance. HR sits at the heart of any organisation that depends on its people, encompassing recruitment and selection, learning and development, performance management, employment relations, and the design of the organisational structures and cultures within which people work.
The University of Reading's three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, giving you both professional HR or management experience and the chance to study in an international context, reflecting the global nature of HR practice in large organisations. Reading's business school combines strong research with professional connections, and the HR and organisational behaviour specialism benefits from engagement with practitioners and current thinking in the field. You will study HR strategy, organisational behaviour, employment law, recruitment and talent management, learning and development, performance management, leadership, change management, and the quantitative and qualitative research methods used to investigate people and organisations.
The year abroad adds comparative perspective on HR systems and labour market institutions that differ significantly between countries.
Graduates from business and HR programmes go on to work in HR management, organisational development, talent acquisition, learning and development, employment relations, and people consultancy. Many pursue professional qualifications in HR after graduation. The analytical and interpersonal skills the degree develops are also valued in general management, change management, and consulting roles.
Postgraduate study in HR management or organisational psychology is a natural pathway for those seeking specialist expertise.