Deakin University
Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for managing human resources and employment relations. Graduate prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
Course overview
Certificate of Human Resource Management. Whether you’re already in the industry or looking to diversify your professional skill set, this course offers an opportunity to explore theory and practice fundamentals.
Develop an understanding of strategic human resource management theories and models and how they can be applied in organisations to enhance performance. Learn how strategically using people resources and HR practices can drive an organisation’s strategic direction.
You will build your understanding of strategic staffing, including the staffing context, planning, recruitment, selection and retention management. You will also gain a thorough understanding of workplace relations within an Australian and international context and examine how employment relationships are managed within a framework of change.
Hone your critical thinking skills while analysing human resource management's role in building workforce capability and managing the rewards and performance of individuals and groups in organisations.
This course is a pathway into the Master of Human Resource Management.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Resources, students must attain a total of four credit points of core units plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module.
Core units
- Human Resource Strategy
- Strategic Staffing
- Workforce Capability
- Workplace Relations
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to the minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline with at least three years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
- At least five years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
English language requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).
Recognition of Prior Learning
The university aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the course's standard entrance requirements and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is greater. For certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to Deakin's Recognition of Prior Learning system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate after their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured that your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a contemporary body of knowledge in human resource management.
- Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of human resource management.
- Use appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories in human resource management.
- Analyse critically, evaluate and express sound judgement, ideas and reflection on various management issues.
- Apply problem-solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve complex human resource issues in the workplace.
- Operate successfully as an independent learner in an online learning environment.
- Apply teamwork skills in addressing human resource issues in the contemporary workplace.
- Identify and respond to authentic ethical and cultural issues faced by HR professionals in organisations.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management will provide you with skills and knowledge for a career in human resources and industry.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $17,100 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four credit points (normally four units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.