Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 1.5 years down to 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Advance your career in human resources (HR) with a postgraduate degree designed for HR professionals and managers navigating increasingly complex, data-driven workplaces.
Study online at the #2 university in Melbourne for career impact and build practical skills in strategic workforce planning, employee experience and wellbeing, HR analytics, change management and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Tailor your studies with a business specialisation, including AI for business or leadership, or enhance your choice of electives with short professional skills units.
Through applied learning experiences, you will address real organisational challenges and strengthen your capability in managing people, culture and performance. Graduate with advanced HR expertise and meet the demand for professionals who can lead people-focused change through workforce transformation, new technologies and changing organisational needs.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Human Resource Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M782
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Human Resource Management you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Human Resource Management includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of open elective units.
Students who wish to enter the AHRI Practising Certification (APC) program are advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that they take the appropriate units required for entry.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
The 4 credit points of electives may be selected from:
Recommended electives^
a postgraduate business specialisation^^ or any business unit not previously studied
postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to eligibility)
Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)
^Recommended electives:
^^Recommended postgraduate business specialisations:
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 4 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.
Faculty-wide specialisations
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
- Accounting
- Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Digital Finance
- Digital Transformation
- Event Management
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- Information Systems
- International Trade and Business
- Leadership
- Management Consulting
- Marketing
- Marketing Technology
- Professional Practice
- Project Management
- Property and Real Estate
- Supply Chain Management
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
More accessible entry requirements
From 2026, entry is more flexible, with two years of professional experience now accepted instead of three. Standard academic entry requirements continue to apply.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet
at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at
least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent) - completion of a graduate certificate or higher in a related discipline
and at least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time
equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: at least two years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial role with people management responsibilities or in a human resource professional role.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Note: Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Human Resource Management may be granted to students who have completed appropriate postgraduate studies in a related discipline. However, Recognition of prior learning cannot be granted on the basis of relevant work experience alone as this is a requirement of entry. It may be considered on a case-by-case basis in addition to formal postgraduate level equivalent learning.
Applicants who have completed the AHRI Practising Certification Program (2016-current) may be eligible for up to 4 credit points of RPL.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$35,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management (M515)
- Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management (M615)
Talk to the course director
Make an appointment to get your big questions answered. Want to know how to get the most value from your course? Need help tailoring your units to your goals or fitting study around work and life? It's all on the table.
Career outcomes
The Master of Human Resource Management equips you for advanced and strategic roles in the evolving HR landscape. With a strong focus on strategic alignment, data-informed decision-making and people-focused leadership, graduates are well placed for senior HR positions in organisations of all sizes.
Career opportunities include:
-
human resource manager
-
people and culture director
-
human resource business partner
-
talent acquisition manager
-
learning and development manager
-
diversity and inclusion manager
-
employee relations specialist
-
human resource data analyst
-
organisational development consultant
- employee experience manager
This degree prepares you for roles where you will influence business outcomes, shape organisational culture and implement workforce strategies across diverse, global settings.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide
The Master of Human Resource Management is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). As a graduate, you may be eligible for entry into the AHRI Practising Certification (APC) Program. This may include credits for up to four units completed as part of the APC professional accreditation program.
Graduates who have met the requisite work experience requirements will be eligible for direct entry into the Unit 4 Capstone: Applied Project in Organisational Capability of the APC Program. If you have any questions about the APC Program, contact enquiries@ahri.com.au.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Integrate advanced understanding of a contemporary body of knowledge in human resource management to operate as a skilled HR professional in business |
| Select and apply advanced appropriate communication skills within the context of the management of people and resources in organisations |
| Select and apply appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories in human resource management |
| Review, critically analyse, consolidate and synthesize human resource related knowledge to respond to specialised and authentic contexts encountered by human resource professionals |
| Relate and develop advanced problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve human resource issues in the workplace |
| Employ a range of advanced skills in undertaking independent learning in human resource management |
| Apply team working skills in addressing human resource issues in the contemporary workplace |
| Evaluate emerging global human resource issues as they effect organisations |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
