Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Build human resource management skills across employee relations, workplace diversity and inclusion while developing the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving capabilities used in HR practice.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management develops foundational postgraduate knowledge for people seeking to build their capabilities in human resource management. The course examines the role HR plays within organisations and the management of contemporary workforce issues.
Study covers human resource fundamentals, employee relations and workplace diversity and inclusion alongside opportunity discovery, creativity and design. Students develop skills in applying HR concepts, communicating effectively and using critical thinking and problem-solving in relation to HR activities.
Students complete four compulsory units worth 12.5 credit points each, totalling 50 credit points. There are no electives or specialisations within the Graduate Certificate. The qualification also forms the first stage of Swinburne's nested Master of Human Resource Management.
The course can be completed in six months full time or equivalent part time at Hawthorn. It is professionally accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). Swinburne identifies potential roles including HR assistant, HR officer, recruiter, training and development coordinator, HR specialist and HR generalist.
Key facts
2nd August, 2027
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management, you must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units of study.
- Opportunity Discovery, Creativity and Design
- Employee Relations
- Human Resource Fundamentals
- Managing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or higher award) in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
- A recognised bachelor's degree (or higher award) in any discipline, plus a minimum of two years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience*.
- A minimum of three years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
Relevant professional/managerial experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Faculty PVC (or delegate) with reference to faculty-determined guiding principles. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration, as well as evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant experience is used for the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted on that basis.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
- Swinburne EAP 5 Advanced overall 70%, with all skills 65% or above.
- Or equivalent measures.
These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Apply coherent and developed 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 reference to established frameworks.
- Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences and function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team.
- Demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, accountability and respect, as well as develop an awareness of professional practices and cultural norms in a global and sustainable context.
Career outcomes
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in a today’s complex and changing business environment. The examples below demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Human resources assistant
- Human resources officer
- Recruiter
- Training and development coordinator
- HR specialist
- HR generalist
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $17,510 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Student fees 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.