HR specific courses The BA in Personnel Management has run for many years and has led to a centre of expertise and research into human resources teaching and development. The Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Personnel and Development have an excellent reputation and are offered on both a full- and part-time basis. Also offered is the MSc in Business and Management – this is designed for recent graduates from any discipline and contains extensive HR elective choices. Increasingly popular is the Masters top-up which enables existing holders of a postgraduate diploma to top-up their qualification to a masters – this is done on a largely distance learning basis.
Founded The university traces its roots back to 1825. Since then, and in particular since being granted its University Charter in 1992, it has grown to be the sixth largest university in the UK. The Business School, where HR programmes are run from, has its own modern purpose-designed building with views over Plymouth Sound.
College CV All HR courses are run from the business school’s own building with dedicated information centre. Dartmoor to the north and Cornwall to the west offer attractive diversions from the business of studying.
Entry For the Post Graduate Diploma, applicants will have a relevant first degree or have completed the CIPD Core Management Programme or Professional Management Programme or Certificate in Management. For the Masters applicants should hold a relevant degree and relevant work experience. Applicants for the BA in Personnel Management will need 240 UCAS points (including a minimum of 160 from two A-levels or a 12 unit Vocational A-level)
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Star academics Beryl Badger, specialist in organisational learning, particularly in small firms. Has also researched into the use and evaluation of outdoor management development. Mike Leat, author of Exploring Employee Relations and Human Resource Issues of the European Union.
Alumni There is an active ex-Dip and MA P&D population, largely in the South West. The University and Business School also arranges alumni events and maintains keeps graduates in touch with news and developments.