Study Human Resource Management

The Master of Human Resource Management teaches students the skills and knowledge to manage people within an organisation to be efficient and effective in their approach to work, which is fundamental to all business activity. This program empowers students to apply their knowledge within complex organisational environments to develop and lead high-performing teams and workforces.

If you’re looking to advance your career in human resource management (HRM), employment relations (ER) or consulting, this program is for you. You will develop a deep knowledge of people management and how to strategically manage a workforce, while learning to deal effectively with workplace conflict and other organisational challenges.

With HR skills ranking among the most important areas of skill shortage for Australian businesses, now is the time to gain or renew your HR skills and take your career forward.

Why study with us?

  • Become an HR professional - you’ll graduate with high-level human resource management skills, positioning you at the forefront of an exciting and in-demand profession.
  • Study anywhere, anytime - enjoy our flexible learning options, choose from online, face-to-face or a combination of both.
  • Study at NUspace - NUspace, located in Newcastle’s CBD, provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for you to excel in your studies.
  • AHRI Accreditation - this program has been accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), Australia’s professional HR body.
  • AACSB and EQUIS Accreditation - the University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Business School is in the top 3 business schools in NSW, accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

Take the first step with a Grad Cert in Human Resource Management

Learn more

19,300 extra ? Human Resources Managers needed by 2026
$2445 median weekly income ? for Human Resource Managers before tax
16.3% projected growth ? for Human Resource Managers by 2026
94.4% employed ? within four months of graduating

What you will study

The Master of Human Resource Management is delivered by a highly qualified, award-winning teaching faculty, willing to leverage their strong relationships with state and federal government for the benefit of your student experience; supported by the Professor of Employment Studies.

You will use problem-based learning and other active learning techniques to build skills in research, critical thinking and problem-solving, and develop your confidence and capability to apply your knowledge in the professional environment.

The Master of Human Resource Management comprises of 12 courses (120 units) which includes eight compulsory core courses and four directed elective courses. The core courses have been devised to focus on your advanced learning in the knowledge and practice areas of human resource management, including:

  • human resource management and strategy
  • human resource and organisation development
  • managing people in international contexts
  • employment relations
  • negotiation and conflict resolution

In addition to the theoretical studies you will engage in practical, real-world exercises and assessments, drawn from a range of sectors and industries.

Entry options and duration

Professional credit

Do you have qualifications or experience beyond the minimum entry requirements for a Masters degree? If so, you may be able to complete your degree in reduced time and at reduced cost. Select from the options below to have your professional qualifications and/or work experience considered.

Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units20 units specified credit for each of GSBS6004 and GSBS6040 PLUS 20 units additional specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units40 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 40 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units40 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 40 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
100 units20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units20 units specified credit for GSBS6004 and GSBS6040 PLUS 20 units additional specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
100 units20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units40 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 40 units unspecified credit
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
120 unitsNormal credit procedure, that is, RPL may be sought for individual courses
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
100 units20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit
Number of years relevant organisational experienceUnits required to complete Master degreeCredit
Seven years (including at least two years in a management position)120 unitsNormal credit procedure, that is, RPL may be sought for individual courses
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units40 units unspecified credit (NOTE: can apply for up to 60 units of which 20 units must be specified, with evidence)
2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Human Resource Management might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

At the completion of your Master of Human Resource Management, you will be positioned as a leader in the field and will have the credentials to show you have the distinct HR competencies that many companies need. You will be able to apply relevant, rigorous human resource management and employee relations theory to a variety of workforce situations. You will be ready to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to address complex individual, group and organisational challenges.

Our graduates go on to great careers in local, national, and multinational organisations.

You will graduate with skills suited to diverse professional roles, including:

  • Human Resource Advisor or Manager
  • Human Resources Generalist
  • Learning and Development / Training and Development Advisor or Manager
  • Organisation Development or Effectiveness Manager
  • Employment Relations or Industrial Relations Manager
  • Human Resources Director
  • Senior Union Official or Senior Employer Association Advisor
  • Policy Advisor to government organisations
  • People and Culture Manager
  • Change Manager

Professional recognition

The Master of Human Resource Management is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

The University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Business School is in the top 3 business schools in NSW, accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

Application info

Applying for Master of Human Resource Management

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study in Australia

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study online

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Entry into the Master of Human Resource Management will be available for applicants who have:

  • Bachelor (Honours) Degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification; or
  • Bachelor Degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a related field such as accounting, business, commerce, economics, finance, human resource management, industrial relations, management, marketing or social science; or
  • Bachelor Degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, not in a related field and 1 year relevant organisational experience; or
  • At least 7 years' relevant organisational experience, including 2 years in a management position; or
  • Successful completion of 75% (30 units) of one of the following University of Newcastle programs:
    • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
    • Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance
    • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
    • Graduate Certificate in Marketing
    • Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates

Assocation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The Newcastle Business School is accredited with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), earned by fewer than 5% of the world's business programs. AACSB is the premier, and longest-standing, international accrediting body for business programs and is the international benchmark for excellence in business education.

EQUIS accredited

The Newcastle Business School is EQUIS accredited. The EQUIS accreditation measures our performance against rigorous international standards which validates the high quality and professional relevance of our education programs and research.