Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
The field of human resource management has become increasingly sophisticated and expert practitioners are in high demand. Propel your career with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management. Whether you’re already in the industry or looking to diversify your professional skill set, this course offers an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of both theory and practice.
Are you ready to add further expertise to your human resources skill set?
Develop an understanding of the theories and models of strategic human resource management and how they can be applied in organisations to enhance performance. Learn how the strategic use of people resources and HR practices can drive an organisation’s strategic direction.
Build your understanding of strategic staffing including the staffing context, planning, recruitment, selection and retention management. You will also build a thorough understanding of workplace relations within an Australian and international context and examine how employment relationships are managed within a framework of change.
Hone your critical thinking skills while analysing the role human resource management plays in building workforce capability and managing the rewards and performance of individuals and groups in organisations.
This course is a pathway into the Master of Human Resource Management.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M515
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Resources, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
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
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
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 does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
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 with at
least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)* - at least five years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)#
*Definition of minimum work experience: must include at least two
years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial role with people
management responsibilities or in a human resource professional
role.
#Definition of minimum work experience: must include at least three
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$17,100 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Human Resource Management (M782)
Further study options
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 Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management is ideal for those beginning their HR career, or professionals looking to add human resource knowledge to their current role. It provides the essential building blocks for further study or entry-level employment in the field.
Career opportunities include:
-
human resource assistant
-
recruitment coordinator
-
payroll and onboarding officer
-
human resources support officer
-
human resource administrator
-
Human resources business partner
Graduates will have the skills to contribute to people management and HR operations, with the option to progress to the Master of Human Resource Management.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). Graduates may be eligible for entry into the AHRI Practising Certification (APC) Program.
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.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a contemporary body of knowledge in human resource management |
| Communication | Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of human resource management |
| Digital literacy | Use appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories in human resource management |
| Critical thinking | Analyse critically, evaluate and express sound judgement, ideas and reflection in relation to a range of management issues |
| Problem solving | Apply problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve complex human resource issues in the workplace |
| Self-management | Operate successfully as an independent learner in an online learning environment |
| Teamwork | Apply team working skills in addressing human resource issues in the contemporary workplace |
| Global citizenship | Identify and respond to authentic ethical and cultural issues faced by HR professionals in organisations |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
