HR2SX4 - Developing HR Professional Practice 22 Jun 2022 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: HR2SX4
Module Title: Developing HR Professional Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Professional Development
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Development
Module Leader: Christine Esposito, Davina Evans
Module Team: Adam Poole, Rebecca Brittain, Kevin Brown, Shehla Khan, Karl Greenhough, Tiru Madahar, Linda Hamweemba
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 22 Jun 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module provides students with a substantial workplace experience (whilst placed with a host organisation or working on an on-campus consultancy project), in an environment where they can explore their current levels of competence in relation to the knowledge and behaviours required by Human Resources professionals, whether in a generalist or specialist role, drawing from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) latest Profession Map (2021).

Students will be encouraged to think more critically about Human Resource Management in relation to their own future practice and the extent to which 'best practice' and/or ‘good practice’ HRM can deliver organisational goals.

The module embraces the ‘thinking performer’ perspective and covers the competencies needed by the HR professional in a personal capacity when collaborating and working with others and when functioning efficiently and effectively in an organisational context. It will enable learners to assess their own strengths and identify a continuing professional development plan, based on the capabilities required for ethical, business-focused and interpersonal professional conduct.

The module lays down the underpinnings of the requirements for achieving and maintaining membership of the CIPD, by setting HR theory firmly within the realms of HR practice and delivery, drawing on the CIPD Professional Standards.

Content Summary

Working hand-in-hand with business, the module will increase opportunities for graduate work placements, develop a curriculum that is employer-approved and embeds employability skills into its very core.

Through a 10-week placement within an organisation or a 10-week engagement with an organisation through a campus-based consultancy project, students will reflect upon their experiences based their own development related to the core behaviours and knowledge outlined in the latest CIPD professional standards (December 2021).

During the module, students will attend a series of workshops during which they will discuss their placement/consultancy project experiences and align these to the CIPD professional standards, developing their understanding via a process of co-creation, subjects for discussion include:

  • critical reflective practice and CPD planning.
  • the international benchmark for the people profession.
  • CIPD core behaviours and knowledge and areas of expertise.
  • acting professionally and ethically.
  • the role and contribution of the HR function.
  • working effectively with others.
  • the components of analytical and critical thinking.
  • communication skills.
  • techniques for influence, persuasion and negotiating: securing the willing co-operation of others.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 120
Work based learning 20
Independent Study 40
Directed Study 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse the HR profession in practice to demonstrate an understanding of what is required to become and perform as an effective and efficient HR professional.
LO2 Apply CPD techniques to construct, design and review a critical reflective journal and personal development plan which demonstrates a future focused mindset with regards to one’s own learning and development needs.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Observational Journal 1 Reflective Journal - A journal (blog, diary or paper-based) which records and reflects on practical engagement with an employment experience in relation to the CIPD Professional Standards. 0 3500 70 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Learning agreement/contracts 1 Evaluate current knowledge and skills against individual future career aspirations. The learning agreement sets objectives to bridge any gaps and plans for continuing professional development. The student agrees on a number of objectives that s/he wishes to achieve by the end of their degree based on their experiences of the workplace and aligned to the CIPD Profession Map’s Core Behaviours. 0 1500 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Observational Journal 1
Learning agreement/contracts 1

Reading List

Friedman, A. (2013) Continuing professional development: lifelong learning of millions. Abingdon: Routledge.

CIPD. (2018) The New Professional Map. CIPD. [Online] https://peopleprofession.cipd.org/profession-map. Profession Map | CIPD Profession Map

CIPD. (2017) HR Professionalism: what do we stand for? CIPD: Research report. [Online] https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/strategy/hr/hr-professionalism-report.

CIPD. (2015) From Best to good practice HR: Developing principles for the profession. [Online] https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/best-good-practice-hr-developing-principles-profession_tcm18-8731.pdf. pff-report-update-PFFMay20_tcm18-8731.pdf (cipd.co.uk)

Armstrong, M. (2021) How to be an even better manager: a complete A–Z of proven techniques and essential skills. (11th ed). London: Kogan Page.

Gallagher, K. (2013) Skills development for business and management students. (2nd ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press.