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Start Date
January, April, June, September

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course

Program Code
XBBH

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
AUD$ 27,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
  • IELTS speaking [6.0]
  • IELTS listening [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Discover how to strategically align human capital with business objectives.

  • Focus on core HR areas including recruitment, learning and development, workforce planning, work health and safety, employee performance management and motivation.

  • Develop analytical data skills using a variety of business tools and technologies that assist decision making in all facets of HR.

  • Explore current and emerging workplace challenges through curriculum informed by the Centre for Workplace Excellence (CWeX).

  • This degree is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). It is also recognised by the world’s largest HRM body, based in the United States – the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

  • UniSA Business is in the top 1% worldwide and awarded five stars.1

  • Ranked in the Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management.2

1UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings.
2Ranked #18, 2024 QS Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Study On Demand – a 100% online HR degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study - access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Successful HR professionals are business strategists, coaches and mentors who have exceptional people skills and a passion for working with others. As part of this degree, you'll develop the skills and knowledge to manage people in order to achieve positive outcomes. From recruitment, training and development, and workforce planning to work health and safety, and employee performance management, you'll explore all facets of HR. 

While it’s important to have a broad understanding of core HR areas, employers look for people who can think of the bigger picture too. In this degree, you'll learn strategic HR management where you'll explore the importance of aligning HR plans with organisational objectives - a priority for organisations who wish to gain an advantage in today's competitive business landscape.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

The degree starts with core courses in business theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals such as international business, economics and accounting and intelligence.

In your Human Resource Management specialisation you’ll focus on people management – recruitment, training, performance and retention. You’ll develop technical, analytical and practical skills in areas such as:

  • recruitment and selection
  • performance management
  • employee compensation
  • job design and analysis
  • workplace health and safety
  • industrial relations

Study hours

Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.

Assessment

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.

Some of your assessments may include:

  • an industry-relevant project
  • an online presentation
  • essays and reports.

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year
book
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (CURR 3021) , Note(s): 3,4
|
OR
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1,3
book
UO Business and Society (BUSS 1067) , Note(s): 2,3
|
OR
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1,2,3
book
UO Quantitative Methods for Business (MATH 1075) , Note(s): 2,3
|
OR
book
UO Accounting for Business (ACCT 1011) , Note(s): 2,3
book
UO Business Law (LAWS 1019) , Note(s): 2,3
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1,2,3
book
UO Career Development in Business (BUSS 1066) , Note(s): 2,3
book
book
UO Principles of Economics (ECON 1010) , Note(s): 2,3
Second year
book
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1,3
book
book
book
book
UO Business Intelligence (INFS 2038) , Note(s): 2,3
book
UO Management and Organisation (BUSS 2081) , Note(s): 3
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1,3
Third year
book
book
book
book
book
book
book
Elective
, Note(s): 1
book
UO HR Analytics (BUSS 3111)

Study Human Resource Management on Demand

Dr Gerry Treuren, Senior Lecturer and Josh Cramp, Online Educational Designer: UniSA Online chat about what the HR Management degree covers and how it's been designed to suit busy adults on the go.

UniSA Video

Why Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

Why this Degree

Recognised by the world’s largest HR industry body1, this degree will prepare you for a professional career in a global environment. You'll develop an understanding of management systems and leadership skills in an international context.

Course content is informed by the Centre for Workplace Excellence (CWeX), a world-class research centre at the forefront of current and future workplace challenges. With extensive industry connections and partnerships right around the world, you’ll be learning the latest in HR research and practice and will explore emerging trends in areas like work-life balance, diversity or performance appraisal.

Employers look for graduates who can apply theory to real industry challenges. While you're studying, you'll be able to harness and apply what you've learned immediately into your workplace. UniSA HR graduates have gone on to roles in Australian and international companies including BHP Billiton, Coca-Cola Amatil, BAE, Santos, Ernst and Young and Qantas.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

As a UniSA Business student, you'll be eligible to join the Business Career Mentor Program (BCMP), an initiative designed to provide students and recent graduates with networking opportunities and career mentorship. You'll be paired with an experienced industry mentor to support your career development and transition after graduation, and be invited to professional development workshops and networking events.

1Recognised by the world’s largest HRM body, based in the United States, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Career outcomes

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Your career

It’s an exciting time to join the HR industry. As a HR professional, you’ll play a crucial role in bringing innovation and achieving business objectives. HR is an extremely rewarding career for people who enjoy seeing the impact they’ve made on the success of the business, and on the lives of the people within it.

There are a diverse range of opportunities found across all sectors, mainly in medium-to-large companies including banks, retail, construction to not-for-profits and government departments. Many organisations also choose to outsource their HR processes, making recruitment consultancies another source of employment.

A UniSA Online Business degree can help you pursue the following careers:

  • Human resources adviser: recruit, train and develop staff; approve job descriptions and advertisements; advise on employment law and organisational policies and procedures; negotiate salaries, contracts, working conditions or redundancy packages.
  • Human resources manager: plan, administer and review activities concerned with staff selection, training and development, conditions of employment and other staffing issues within an organisation.
  • Recruitment consultant: work on behalf of companies to source candidates for job vacancies; analyse and understand job specifications; conduct keyword searches on internal recruitment databases, assess CVs online using various job websites, or actively ‘headhunt’ senior professionals through independent research.
  • Learning and development adviser: liaise with managers and interview employees to identify and assess training and development needs; deliver and oversee training; monitor progress made through training programs; design training programs.
  • Organisational change consultant: develop and execute organisation wide change management strategies; create change impact assessments and workforce transition action plans; develop internal change communication plans.
  • People and culture manager: oversee day to day people and culture activities, manage talent acquisition, employee relations and training and development; implement and execute strategic employee engagement initiatives.
  • Industrial relations consultant: provide advice and support on a range of employment and industrial relations issues including legislative interpretation, dispute resolution, policy development, union relationships and enterprise agreement matters.
  • Workforce planning adviser: provide strategic advice on workforce issues including staffing plans and staffing budgets, work schedules, recruitment, job fulfilment and employee training programs; collect and analyse data to assess future needs and improve business operations.
  • Work health and safety consultant: support the development of WHS policies and programs; advise and instruct on various safety-related topics; conduct risk assessment and enforce preventative measures; review existing policies and update according to legislation; organise WHS training.

Learn about your career in HR >

Industry facts

data-presentation

Employment for human resource and training professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 11,900 by May 20241.

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

buildings-city

32.6 per cent of Human Resource Managers have a Bachelor degree1.

1Occupational Bulletin: Human Resource Managers, Job Outlook

Enquire now to study with UniSA Online

Control how and when you study with our 100% online degrees.

Enquire now

Your study experience and support

Study On Demand

Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.

  • Designed specifically for your online learning
    Designed by a team of academic and online experts, our course materials are delivered in an interactive way using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources.
  • Study when it suits you
    Our online degrees support students who lead busy lifestyles. With four start dates a year in January, March, July and September there is no need to interrupt your life.
  • Take control of your study schedule
    With all content available from day one of your course, you have the power to plan your study schedule in advance. 
  • Finish each course in 10 weeks
    Our courses are delivered within 10-week terms to keep you motivated throughout your degree. Study two courses a term or just one.
  • 100% online study
    You won’t need to come onto campus for coursework, assessments or exams. Complete all study for your degree where it suits you.
  • Get the help you need
    Whether you need help with course content or assessments, we offer the academic support and services you need to be successful in your studies.
  • Adjust your study to your life
    There’s no need to interrupt work and family life or spend money on travel and student accommodation. Organise study around your life.
  • Learn from world-renowned academics
    Get a degree that’s designed and taught by leading academics and industry professionals.
  • 100% online interactive learning environment
    Our interactive online learning environment supports all your study needs. Log in anytime, on any device, wherever it suits you.
  • Access a library of over 700,000 digital resources
    Access a library of more than 700,000 digital resources including e-books, videos and journal articles. Our Ask the Library virtual service can help you locate, access, evaluate, use and reference a range of information resources.

Why UniSA Online?

Student services

Our graduates get jobs

UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.

Specifically designed for online learning

Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.

Backed by industry

Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.

Expand your professional network from wherever you are

Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.

1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Student support

Student services

Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it. 

Dedicated Student Adviser support

Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.

Online academic support seven days a week

You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.

They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.

24/7 tech support

Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.

24/7 digital environment

Our interactive online environment supports all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.

Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.

Student services

What others are saying

I’ve been a police officer for 14 years. Now that my kids are growing up I wanted to do something for myself. I chose HR because of the diversity that the degree offers and the career opportunities that are available. The ability to study 100% online was a game changer for me. I have a rotating roster and am often required to work night shifts. I also have three young kids so it’s really important I’m still able to devote time to them.

Ryan Nicholls

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

Ryan Nicholls-2 (Cropped).jpg

Ryan Nicholls

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

After working in the manufacturing industry for 11 years, I decided to embark on a career change and study human resource management with UniSA Business. Completing my degree online gave me the flexibility I needed to learn in my own time without interfering with my work/life balance. It was a great option as a father of two children, working-full time.

Joel Beauchesne

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Control Systems Engineer | BW Thompson Electrical Pty Ltd

HRM-Joel-Beauchesne-Graduate.jpg

Joel Beauchesne

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Control Systems Engineer | BW Thompson Electrical Pty Ltd

IT Requirements

Generally, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

  • run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
  • run Java
  • run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
  • use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
  • Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a UniSA Online student, you'll:

  • Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible). 
  • Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them. 
  • Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
  • Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.

Check your device

Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.

See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Submit an online enquiry

    If you're ready to apply, the first step is to fill out and submit our online enquiry form. Here you'll be asked a series of questions to see if you're eligible. Following your online enquiry, one of our Degree Advisers will contact you at your preferred time to discuss the application process.

    Enquire now >

  2. Speak to a Degree Adviser and start your application

    If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

    In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

    Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to begin your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

  3. Complete your application and send through your documents

    In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

    Enquire now >

Online Course Facilitator

I have worked in ancillary HR roles in both the private and public sector which has provided me with extensive HR experience. I look forward to sharing my knowledge gained in senior advisory and consultant roles in workers' compensation, work health and safety, conflict resolution and industrial relations. I am committed to collaborative teaching and learning, particularly in the online environment, and I am confident that our HR graduates will come out with skills that the industry is looking for.

Lydia Richards


Online Course Facilitator

Enquire
Portrait image for Lydia Richards
Portrait image for Lydia Richards

Lydia Richards


Online Course Facilitator

Enquire

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