In partnership with the Australian Financial Review
University of New South Wales
Strengthen your ability to develop leaders, evaluate organisational culture and implement people-focused initiatives that support workforce capability, engagement and organisational change.
The Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development) at UNSW is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen leadership capability, organisational culture and workforce development.
Build foundational knowledge in HR strategy, people management, workplace policy and employment law while developing focused capabilities in leadership and organisational development. The specialisation explores leadership approaches, organisational culture, professional development, performance management, succession planning and the implementation of workplace change.
The 12-course program combines four compulsory HR courses, two compulsory specialisation courses and six electives. Electives allow you to explore related areas including change management, employee wellbeing, talent management, diversity and inclusion, HR analytics and performance. You may also follow an approved structure leading to a second specialisation.
Delivered fully online and part time, the program can be completed in two years. The Master of Human Resource Management is accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI). Career directions may include leadership development, organisational development, organisational change, employee experience, workplace culture, learning and development and HR management.
"I really enjoyed the course content. It was comprehensive, practical and interesting. My focus was to further learn in leadership and apply it in my career and business."
UNSW Online student (Leadership Development)
"Our suite of Human Resource Management programs at UNSW are designed to empower, inspire and equip aspiring HR leaders with the necessary insights to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
With specialisations in HR Analytics, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Leadership and Organisational Development, students will gain deepened expertise in people-centric strategy to complement organisational objectives. By delving into these integral areas of contemporary HR, students will gain an industry-relevant toolkit to transform their careers and contribute significantly to their organisation."
Dr Helen Parker, Academic Lead for Human Resource Management Programs
To earn the Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development), you must successfully complete units totalling 72 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 6 credit points.
Compulsory specialisation units
Academic requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development), you must have a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average (65 per cent or higher) as determined by the UNSW entry calculator.
Entry via nested qualification
For those who do not qualify for direct entry into the master’s program, articulation pathways exist from the graduate certificate programs in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Analytics, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Leadership & Organisational Development, if the student completes these programs with a minimum WAM of 65.
You can also complete up to two eligible graduate certificates which can be stacked towards your Master of Human Resource Management degree. Stacking two graduate certificates will allow you to graduate with the master's degree by completing a further four courses.
English language requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on your educational background and citizenship. UNSW requires a minimum level of English language competency for enrolment. English language skills are essential for webinar comprehension and the completion of coursework, assignments and examinations.
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you will be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you have completed a degree with a major or specialisation in Human Resources within the past 10 years, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to four courses or 24 credit points. Eligible completed Graduate Certificates may provide up to eight courses or 48 credit points of specific credit, subject to the published WAM and recency requirements.
Contact the university for more details.
Career outcomes
The Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development) will provide you with specialist skills in leadership, HR strategy and change management to successfully lead organisations and employees through challenges and times of change. Potential roles:
Indicative total fee in 2026: $62,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
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 program.
