Help businesses invest in their greatest resource.
No matter the sector, top companies have one thing in common: they genuinely value and invest in their people.
In fact, companies that score highly on employee experience grow profits up to three times faster, report higher rates of customer satisfaction and lower employee turnover than their competitors (Forbes, 2023).
As businesses face rising costs, technological advancements, and shifting consumer and employee expectations, the need to achieve more with less has never been greater. In this complex landscape, skilled human resource managers are essential. Build a career that helps organisations thrive without sacrificing their greatest asset – their people.
Take your career to the next level with our Master of Human Resource Management.
Explore topics on industrial relations, talent acquisition and development, strategic human resource management and more. Make invaluable industry connections with experienced human resource professionals and industry executives. Sharpen your problem-solving, leadership, people management and strategic thinking skills.
Take courses examining global perspectives in professional HR practice. Critically review real company case studies and develop actionable, innovative, ethical and sustainable solutions to common challenges. You’ll also develop high-level technical skills in using HRM systems and advanced understanding of how to leverage digital technology to solve complex management problems.
Electives allow you to dive deeper into the areas that interest you. A major industry-based project helps you translate theory and research into practice.
Emerge with the advanced expertise to shape company culture, drive change and help organisations stay competitive in an increasingly complex business environment.
Learn from industry experts and leading scholars in human resource management.Gain advanced understanding of complex human resource management (HRM) systems and digital tools.Develop expertise in core areas such as people analytics, strategic thinking, leadership and performance.Critically examine HRM approaches in global and cross-cultural contexts and work on real company case studies.Undertake an elective aligned to your interests and career goals.Complete an industry-based project.In the Master of Human Resource Management, you will complete a range of advanced courses that extend your knowledge and skills in best practice and emerging human resource management concepts, theories, principles and methods.
Alongside specialised human resources courses, you’ll also complete courses covering key business and leadership knowledge. You’ll study topics including:
Throughout your degree, you’ll have the chance to explore areas of interest through a wide range of electives.
In your final year, you’ll complete a major industry-based project.
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.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
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
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Managing the Global Workforce
|
Course code
HRES5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Employment Law
|
Course code
HRES5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Negotiation
|
Course code
BUSI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Management of Human Resources
|
Course code
HRES6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Industrial Relations
|
Course code
HRES6002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Applied Challenge
|
Course code
BUSI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Management of Human Resources
|
Course code
HRES6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Learning
|
Course code
HRES6900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Managing the Global Workforce
|
Course code
HRES5007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Industrial Relations
|
Course code
HRES6002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Negotiation
|
Course code
BUSI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Employment Law
|
Course code
HRES5013
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Applied Challenge
|
Course code
BUSI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Integrated Learning
|
Course code
HRES6900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Applied Challenge
|
Course code
BUSI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Management of Human Resources
|
Course code
HRES6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Learning
|
Course code
HRES6900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Managing the Global Workforce
|
Course code
HRES5007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Industrial Relations
|
Course code
HRES6002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Negotiation
|
Course code
BUSI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Employment Law
|
Course code
HRES5013
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
People Analytics
|
Course code
HRES5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Applied Challenge
|
Course code
BUSI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Management of Human Resources
|
Course code
HRES6000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Learning
|
Course code
HRES6900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Managing the Global Workforce
|
Course code
HRES5007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australian Industrial Relations
|
Course code
HRES6002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Negotiation
|
Course code
BUSI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Employment Law
|
Course code
HRES5013
|
Units
6
|
As a graduate of the Master of Human Resources Management at Adelaide University, you’ll emerge equipped to be a leader and decision-maker – ready to operate at the senior levels in any organisation.
You might take up a role as chief HR officer, working with senior management teams to create competitive remuneration strategies or acting as an advisor for complex industrial relations matters. Maybe you’ll work in change management, facilitating a smooth transition through the organisational change process. Perhaps you’ll become a consultant, supporting organisations to design and implement policy and processes to champion employee growth and wellbeing.
Some other career paths you could pursue include:
As the world continues to navigate unprecedented challenges and economic turbulence, organisations from all sectors are struggling to adapt their processes, policies and practices. How businesses respond will determine their status as an employer of choice and subsequently their ability to attract and retain top talent. Senior human resource professionals will be essential in helping organisations navigate this complexity and remain competitive in an environment where change is fast-moving and constant.
The World Economic Forum (2023) suggests that as industries continue to rely on digital technologies for innovation and growth, the need for human resource managers to stay ahead and fluent in the latest HRM tech will only become more critical.
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
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:
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.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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.
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:
