Master of Human Resource Management

Duration

As little as 2 years

Courses

12 courses

Study intakes

January, March, May, July, September, October

Study mode

100% Online

Program code

8451

Completion time dependent on individual study path, RPL, leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.

What you will study

The Master of Human Resource Management is 100% online and designed for the future of work. The program will give you the confidence, people-centric strategy, leadership capabilities and digital skills to optimise workplaces through innovative HR practices. After successful completion, you will be able to transform organisations from the inside out whether that be on a company, managerial or individual level.  

With our unique, bespoke structure, where majority of your Master’s degree comprises electives, you can tailor your program to your career goals by selecting courses from one specialisation or across multiple specialisations. Plus, you have the option to complete two specialisations, meaning you can graduate with a Master of Human Resource Management (Specialisation 1 + Specialisation 2). Alternatively, you can also continue without a specialisation, and choose more broadly from all of the electives to tailor your program to your career goals and interests.

 
Core courses
  • Human Resource Policies and Practices   
  • Human Resource Strategies  
  • Managing People and Organisations  
  • Introduction to Employment Law 
Elective courses

Plus, choose eight available electives from the following courses to align with your career goals provided that the pre-requisites are met.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion elective courses

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Employee Wellbeing and Engagement
  • Sustainability and Human Resources

Leadership and Organisational elective courses

  • Leadership Development
  • Organisational Development

Human Resource Analytics elective courses

  • Human Resource Analytics#
  • Human Resource Information Systems
  • Introductory Data Analysis

Further elective courses

  • Attracting, Evaluating and Retaining Talent
  • Career Navigator
  • Change Management
  • Strategic Consulting Project
  • Strategic Rewards and Performance Management
  • Managing Yourself and Others

*pre-requisite: students must have completed 6 courses (36 units of credit). ^prerequisite: students must have completed Career Navigator before enrolling.
#prerequisite: students must have completed Introductory Data Analysis before enrolling.

The UNSW Online experience

We are here to support you, every step of the way, to graduate from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment has been designed to seamlessly fit into your already busy schedule and you’ll be able to access course resources on any device, at any time.

Our academics are some of the best in the world and, even though you’re studying online, you can expect your learning experience to be the same high standard as that of our on-campus students.

Throughout your study journey, you will be able to turn to your Student Success Advisor, who is committed to assisting you from enrolment through to graduation. They are on-hand for all non-academic queries by phone or email.

You will also have access to Career Success – a curated, self-paced module that provides a framework for thinking about, and taking action to implement, an effective career plan. Through Career Success, you will have access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach, and guides on crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter.

 

 

Entry requirements

General admission requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Human Resource Management, you must have a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average (65 per cent or higher) as determined by the UNSW entry calculator.

Entry via nested qualification

For those who do not qualify for direct entry into the master’s program, an articulation pathways exist from the Graduate Certificate programs in Human Resource Management; Human Resource Analytics; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and Leadership & Organisational Development; if the student completes these programs with a minimum WAM of 65.

You can also complete up to two eligible Graduate Certificates which can be stacked towards your Master of Human Resource Management degree. Stacking two Graduate Certificates will allow you to graduate with the master's degree by completing a further 4 courses.

Enquire now

 

Meet the key academic

"Our suite of Human Resource Management programs at UNSW are designed to empower, inspire and equip aspiring HR leaders with the necessary insights to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.

"With specialisations in HR Analytics, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Leadership and Organisational Development, students will gain deepened expertise in people-centric strategy to complement organisational objectives. By delving into these integral areas of contemporary HR, students will gain an industry-relevant toolkit to transform their careers and contribute significantly to their organisation."

Helen Parker, Academic Lead for UNSW Online Human Resource Management Programs

 

Frequently asked questions
Is Human Resource Management in demand?

Yes, the future looks bright for Human Resource Management professionals. HR management is a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement across a variety of industries, and employment projections are expected to grow 16 per cent over the next five years*. With high growth predicted, salaries are competitive, so there are many benefits to look forward to for those looking to study Human Resource Management.

*Projection growth for HR Managers in Australia, Labour Market Insights.

Do I have to go into campus at all?

No, this program is 100% online and has no on-campus requirements, allowing you to study from anywhere and fit in and around your personal and professional schedule. Discover tips on how to maximise your study while studying online.

What is the maximum Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the Master of Human Resource Management and the included specialisations and how do I know if I am eligible?

Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit for your online postgraduate studies if they meet relevant course requirements. If you are eligible for admission and you have undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Students can apply for RPL during the program application process and must ensure all relevant supporting documents are submitted for assessment if requested by Admissions, including course outlines from the same year they completed the relevant course/s, as content may change over time. Courses successfully completed within the past 10 years can be used for credit transfer within a program as provided within the program rules and the University rules on credit.

If they have completed similar courses in previous undergraduate study, Master of Human Resource Management students can claim up to 4 courses (24 units of credit) of unspecified RPL advanced standing, meaning that they can acquire the master’s program by studying a further 8 courses.

Find out more about RPL and credit transfer at UNSW. Speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor to learn more about additional requirements and to receive guidance around the RPL process.

How do I know what Human Resource Management specialisation is right for me?

On top of the general Master of Human Resource Management, there are three specialisations offered to students, all of which are designed to meet the current and future needs of the contemporary workforce.

  • Master of Human Resource Management (Human Resource Analytics): for those who want to develop data-informed solutions to inform business processes and promote positive employee experience.
  • Master of Human Resource Management (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion): for those who want to guide people-focused transformation to make a positive impact on organisations with an emphasis on employee wellbeing, sustainability and inclusion.
  • Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development): for those who understand that business success is more than just sales and instead relies on staff empowerment and professional development to optimise organisational performance.
  • Plus, you have the option to complete two specialisations, meaning you can graduate with a Master of Human Resource Management (Specialisation 1 + Specialisation 2). Alternatively, you can also continue without a specialisation, and choose more broadly from all of the electives to tailor your program to your career goals and interests.

    Still not sure? Our Student Enrolment Advisors are here to help determine the right program for you. Get in touch or download a program guide.

    Can I declare or change my specialisation after I have started study?

    Yes, if you are an existing student, you can use the Stream Declaration service on myUNSW (sign-on required) to view your current stream, declare your stream or change your stream. We recommend doing this as soon as possible to avoid having to complete additional study.

    For new students, you can select your specialisation during the application process.

    If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your Student Success Advisor to guide you through the process.

    What is the average salary for Human Resource Management professionals?

    According to Labour Market Insights, median full-time earnings for HR managers in Australia is $2,445 per week, which is significantly higher than the all-jobs median of $1,593. As of February 2023, Seek.com.au lists the expected average salary range for HR managers between $115,000 and $135,000.

    Are courses updated to align with contemporary HR requirements?

    Yes, our HRM program suite has been designed by industry and subject-matter experts to ensure students become equipped with future-proof skills, founded in principles of analytics, leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion, which are highly sought after in the contemporary business world.

    What jobs can I apply for once I finish the online Master of Human Resource Management at UNSW?

    The online Master of Human Resource Management will provide you with critical skills in HR strategy and analytics to align people-focused strategy with business objectives applicable to any organisation, regardless of industry. Job roles can include:

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
  • Director of People and Culture
  • Executive Director of HR
  • Employee Experience Manager
  • Employment Relations Manager
  • Human Resource Analyst
  • Human Resource Advisor
  • Leadership and Engagement Manager
  • Organisational Change Specialist
  • People and Culture Consultant
  • Workplace Relations Manager.