Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study is primarily delivered on campus
On Campus
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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
1 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
GDHRM
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
$36,000
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Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
N/A
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
N/A
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR

A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR

A completed Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or higher in a related field from a registered training organisation (RTO).

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Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management?

Learn to prioritise people for business success. 

Human resource managers understand that organisational success is connected to the wellbeing and productivity of employees. They ensure that businesses value and invest in their people. 

In today’s business world, companies that prioritise their people achieve higher customer satisfaction and lower employee turnover (Forbes, 2023). These businesses significantly outperform their competitors in productivity and profitability (McKinsey & Company, 2024).  

As a human resource manager, you’ll drive innovation, nurture talent, and support business goals for long-term success. Empower individuals to reach their full potential. Create people-centred workplaces where individuals can excel. 

Pursue a meaningful career helping businesses invest in their greatest asset – their people. 

program overview

Overview

Become a strategic human resources leader with our one-year Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. 

Learn how to attract, engage, and retain employees. Become a strategic and confident communicator equipped to respond to staff challenges. Apply the financial literacy and analytical skills essential for strategic decision-making. Study entrepreneurial thinking and the skills to foster innovation and resiliency. Acquire an understanding of marketing principles – including employee engagement, company branding, and internal communications.  

Deepen your knowledge of strategic HR management, talent acquisition, employee development, and retention. Understand workforce planning and the digital platforms used in people analytics. Learn how to leverage data to become a strategic, data-driven decision maker. Engage in an elective to deepen your knowledge in an area of interest.  

As a human resources manager, you’ll be equipped to shape company culture, drive change and help organisations stay competitive.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management equips you to lead and manage people while driving organisational success. 

Discover emerging HRM concepts, theories and principles, and explore the strategies to attract, engage, and retain talent. Understand how marketing relates to employee engagement, company branding, and internal communications. Learn to make informed decisions and justify expenditures in accounting principles. Explore how to align HR strategies with organisational goals, and the impact of HR strategies on the bottom line. Find out how entrepreneurial thinking equips HR professionals with innovative, strategic, and adaptive approaches.

You'll also explore how talent acquisition and development are central components of human resource management (HRM), understanding how organisations attract, hire, retain, and nurture talent to meet business goals. Gain an understanding of managing employee performance using human resource management (HRM) systems and digital tools. Study people analytics, including how to leverage data insights, analytics tools, and statistical models. Gain actionable insights to improve workforce decision-making, employee engagement, and organisational performance. 

You’ll study topics on: 

  • Marketing 
  • People, leadership, and organisational performance 
  • Accounting principles for decision makers 
  • Entrepreneurial thinking 
  • Talent acquisition and development 
  • Managing employee performance and rewards 
  • People analytics.

Design a study path that works for you

This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification. 

You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree. 

What courses you'll study

Complete 48 units comprising:

  • 42 units for Core courses, and
  • 6 units for Electives

Complete 42 units comprising:

  • 42 units for all Program core

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Course code
BUSI5014
Units
6
course icon
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
Course code
HRES5002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Marketing
Course code
MARK5000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
Course code
ACCT5007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
People Analytics
Course code
HRES5005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Talent Acquisition and Development
Course code
HRES5003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
Course code
HRES5004
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Course code
BUSI5014
Units
6
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
Course code
HRES5002
Units
6
Course name
Marketing
Course code
MARK5000
Units
6
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
Course code
ACCT5007
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
People Analytics
Course code
HRES5005
Units
6
Course name
Talent Acquisition and Development
Course code
HRES5003
Units
6
Course name
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
Course code
HRES5004
Units
6
Course name
Elective 1
Course code
AUXX1011
Units
6

Complete 6 units comprising:

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Course code
BUSI5014
Units
6
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
Course code
HRES5002
Units
6
Course name
Marketing
Course code
MARK5000
Units
6
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
Course code
ACCT5007
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
People Analytics
Course code
HRES5005
Units
6
Course name
Talent Acquisition and Development
Course code
HRES5003
Units
6
Course name
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
Course code
HRES5004
Units
6
Course name
Elective 1
Course code
AUXX1011
Units
6

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

  • Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
  • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
  • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
  • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
  • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
  • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
  • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
  • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
  • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
  • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

  • February for Semester 1  
  • July for Semester 2. 

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources. 

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. 

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more. 

Student services 

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including: 

  • Career advice and mentoring services 
  • Personal counselling 
  • LGBTQIA+ support 
  • Academic support 
  • Fees and finance help 
  • Security services 
  • Accommodation services 
  • Common rooms 
  • Prayer rooms. 

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more. 

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces. 

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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