BA (Hons) in Business (HRM)

HR Management Courses
Type
Undergraduate
Duration
3 Years
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Full-Time
Campus
Dublin Main Campus
NFQ Level
8
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Course Overview

Develop the skills necessary to become an effective and dynamic human resource practitioner in any sector both in Ireland or internationally.

This three-year honours degree programme gives students the best of both perspectives, combining a well- developed understanding of the world of general business and people management in the first two years of their studies, whilst also providing a strong HRM focus in the final year of the degree.

Why Study Business at Griffith College?

Our BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) is available on a full-time and part-time basis over a three-year period. Students studying for the award of BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) will find opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that they have gained on the programme within a wide range of business sectors.

  • Students will benefit from a broad business introduction in years 1 and 2 while specialising in year 3.
  • Students will gain a national and international view of HRM across all fields of business, from developing a performance management system to negotiations within the workplace.
  • Students will learn about the ever-changing business environment and how it is influenced by both national and international issues and challenges.
  • Students will gain invaluable insights into the influence of cross-cultural issues and talent acquisition of an international workforce.
  • Students will explore the evolving industry issues and ethical influences on employee relations.
  • Students will be able to identify the role that Trade Unions and government policy play in human relations. 
  • Students will be taught how to formulate and implement a range of learning and talent development practices and strategies for an organisations workforce.
  • Students will establish negotiation techniques, conflict resolution, and mediation in the employment relationship. 

Course Highlights

  • Broad introduction to business disciplines enabling well-rounded HRM professionals.
  • Develop an understanding of talent acquisition in an international context.
  • Flexibility to switch degree discipline to Business, Accounting or Marketing.
  • Taught by vastly experienced professionals from a wide range of industries.
  • A perfect foundation for further professional HRM certifications.

Intake Dates

  • Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025
  • Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025
  • Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

Are you applying through the CAO?

Check out our CAO Hub for everything you need to know about applying through the CAO!

Course Codes

  • Dublin: GC402

Testimonials

LYNN BARRETT
"As I worked full-time, choosing to go back to college part-time was a huge decision but Griffith College seemed the perfect fit because of its part-time options. The staff were extremely supportive and helpful. I gained a huge amount during my time at Griffith College and managed to secure a role in Human Resources whilst studying, allowing me to put my knowledge into practice."
LYNN BARRETT
BA (Hons) in Business (HRM)
ADAM LYSZCZAK
"During my time at Griffith College, I learned many key skills like organisation and time management. This programme gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and come out of my comfort zone to prove to myself that I could do it and achieve a degree. I want to thank my tutors who were inspiring and helpful."
ADAM LYSZCZAK
BA (Hons) in Business (HRM)

Course Details

The Year One and Two management and HRM modules act as a perfect introduction, and development, for the final year HRM modules. Students are required to undertake the four Year Three electives listed below, in addition to the mandatory modules, to acquire the BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) designation.

If you have any questions in relation to this please contact the Admissions Office, [email protected].

Year 1

On completion of this module, learners are able to apply the knowledge and understanding of the context, scope, principles and concepts that underpin management accounting. It highlights the importance of costs and the drivers of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision-making in organisations. It provides competencies on how to analyse information on costs, volumes and prices and how to take short-term decisions on products and services.

The module aims to provide a balanced approach to both the theory and application of economic concepts. It introduces learners to the fundamentals of microeconomics and exposes them to the principle theories and models used in microeconomics. It also demonstrates how economics can be used by individuals and businesses alike to assess problems and develop solutions. The learners are encouraged to become more astute participants in the economy by employing economic principles and recognising the role of their behaviour, and that of others, on the world around them. In particular, the module introduces economic concepts, an analysis of demand and supply, theories of the firm, competition, elasticity, and behavioural economics.

The principal objective of this module is to outline the role of technology in business and how information technology enables business processes so that an organisation can function and strive in a competitive environment: in other words, how technology is used to benefit business. This is achieved through the acquisition of practical information technology skills but also through an awareness and understanding of the overall role of technology. For all information technology skills that are developed the learners understand the role that these skills play in the overall business function.

This module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the core functions, skills and challenges of management in a dynamic global business environment. Learners apply management theories and concepts to current business situations, both in Ireland and internationally. Contemporary business management issues are explored using practical examples, case studies and lectures.

Research has shown that the transition from school to college can be a very difficult time for young adults. The initial weeks at college where deadlines are explained, VLEs are demonstrated and college classes begin, can be overwhelming. This module seeks to facilitate this transition to third-level education by providing academic support, personal development skills and a time for reflection in a non-threatening environment.

Learners on first-year business courses often present with a fear of mathematics which they have held since secondary school. This module aims to dispel this fear and instil in learners the confidence to approach problems with an analytical lens. Equipped with this confidence, learners can interpret data and summary statistics, thus contributing to solutions based on solid scientific principles.

This module introduces learners to the key fundamentals of marketing, its role in modern organisations, the importance of understanding customers and aligning marketing activities to create customer value. This module provides academic underpinning via relevant theory and frameworks. This is combined with real-world case studies and examples enabling learners to gain a broad perspective on marketing and its role within organisations.

This module introduces learners to the macroeconomic environment and the principles underlying macroeconomic policies. In particular, it addresses the causes and consequences of aggregate changes in the economy such as inflation, GDP, unemployment and economic growth. Macroeconomics also examines and explores the role of government in influencing the direction of the economy through fiscal and monetary policies. This module also provides learners with real-world scenarios of how economies throughout the globe interrelate.

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the application of the required knowledge and understanding of the context, scope, principles and concepts that underpin financial accounting. In addition, learners are taught how to apply the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and prepare financial statements for sole trader entities.

Year 2

The module aims to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding and application of concepts, processes and techniques of operations and supply chain management. Learners relate to the transformation of inputs to outputs and the approach that companies take to increase productivity, quality and service to their end consumer. Learners select and apply appropriate concepts, techniques and methods to the design and planning of operations. Learners demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and theories underpinning the discipline of supply chain management including purchasing and logistics.

This module aims to encourage and promote the critical examination of the theory of organisational behaviour. It identifies factors that influence the behaviours of individuals and groups in organisations. The module creates an environment that assists the learner in recognising issues that impact a company’s effectiveness. Throughout the module, learners consider, discuss and analyse concepts, theories and frameworks to explore their potential contributions in aiding their understanding of organisational behaviours from a contemporary perspective.

The purpose of this module is to develop appropriate skills and knowledge in learners which is intended to prepare them to source employment opportunities and enter the workforce successfully. The module enables learners to gain a broad understanding of the numerous, and diverse range of activities, that combine to secure employment and /or internship opportunities. Furthermore, the module aims to develop learners’ personal and professional skills so that they may act confidently and appropriately in a range of interpersonal business functions.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and knowledge of the general principles of Irish law as it relates to business. The learner is introduced to the effect, influence and impact of law in business and, upon completion, they are able to apply relevant law to practical business situations.

The module instils in the learner a knowledge and understanding of company law as well as a broad understanding of the rights and obligations of employees and employers as they relate to business. The learner can analyse the strategic importance of ethics to business. The learner can evaluate common ethical problems faced by businesses and display how these can be resolved ethically. The learner understands the importance of culture in setting the ethics framework for managers and employees and can evaluate the role of regulatory forces in the ethical question.

This module introduces the learner to a broad range of contemporary views of human resource practices and policies. Learners gain an understanding of the importance of human resource management in terms of aligning people and business processes. The learner is able to identify the significance of managing the key HR activities such as recruitment, selection, performance, training, etc., in a professional manner.

In addition, the module aims to provide the learner with a knowledge of the essential applicable principles in terms of the employer /employee relationship. The module addresses current aspects and changes in employment legislation that can influence the employment relationship and, ultimately, the organisation.

This module aims to engage learners to explore what is arguably one of the driving forces of the current global economic market. The module requires active learning. The module is designed to allow learners to synthesise learning gained from previous modules studied on the programme, applying this learning into devising a commercially viable business proposal.

Their findings are presented as a business plan proposal and oral presentation at the end of the semester. The module explains the entrepreneurship process as an ever-unfinished one, of becoming, but also as one that leads to the creation of sustainable growth within an organisation.

This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the importance of digital marketing in modern business and to gain insight into current tools and best practices used. Additionally, learners grasp how to use digital marketing strategy frameworks to plan, implement and monitor the effectiveness of digital marketing activities.

This module is designed so that learners develop an understanding of the relationship between business and the information systems used in business. Learners are introduced to the system types, how systems are acquired, security issues and current business information system trends. The module also seeks to engender an appreciation of the importance of business information systems in the day to day workplace.

Year 3 - Mandatory Modules

This module acts as a capstone module where learners apply previously gained knowledge across all the key elements involved in starting up a business in Ireland. These competencies include market and competitive analysis, marketing and marketing communications, people and operations, and financial analysis. The module is designed so as to enable learners to synthesize and apply the above key aspects to develop a viable, comprehensive and credible business plan.

This module introduces learners to the basics of financial management and its application in practice. The module focuses on the critical elements of financial decision-making for organisations, including investment decisions, sources of finance, management of working capital and performance appraisal.

The module aims to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the link between company decision-making and the operation of capital markets. Over the course of the module, learners understand and appreciate the strong linkages between finance and globalisation. They demonstrate the importance of working capital management and the tools to manage it. Learners explore the financial environment in which firms and managers must operate.

This module introduces the key concepts and frameworks of strategic management. It is primarily concerned with the key managerial decisions that affect the long-term performance of an organisation and, as such, strategic position, choices and strategy in action are explored.

The module is interdisciplinary and learners build upon existing knowledge of environments that include the organisation itself, industry and wider macro-environments. In addition, existing knowledge gained from studying key functional areas including finance, marketing, human resources and operations is synthesised over the course of the module.

The module is designed to develop the learners’ skills in diagnosing the strategic health of organisations and providing strategic recommendations to senior management.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to international business in which the environmental (political/legal, cultural, economic and financial) underpinnings of international business are examined. Learners are introduced to trade and investment trends as well as the internationalisation rationales for both MNCs and SMEs. This module analyses competitive environments and provides a strategic view of international business at both firm and national levels.

Year 3 - Elective Modules

This module builds on the previous stage 2 modules namely Managing Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. The IHRM module deepens the learners’ understanding of the strategic management of human resources in an international context. Topics including the influence of cross-cultural issues on organisations and factors which involve selecting and managing an international workforce are examined in detail. Learners evaluate industrial relations and labour laws from the perspective of managing an international organisation. They are equipped to address key issues such as expatriation/repatriation, compensation and reward, and cultural diversity. Over the course of the module, learners evaluate and appraise relevant theories in order to inform their practice as business managers.

This module aims to infuse learners with a knowledge of employee relations and its importance to business success. It allows learners to appraise the strategies and practices that organisations use to enhance a mutually successful employment relationship. This module also has the added objective of ensuring that the learner develops an appreciation of the evolving issues associated with this topic. Furthermore, the module encourages the learner to view employee relations from the perspective of both the employer and employee, hence to recognise the ethical issues that are central to this relationship.

The aim of this module is for learners to develop appropriate knowledge within the field of talent development. This module enables learners to critically analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of a range of learning and talent development practices and strategies for an organisation to compete in a dynamic, diverse and competitive business environment. This module provides an in-depth understanding of the numerous and diverse activities involved in the talent function.

This module shows how managing performance links the objectives of organisations to the implementation by its members and staff of their job roles. The module reviews motivational theories and examines the relevance of these to job performance. It focuses on the potential linkage to the performance of extrinsic motivation in the form of rewards that can be monetarised and of rewards that cannot be monetarised. Learners familiarise themselves with the ethical perspective relating to linking rewards to performance. Learners develop an understanding of the purpose and process of appraising performance, including the study of the changing approaches to, and methods of, performance appraisals. The module evaluates the extent to which contextual and cultural environments may influence both the implementation of performance management and the use of reward mechanisms.

Timetables

Please be advised that the timetables below are valid for Semester 1 of the Academic Year 2024 / 2025 for the Dublin Main Campus and are subject to change or changes in the first few weeks of the semester. Ensure you regularly check your Business Student Info page on Moodle for the most up-to-date files.

Full-time indicative timetables

 

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language) and Maths.

QQI Level 5 Award

A minimum Full QQI Level 5 Award with 3 Distinctions and a Pass or higher in all other remaining subjects.

International Applicants

Please contact the International Office Team to enquire about entry requirements for international qualifications.

English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.

How to Apply

Applicants under 23 years of age:

Applicants under 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year they wish to enter must apply through the CAO. Please consult the CAO website for information on important dates for applications.

CAO Codes

  • Dublin - GC402
  • Limerick - GC302

Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

Tuition Fees

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

EUR 6,200.00

 

Study Mode: Part-Time

Dublin

EUR 4,350.00

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

 

An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards. 

A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.

Flexible payment options

Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

Postgraduate Opportunities

Upon successful completion of their honours degree course, graduates may wish to continue their studies with a postgraduate qualification in Griffith College or with one of the many third-level institutions in Ireland or abroad.

The Griffith College Graduate Business School offers a portfolio of programmes that may be of interest.

CIPD Membership and Qualifications

Some students may wish to further enhance their HRM qualification by seeking membership with CIPD which is an international professional body for HR and people development practitioners. They also offer a suite of professional certification courses.  

Career Progression

The prospects and opportunities for graduates of the BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) are virtually endless. The increasing growth in the business environment has led to a demand for human resource management practitioners. Learners studying for the award of BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) will find opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills which they have gained on the programme within a wide range of business sectors both national and international.

Ready to take the next step?