Angela Turner – BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with Psychology

Angela won the Laurie Mullins Prize for Best Student on the BA (Hons) Human Resource Management pathway.

'I initially chose to study the BA (Hons) Human Resource Management with Psychology due to the appealing collaboration between the two subjects. I had studied psychology and business at A Level so the course seemed the perfect choice. The first year of the course gave me a great foundation in many areas of business, including marketing, statistics and economics, which have all proved useful throughout my four years at university.

At level two there is a stronger HR focus, placed on units such as Employment Relations, Employment Law, and Human Resource Development. Studying psychology units alongside, including Cognitive Processes and The Developing Person, allowed me to really tap into how employees may behave and act in real-life work situations.

I chose to do a work placement after level two at Lloyds TSB in their HR Leadership and Development team. I would strongly recommend doing a work placement as it allows you the chance to put all you have learnt into practice, as well as enhancing your skills, making contacts for the future and most importantly, discovering what you may want to do after graduation.

Portsmouth Business School has excellent facilities, as well as first class teaching staff. They have been extremely supportive over the past four years and I would certainly give them credit in my own achievements. I have now decided to pursue a postgraduate teaching qualification based upon the psychological study I have done at university and the inspiration I have gained from my own lecturers and tutors.'

Tim Butler – BA (Hons) Human Resource Management

'The University of Portsmouth had a brand new Students' Union opening the year I started and offered the course I wanted.

The academic course is very varied and covers a lot more than I expected. However, it is very rewarding and the staff are very nice and approachable. Facilities and resources are good and allow me to study to my full potential.

It's a totally different way of life. I feel very happy I chose this University as I'm having the best days of my life while working towards a better career.'

Victoria Jones – BA (Hons) Human Resource Management

Victoria chose Human Resource Management as a subject because she is a real 'people person'. Coming from just up the road in Fareham, it was convenient that Portsmouth had the most appealing course. Victoria spent her placement year in the HRM department at IBM in Portsmouth.

'I liked the look of the course because it was very broad in the first year, allowing you to gain some good business knowledge before getting into the detail of HRM.

The department supported the global services within IBM, which involved a lot more of the management processes. I gained a good insight into HRM strategy and practice, which was great experience. It all seemed to click into place during my time at IBM. I would like to work with a smaller company when I graduate, being responsible for all aspects of HRM.'

Simon Owen – BA (Hons) Human Resource Management

'My course is very interesting; we cover a wide range of subjects and areas. One thing I really like about HRM is that it is always changing, so you have to read around the subject and keep up-to-date.

The Business School is located in the fantastic Richmond Building, which has really good computer facilities. The staff are very supportive and if you need any help, all you have to do is ask.

The accommodation is of a high standard. Many of the halls are centrally located, while others are nearer the sea. Living in halls is a great way of meeting new people and making friends.'