DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP SKILLS - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module is designated as Core by The Chartered Institute of Development (CIPD) making its successful completion a prerequisite for those seeking Chartered Membership. This assessment method will ensure alignment with other Universities and other providers of the CIPD advanced level qualification.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

RIVERS Christine (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative module content includes:

• Principles of continuous professional development
• Self awareness, self care, emotional intelligence
• Decision making and leadership 
• Working in a team effectively 
• Self-motivation and determination 
• Self-image and networking
• Financial / Commerce Awareness
• People Management Skills
• Performance Management Skills
• Interviewing Skills

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills obtained from live learning sessions. Assessment 1 is an Individual portfolio coursework which asks students to assess their professional development through reflection and create a CPD road map. This assessment addresses learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.Assessment 2 is an individual presentation which asks students to create a short video presentation that can be utilised in the context of job interviews / applications. Students demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills developed throughout the module. Assessment 2 addressed learning outcomes 4 and 5.  Formative assessment and Feedback:Students will receive verbal feedback during seminars related to both assessments. In addition, small group activities are designed to practice reflective and presentation skills relevant for both assessments. Students can share outlines of their assessments and improve their work. Students can ask for individual feedback from the module leader during office hours. 

Module aims

• Gain knowledge about research, theories and concepts concerned with personal and professional development in alignment with CIPD principles.
• Explore their own personal and professional needs to manage career(s) successfully and sustainably in different environments in the future.
• Develop capabilities to become reflective and self-aware future HR leaders and managers.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning methods are designed to give students the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory and application of a broad range of skills which are pertinent to contribute to an effective Human Resource Management career.HR Skills workshops will include but are not limited to role play scenarios; team building activities and development of CPD road maps in line with CIPD principles. The teaching and learning design of the module and engagement with external HR professionals significantly supports the development of students employability skills.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM483

Other information

The Surrey five pillars are embedded into this module as follows: Please note the demography of our students is typically diverse and the cohort typically includes European, African, and Asian students.

Global and Cultural Capabilities - During seminars students rotate into different groups working together analyzing a series of case studies featuring contemporary HRM scenarios including issues of sustainable working practices – this promotes how students must learn to work with a range of diverse students to problem solve and develop cultural intelligence. All students must make a presentation and whilst this is challenging for some students where English is not their first language, students may practice their presentations in class and receive peer feedback. A seminar activity where each student must talk for 5 minutes in their nominated specific peer support group without being interrupted enables all students to feel they have a voice and builds their confidence, in preparation for assessed presentations.

Employability – This programme is CIPD accredited, and the module is specifically designed to develop and enhance student’s employability skills. Furthermore, this module provides opportunity for students to apply their learning from semester 1 modules. Students are encouraged to become student members of the CIPD and upon successful completion of the programme they are eligible to apply for Chartered membership thus increasing employment opportunities. A workshop in conjunction with the SBS careers advisor supports students to write a CV with impact and an external specialist demonstrates how students can maximise their LinkedIn profile and online presence. Students must also create a portfolio evidencing development/enhancement of skills and specifically HRM skills.

Resourcefulness and Resilience -

The module leader creates and nominates all students into small peer support groups this helps international students form friendships and build their resilience – many international students feel homesick and can feel a little isolated initially plus many international students need to develop confidence with new teaching and learning methods compared to their home country. Alumni are also invited to share their learning experiences to help build students resilience.

Sustainability – This is embedded into the module with the use of appropriate case studies. External HRM specialists are engaged as guest speakers for this module and representatives from two global organisations share their sustainable business philosophy and practices.

Digital Capabilities – Part of the module assessment requires all students to individually create an online video; students communicate on MS teams to prepare for seminar group work activities

NB. This module is designed to meet the learning outcomes of the CIPD unit 7CO03 Personal Effectiveness, Ethics, and Business Acumen

1. Be able to model principles and values that promote inclusivity aimed at maximising the contribution that people make to organisations

- critically assess different ethical standpoints on people practice and the maintenance of high standards of ethical behaviour

- justify business improvements in relation to: the promotion of fairness and transparency; wellbeing; employee voice; learning

- self-evaluate personal and professional integrity in relation to ethical practice, professional courage and influence, and valuing people

- assess the impact of collaboration across cultural, geographic and professional boundaries, including the value of embracing difference

2. Be able to achieve and maintain challenging business outcomes for yourself and organisations

- reflect on levels of self-awareness, self-management and continuous self-improvement, leading to improved organisational success and career progression

- discuss how business acumen can deliver commercial benefits and manage resilience

- demonstrate impactful behaviour that is aligned with wider organisational vision, values, strategies and plans

3. Be able to apply learning to enhance personal effectiveness

- demonstrate curiosity and passion for deep learning

- plan continuing professional development that involves both planned learning and reflection

- discuss the merits of evidence-based critical thinking based upon a range of data analytics, across and wide range of current business topics

-assess the impact that sharing of learning has on organisational success

-4. Be able to influence others during decision-making while showing courage and conviction

- assess own approaches to decision-making on complex issues, taking ownership to remedy mistakes

- demonstrate appropriate influencing style to communicate and engage different audiences

- discuss ways of promoting organisational improvement through courage, political acumen and the willingness to challenge

- assess the benefits of networking to enhance own career and contribution to organisational effectiveness

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.