The Changing World of Work (N1085)
15 credits, Level 5
Autumn teaching
In this module, you are introduced to emerging issues in the practice and theory of human resource management and industrial relations. It starts off with a discussion of the nature of work under capitalism, including differences across varieties of capitalist systems.
Themes covered include:
- work in the knowledge economy
- service work and emotional labour
- gender and work
- work cultures
- inequality-exploitation-alienation in contemporary workplaces
- meaning and identity attached to work
- manual vs. digitalized work
Theoretical debates and practical applications are both in focus and the links between these explored and critiqued.
Teaching
67%: Lecture
33%: Seminar
Assessment
50%: Coursework (Portfolio, Presentation)
50%: Examination (Computer-based examination)
Contact hours and workload
This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.
We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Courses
This module is offered on the following courses: