Swinburne University of Technology
Master of Human Resource Management
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop advanced human resource management capabilities across people development, workplace diversity, organisational change, workforce analytics and strategic HR management.
Course overview
The Master of Human Resource Management develops the knowledge and capabilities to lead people effectively in rapidly changing business environments. Students build advanced skills across human resource strategy, workforce management, organisational change and contemporary workplace practices.
The course combines human resource management theory with applied learning across areas including employee relations, workplace diversity and inclusion, strategic workforce analytics, change management and HR consultancy. It is co-designed and delivered with industry partners, helping students develop experience with contemporary workplace challenges.
Students complete 16 units totalling 200 credit points, comprising four foundation units, eight core units and four units forming either a specialisation or elective component. Students can tailor the degree through an approved specialisation or four elective units.
The standard course duration is two years full time or equivalent part time at Hawthorn. Eligible applicants with specified previous qualifications or relevant professional experience may receive advanced standing and complete the course through a shorter formal pathway.
Key facts
What will you study
To qualify for the award of Master of Human Resource Management, students must complete 16 (or equivalent) units (200 credit points) comprising:
- Four foundation units (50 credit points)
- Eight core units (100 credit points)
- Four units comprising one specialisation or four elective units (50 credit points)
Complete the following foundation units:
- Behaviour in Organisations
- Management Analysis and Problem Solving
- Business Sustainability and Social Impact
- Future Management Skills
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
Completed a bachelor's 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).
Applicants who have additional qualifications are eligible to enter the program with Advanced Standing and may be able to complete the program in less than two years.
One-year duration (full-time, or equivalent part-time)
Applicants who have completed one of the following may be able to complete the program in one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study):
- The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management.
- An honours bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
1.5-year duration (full-time, or equivalent part-time)
Applicants who have completed one of the following may be able to complete the program in one and a half years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study):
- A bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
- A graduate certificate in a related discipline.
- A bachelor's degree (or higher award) in any discipline and two years of relevant work experience*.
- The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (available to international applicants only), plus either a previous related discipline, Higher Education Study or a minimum of two years of relevant work 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 must submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration and 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.
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
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- 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 and 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.
Career outcomes
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in today’s complex and changing business environment. The examples below demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Human resources
- People development
- Change management
- Diversity and inclusion
- Talent management
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly fee in 2026: $35,020 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated total fee in 2026: $70,040 (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.