Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Business Administration specialising in Human Resource Management

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

1.5 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

MABUA

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$52,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 6.5 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115899G

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved both of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfill any essential criteria for admission:

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

AND

Professional experience

A minimum of 3 years of full-time equivalent professional experience.

Essential requirement

Interview with program team or program director.

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 7.0
IELTS Reading 6.5
IELTS Writing 7.0

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

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia - GPA 7.0 Scale	N/A

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 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 an industry project or the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course in your final year.

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.

Key features

Learn from industry executives and leading scholars in human resource management.
Work on real company case studies, hear from guest speakers and experience industry and alumni mentorships.
Study and network with a cohort of diverse professionals.
Complete an industry project to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course as part of your studies.
Graduate with expert knowledge in human resource management.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s MBA specialising in Human Resource Management comprises of seven core courses (including a capstone) and five 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 the AICD Company Directors course or complete an industry project in your final year.

This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study.

Specialisations

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

Sustainable Futures
Marketing
Finance.

You can also complete flexible general MBA with no specialisation.

What courses you'll study

Complete 72 units comprising:

36 units for all Core courses, and
12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 units from Electives, and
Either:
18 units from Discipline courses, or
18 units for one Major from Major

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Metrics: Finance and Accounting	Course code BAFI5006	Units 6
Course name Leadership: Self + Others	Course code BUSI5007	Units 6
Course name Strategy	Course code BUSI5010	Units 6
Course name Business Sustainability and Ethics	Course code BUSI6002	Units 6
Course name People	Course code HRES5010	Units 6
Course name Value: Marketing	Course code MARK5002	Units 6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
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 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Capstone AICD	Course code BUSI6008	Units 6
	Course name Industry Project	Course code BUSI6802	Units 6

Complete exactly 6 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Intermediate Financial Reporting	Course code BAFI5001	Units 6
Course name Business and Climate Change	Course code BUSI5008	Units 6
Course name Strategic Value Chains	Course code BUSI5009	Units 6
Course name Negotiation and Conflict Resolution	Course code BUSI5011	Units 6
Course name Entrepreneurship and Innovation	Course code BUSI5034	Units 6
Course name Organisational Behaviour	Course code HRES5000	Units 6
Course name Behavioural Economics M	Course code PSYC1006	Units 6

Career outcomes

As an MBA graduate specialising in Human Resource Management, you could work in various roles and industries. You might discover and onboard top-tier talent for a global company. You could work as a development consultant, helping improve company performance. Perhaps your focus will be championing employee growth and wellbeing.

Some career paths you could pursue include:

Talent acquisition specialist
HR business partner
Employee relations manager
Learning and development coordinator
Compensation and benefits analyst
Training and development manager
Diversity and inclusion officer
CEO
Board director
Entrepreneur.

Our MBA will also equip you to pursue a diverse range of careers in senior business leadership.

Industry trends

In the next five years, the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report anticipated a boom in jobs for professionals who can adapt to demands in technology and sustainability. Our MBA will give you this future-focused skillset, allowing you to confidently lead teams through times of change.

How to apply

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.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

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

How to apply

Complete and send your application

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

Apply now

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.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

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, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat 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 (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights 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 our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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: