Master of Business Administration specialising in Human Resource Management

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
March, June, August
Duration icon
Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
MABUA
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
$54,900
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 7 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS code icon
CRICOS code
115899G
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved both of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil 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.

Undergraduate or higher qualifications

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

Professional experience

  • A minimum of 3 years of full-time (or equivalent) professional experience.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

  • IELTS Overall 7
  • IELTS Reading 6
  • IELTS Listening 6
  • IELTS Speaking 6
  • IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications
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Note:

To speak with our expert team and have your questions answered, contact us to book a personalised 1:1 appointment.

Why Master of Business Administration?

Interested in developing your business acumen, HR expertise and leadership skills? Our Master of Business Administration specialising in Human Resource Management is a dynamic and industry-connected degree designed to advance your career.

You will learn how to be a global business leader, ready to adapt to an ever-changing business landscape. You’ll graduate ready for disruptions in technology, digitalisation, and sustainability – areas predicted to drive employment in the next five years (World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, 2023).

Your specialisation in Human Resource Management will give you the expertise to shape company culture. Explore topics on leading change, employment relations, and building workforce capabilities. You’ll make invaluable industry connections with experienced professionals and industry executives.

Tailor your Master of Business Administration (MBA) to suit your needs. Choose to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course as part of your MBA, preparing you to think and act as a global business leader.

program overview

Overview

Ready to elevate your career in management, leadership and human resources? If you’re motivated to drive solutions, lead innovative teams and deliver exceptional results in the context of disruptive change and global uncertainty, Adelaide University’s MBA is for you.

Your specialisation in Human Resource Management will teach you to manage global teams by deepening your problem-solving, leadership and people management skills. In 1.5 years, you’ll have the expertise to drive business success through effective human resource initiatives. The dynamic nature of this degree will also equip you to work in various business development roles.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s MBA specialising in Human Resource Management comprises of seven core courses (including a capstone), three specialisation courses and two electives.

You’ll learn about leadership, inclusivity, value creation, sustainability, strategy and ethics. You’ll also study topics specific to your major in human resource management including leading change, employment relations and workforce capabilities.

Our MBA is designed to interact closely with industry. You’ll complete industry mentorships, hear from guest speakers and work on real business case studies. There will also be opportunities to tailor your studies to suit your needs. Choose to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors course as part of your MBA.

Specialisations  

Did you know that you can also choose an MBA with a specialisation in one of the following:

You can also complete a flexible general MBA with no specialisation.  

What courses you'll study

Complete 72 units for either of the following:

  • All of the following:
  • 42 units for all Core courses, and
  • 6 to 30 units for Electives, or
  • All of the following:
  • 42 units for all Core courses, and
  • 18 to 24 units for all Specialisations, and
  • 6 to 30 units for Electives

Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
Course code
BAFI5006
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
Course code
BUSI5007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Strategy
Course code
BUSI5010
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
Course code
BUSI5018
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
Course code
BUSI6066
Units
6
course icon
Course name
People
Course code
HRES5010
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Value: Marketing
Course code
MARK5002
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
People
Course code
HRES5010
Units
6
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
Course code
BAFI5006
Units
6
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
Course code
BUSI5018
Units
6
Course name
Value: Marketing
Course code
MARK5002
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
Course code
BUSI5007
Units
6
Course name
Strategy
Course code
BUSI5010
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
Course code
BUSI6066
Units
6
Course name
Leading Change
Course code
HRES2003
Units
6
Course name
Employment Relations
Course code
HRES2005
Units
6
Course name
Workforce Capabilities
Course code
HRES2006
Units
6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Leading Change
Course code
HRES2003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Employment Relations
Course code
HRES2005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Workforce Capabilities
Course code
HRES2006
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
People
Course code
HRES5010
Units
6
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
Course code
BAFI5006
Units
6
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
Course code
BUSI5018
Units
6
Course name
Value: Marketing
Course code
MARK5002
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
Course code
BUSI5007
Units
6
Course name
Strategy
Course code
BUSI5010
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
Course code
BUSI6066
Units
6
Course name
Leading Change
Course code
HRES2003
Units
6
Course name
Employment Relations
Course code
HRES2005
Units
6
Course name
Workforce Capabilities
Course code
HRES2006
Units
6

Complete 6 to 30 units comprising:

  • 6 to 30 units from Program electives

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Finance
Course code
BAFI5002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Business and Climate Change
Course code
BUSI5008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Strategic Value Chains
Course code
BUSI5009
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Course code
BUSI5011
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Course code
BUSI5034
Units
6
course icon
Course name
AICD Company Directors Course
Course code
BUSI6008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Organisational Dynamics
Course code
BUSI6054
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Applied Behavioural Economics
Course code
ECON5031
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
People
Course code
HRES5010
Units
6
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
Course code
BAFI5006
Units
6
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
Course code
BUSI5018
Units
6
Course name
Value: Marketing
Course code
MARK5002
Units
6
Semester 2
Course name
Leadership: Self and Others
Course code
BUSI5007
Units
6
Course name
Strategy
Course code
BUSI5010
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Course name
Course code
-
Units
6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name
Strategic Industry Project
Course code
BUSI6066
Units
6
Course name
Leading Change
Course code
HRES2003
Units
6
Course name
Employment Relations
Course code
HRES2005
Units
6
Course name
Workforce Capabilities
Course code
HRES2006
Units
6

Ready to apply?

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Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

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Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

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Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

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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