Master of Human Resource Management
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Human Resource Management will equip you with the core capabilities required to lead people effectively in a rapidly changing business environment.
You’ll become adept at using HR systems and learn how to drive successful future business strategies that embrace the radical, emerging shifts in the way we work.
Building a team with the right people is critical to the success of any business. This program is co-created with industry partner Medibank, so in addition to academic learning and grounding in legal and regulatory frameworks, you’ll develop practical skills, be inspired by industry-relevant insights and deepen your industry knowledge. You’ll learn from practicing professionals, including site visits and discussions with managers of specialist HR areas.
Choose from a wide range of AGSE electives or complete a related business specialisation such as business analytics, international business, project management, supply chain innovation, or research.
The Master of Human Resource Management is professionally accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).
Depending on prior learning and experience, you may complete the Master in one year, 18 months or two years.
Stop saying next year. Start in Semester 2.
Applications to begin midyear are now open. Are you ready to stop feeling undervalued? To stop pretending to be happy? To stop dreaming small? Apply now
Duration
1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time (dependent on prior qualifications and experience)
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Professionally accredited by


Course industry partners include


I'm 61, most of my fellow students are a similar age to my children. That has not prevented us from taking our different perspectives and moulding them together to come up with even better solution than we would have if we had done the work with those our same age. That age diversity is a definite strength and an opportunity that companies could leverage. The so-called ‘generation gap’ is not insurmountable.
Andrew
Master of Human Resource Management

Swinburne partners with Siemens and Medibank to produce career-ready HR professionals
Swinburne has launched a refreshed postgraduate courses in human resources (HR) management as the demand for HR professionals skilled in organisational change management increases. The course will have a strong focus on collaborating with industry to co-design and co-deliver new units and initiatives.
Director of the Master of HRM, Professor Anne Bardoel, says the updated course will address gaps in HR education as emerging technologies such as big data change the way organisations operate.
Master of Human Resource Management
Find out from the people who co-created the Master of Human Resource Management how it is both industry relevant and academically sound.
Discover how vital HR roles are in times of uncertainty; how this course aims to prepare you for leadership roles, and the broad number of opportunities available in the HR field.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Human Resource Management is designed for high-performing students who are looking to build skills as a human resource manager. The course covers a range of topics relating to aspects of human resource management and the development of core capabilities required to lead people effectively in a rapidly changing business environment. The course design also allows the choice of electives to complete a related business specialisation such as marketing, project management or supply chain innovation.
- Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management
- Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management (GD-HRM) ^
- Master of Human Resource Management (MA-HRM1)
^ Students must complete 6 core units and 2 elective units to be eligible for the Graduate Diploma.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Human Resource Management students must complete 16 (or equivalent) units (200 credit points) comprising:
- 4 foundation units (50 credit points)
- 8 core units (100 credit points)
- 4 units comprising one specialisation or 4 elective units (50 credit points)
Students with a previous relevant qualification from a recognised institution and/or relevant work experience may be eligible for exemptions from the foundation units or core units. If found eligible, students may be able to complete a total of 100cps (8 units) or 150cps (12 units). Please refer to the course entry requirements for more information. Exemptions for the core units will only be evaluated and awarded at the discretion of the Course Director and Post Graduate Director.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Human Resource Management is 100 credit points (normally 8 units). The exception to this rule is for students entering with a Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management who may be granted up to 125 credit points of advanced standing (normally ten units).
Units of study
Want to know more about the units that make up your course, how many units you need to complete, our recommended study sequence, and what your timetable looks like this year? Check out our Course Planner and get enrolled.
HRM60018 Human Resource Fundamentals
Students must complete ACC60008 as core and select any three from the remaining list of units.
Students to complete ENT60009 as core and select any three from the remaining list of units.
Students must complete FIN60006 as core and select any three from the remaining list of units.
FIN60006 Frontiers in FinTech
Students to complete INF70005 as core and select any three from the remaining list of units.
Students must complete any four units from the list below.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply coherent and advanced knowledge of human resource management concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking.
- apply problem solving, design and decision making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
- communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a team
- demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and a deep awareness of professional practices in a global and sustainable context
- apply human resource management fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a business model using appropriate human resource management methods and tools, applied in a variety of contexts
- reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and self-management processes, and manage their own time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing performance as a means of managing continuing professional development and lifelong learning
- apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with some independence.

Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.

AACSB Accreditation
Swinburne business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. The alumni of AACSB accredited business schools are among the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs impacting business, government, and non-profit sectors. Only five per cent of business schools worldwide are AACSB accredited.

HR Professional Recognition
The Master of HRM has met the criteria for course accreditation and is currently accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI).
Accreditation is reviewed every three years by the AHRI National Accreditation Committee.
Students applying for this course can be assured that the quality of core units map onto the AHRI Model of Excellence for HR Practitioners and Academics, a recognised benchmark of HR best practice and standards.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
- completed a bachelor degree (or higher award) in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent OR
- completed the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (available to International applicants only)
- the Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management; or
- an honours bachelor degree in a related discipline
- a bachelor degree in a related discipline; or
- a graduate certificate in a related discipline; or
- a bachelor degree (or higher award) in any discipline and have two years relevant work experience* or
- the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (available to International applicants only) PLUS either previous related discipline Higher Education Study, OR a minimum of two years relevant work experience*