10 Great U.K. Universities To Get A Degree in Human Resources

It’s become easy to overlook the importance of a good education in today’s world, but those who wish to forge a successful career in human resources need to have a strong educational background. Take a look at 10 great universities in the U.K. that offer a top-notch education in human resource management.

When I look back at my life up to this point, not only do I remember my days at university as being some of the best times of my life, I also recognize the role my education has had in shaping the kind of professional I am today.

Whether I realized it or not, deep down I know I’ve always wanted to be a writer.

I won’t argue that I have at least some innate talent for it, but I also know that I would not be where I am today if not for the time I spent in college.

It was at university that I had my skills as a writer nurtured and refined to the point of becoming a successful professional.

I remember my days at university as being some of the best times of my life

It is because of my experience at university that I believe that every professional, no matter what field, needs to have their skills and talents developed properly before they are ready to conquer the professional world.

Most of the time, the best place to do this is at a university.

I know for a fact that many of the skills and traits that make me a competent writer I learned while in college, which is why I believe that a good education is necessary to give any professional in any field a strong backbone on which they can build a career.

A good education is necessary to give any professional in any field a strong backbone

One field where I know this is true is human resources.

Many believe that anyone can work in human resources, but to me, there are so many intricacies to the job that a true HR professional needs to have a university education in human resources management.

You may be able to get by without a formal HR education, but those who have a university education in human resource management are poised to reach the top of the field.

Considering the direction HR is moving, there are great benefits to having that educational background and being able to reach the top of the field.

Those who have a university education in HR management are poised to reach the top of the field

As the world economy continues to rebound from last decade’s Great Recession, the demand for jobs in human resources is on the rise.

In the U.K., it’s not surprising to see thousands, if not tens of thousands, new HR positions available every year, as there is an increased demand for HR professionals.

Reed, the U.K.’s top job site, also reports that most positions in the human resources field saw an increase in average salary from 2015 to 2016.

This means that human resource management is not only a field that’s looking for professionals, but it’s also a field that’s becoming more lucrative financially.

In the U.K. thousands new HR positions available every year

What this tells us is that human resources is one of the fastest growing fields in the UK right now, and those who have studied human resource management at university are going to have the best chance to gain entry into the industry and move up the chain of command as quickly as possible.

Those in the industry who have attained HR certification or gained experience in HR internships through their university experience are going to be best set up to succeed.

Most positions in the HR field saw an increase in average salary

I hope you have read my article on 10 outstanding universities in the U.S. for human resource executives, and I have also compiled a list of 10 outstanding universities in the U.K. that have human resource management programs that can put you on the right track for a successful career in HR.

Aston University

aston university

When it comes to the process of teaching human resource management, this is one of the finest universities in the U.K.

Aston University uses several methods, from lectures to group work to case studies to instruct its students on everything they need to know to become successful human resource executives.

This is one of the finest universities in the U.K., and because the course is focused solely on human resources, students are in excellent shape to enter the workforce following graduation.

University of Edinburgh

edinburg university hr

One of the finest universities in Scotland offers a business course with a focus in human resource management.

Students will study businesses of all sizes and in all industries, focusing on the management practices that allow them to operate, as well as the way in which those practices are changing.

Students are also encouraged to broaden their horizons with classes outside of business during their first two years.

Ultimately, students will concentrate on human resource management, but only after they have a broad knowledge of the business world.

University of Hertfordshire

hertfordshire university hr

This university offers a joint course in business and human resources, giving students the best of both worlds.

It’s important for HR workers to understand business elements like marketing and accounting, and this course at the University of Hertfordshire ensures students gain this understanding of business practices.

At the same time, students are able to learn about employment trends that are having an impact on the HR field, creating the foundation for a career in human resource management.

This type of joint course is ideal for someone who wants to have a full understanding of the business world, which can be invaluable for someone entering the HR field.

University of Leeds

leeds university hr

The program at the University of Leeds is perfect for those who want to have a background in human resource management while at the same time explore other options within the business world.

Students will study business management with a focus on human resources, enabling them to develop a broad range of skills that will set them up for success in any number of vocations down the line.

This leaves just about any career possibility on the table while studying at one of the most distinguished universities in the U.K.

Liverpool John Moores University

john moores university hr

This is a university that believes in having professors who have experienced what they’re teaching first hand, and that’s what you get in the human resource management course at Liverpool John Moores University.

The program places great emphasis on case studies plucked from real life, as well as role playing to re-create the types of situations human resource managers find themselves in on a daily basis.

There are both internships and professional placement available to ensure that you are fully prepared for a career in HR.

University of Manchester

university of manchester hr

At the well-renowned University of Manchester, the course in human resource management blends together theory and practice.

It teaches the latest trends in the HR industry while at the same time helping you to develop the skills to adapt to industry changes that may come about at a later date.

This is probably one of the more challenging courses in human resource management that you’ll find in the U.K., but if you complete it, you’ll be set up to work in any number of fields, both in the U.K. and abroad.

Northumbria University

northumbria university

The human resource management course at Northumbria University focuses on the human element of HR work, believing that personal fulfillment for employees is what will lead to a successful business.

This program will teach students about recruitment, training, employee relations, and other HR topics through the lens of focusing on individuals, which, quite frankly, is something that should never be forgotten in the field of human resources.

University of Salford

salford university

This is a university that has a great deal of credibility with employers, setting up graduates to find a job with a top company.

The human resource management program consists of two years of imparting as much knowledge as possible, followed by a year of professional experience where students can put their skills and knowledge to the test.

University of Strathclyde

strathclyde university human resources

Located in Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde believes in broadening the horizons of its students studying human resource management.

The school encourages students to study new and different areas of business as a way to study the theory behind management.

If you’re intrigued by a career in human resource management but don’t have everything mapped out just yet, this could be a good program to explore.

Swansea University

swansea university hr

The Business Management course at Swansea University covers a whole host of business areas, including human resource management.

What stands out about Swansea University’s program from an HR perspective is that the course focuses on the human element of management within the business world.

The course pays close attention to human resource management, leadership, and organization within a business.

Swansea’s School of Management has a high employment rate for recent graduates and is one of the best universities for those who want to become high-level business executives.

Best Universities for Human Resources

Obviously, these are not the only universities in the U.K. that offer an education in human resource management, but they are the creme of the crop.

As I mentioned earlier, no matter your field, it’s always important to nurture and develop your skills and talents through education.

Considering the opportunities available in human resource management in today’s world, getting an education at university before entering the workforce can put you on the track to success.

If your company doesn’t have a team of well-educated HR professionals, allow CakeHR to handle all of your human resource needs.

This way, you know you’ll be covered by well-educated HR professionals who have already proven themselves in this complicated but important field.

Bryan.

Written By

Bryan Zarpentine

Bryan is a freelance writer and editor with credentials all over the Internet, primarily at CakeHR, where he is a regular contributor. He has great interest in writing about the modern workplace and all of the ways that it continues to evolve.