Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations

What you will study

To qualify for the award, a candidate must complete 60 credit points (CP), comprising:

• 24 CP in foundation and advanced core units of study.
• A six CP capstone (core) unit of study.
• 30 CP in elective units of study.

Each unit is valued at six CP.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for admission, an applicant is required to have one of the following:

• An Australian bachelor's degree with honours or higher in any discipline with a credit average (65 per cent) or equivalent qualification.
• An Australian bachelor's degree or higher in a related discipline with a credit average (65 per cent) or equivalent qualification.
• An Australian bachelor's degree in an unrelated discipline with a credit average (65 per cent) or equivalent qualification, and relevant professional work experience (typically two years).
• Any of the above combinations of qualifications and/or experience with less than a credit average (minimum 50 per cent required) and satisfactory performance in the GMAT (for guidance, the class average score is 630) or GMAT Focus Edition (for guidance, the class average score is 585) or equivalent Business School approved admissions test.
• The University of Sydney Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations with a credit average (65 per cent).

English language requirements

You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.

If English is your first language you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:

• Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum 10 years).
• Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the university in an approved English-speaking country.

If English is not your first language you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.

• IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
• TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band.

The university may also consider factors such as previous studies in English. Contact them for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning may reduce the number of units required, and thereby the duration of the degree.

• Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus two years of related professional work experience.
• Reduction: Up to 12 CP.
• Potential course duration with reduction: One year (48 CP).
• Units recognized:
  • WORK5002: Foundations of HRM and IR.
  • And/or one elective unit.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

There are many employment opportunities for graduates from courses for HR, including:

• Human resource manager
• Workplace relations manager
• Diversity consultant
• Policy analyst
• Organisation change and development specialist
• Industrial relations advisor
• People and culture manager
• Industrial relations advocate

Learning outcomes

• Apply a breadth and depth of theoretical frameworks to guide decision-making in human resource management and industrial relations practice (HRM&IR) and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of applying this knowledge in diverse contexts.
• Analyse and critically evaluate the different frameworks, theories and concepts to assess and generate solutions in HRM&IR, while recognising the complex factors that shape them.
• Use a range of communication strategies, including both professional oral and written communication, that are adaptable to the contexts of HRM&IR.
• Locate, interpret and synthesise data to make informed HRM&IR decisions.
• Generate novel solutions, ideas, insights and/or processes to address complex, HRM&IR issues.
• Work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, including the demonstration of cultural competence, influence, teamwork and leadership skills.
• Integrate disciplinary perspectives in problem solving and recognise implications for HRM&IR.
• Display a professional identity as a strategic, confident, knowledgeable, and ethically and socially aware practitioner.
• Persuasively engage with diverse perspectives, display self-awareness and lead with confidence and responsibility.

Fees and CSP

Indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fee in 2025: $16,992 (CSP paying place)

Indicative first year fee in 2025: $39,100 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course.

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.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.