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
Human resource (HR) policies and practices continue to evolve amid rising risks such as high turnover, low productivity, increasing use of artificial intelligence, and cybercrime. Deakin’s Master of Human Resource Management will help you develop up-to-date skills to implement contemporary HR strategies that are highly impactful at both the individual and organisational level.
Whether you’re working directly in human resource management (HRM) or in general management with responsibilities in human resources development and management, extend your skills and knowledge with this formal qualification.
Skilled professionals with contemporary HRM knowledge are integral to the functioning of every industry. The breadth and depth of HR roles have expanded the opportunities to impact staff wellbeing and retention while driving organisational change.
Do you have the skills required to lead contemporary HR strategies in a changing industry?
Accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute, this specialised course is designed to provide enhanced qualifications for graduates in business, government and industry.
Undertake units that are highly relevant to industry, including employment relations, human resource strategy, leadership and management development. You will enhance your existing employment experience and gain the knowledge and skills to progress to managerial-level positions in HR.
Complement your primary studies with a specialisation, chosen from a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferrable skills, a specialisation can help deepen your knowledge in a particular business field and benefit your future career.
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
2026 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
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Course structure
The Master of Human Resource Management is typically 8 or 12 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money.
For students undertaking 12 credit points, you study 8 credit points of core units and 4 credit points of elective units (which may include an optional Faculty wide specialisation), plus completion of MAI010 Academic Integrity (0 - credit point compulsory unit). Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
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.
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
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
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.
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
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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.
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.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$34,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. 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.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight 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.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management (M515)
- Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management (M615)
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
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate advanced understanding of a contemporary body of knowledge in human resource management to operate as a skilled HR professional in business |
| Communication | Select and apply advanced appropriate communication skills within the context of the management of people and resources in organisations |
| Digital literacy | Select and apply appropriate digital technologies to identify and disseminate complex information, concepts and theories in human resource management |
| Critical thinking | Review, critically analyse, consolidate and synthesize human resource related knowledge to respond to specialised and authentic contexts encountered by human resource professionals |
| Problem solving | Relate and develop advanced problem solving skills necessary to conceptualise and solve human resource issues in the workplace |
| Self-management | Employ a range of advanced skills in undertaking independent learning in human resource management |
| Teamwork | Apply team working skills in addressing human resource issues in the contemporary workplace |
| Global citizenship | Evaluate emerging global human resource issues as they effect organisations |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
