Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Duration

As little as 8 months

Courses

4 courses

Study intakes

January, March, May, July, September, October

Study mode

100% Online

Program code

7452

Completion time dependent on individual study path, RPL, leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management comprises four courses – one core and three electives. Completing these courses will provide you with critical knowledge of HR approaches and frameworks to contribute directly to strategic visions of organisations.

Use your remaining three electives to tailor your study to areas of interest, whether they be from the general Human Resource Management stream, Human Resource Analytics stream, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion stream, Leadership and Organisational Development stream or further electives relevant to your career goals.

Not sure which electives you want to choose?

Speak with our Enrolment Advisors to help determine which courses and study pathway will be best for you.

Enquire now

 
Core courses
  • Human Resource Policies and Practices

Elective courses
Plus, choose three electives from the following courses below.

Human Resource Management elective courses
  • Human Resource Strategies 
  • Introduction to Employment Law 
  • Managing People and Organisation 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion elective courses
  • Employee Wellbeing and Engagement 
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
  • Sustainability and Human Resources 
Leadership and Organisational Development elective courses
  • Leadership Development 
  • Organisational Development 
Human Resource Analytics elective courses
  • Human Resource Analytics#
  • Human Resource Information Systems 
  • Introductory Data Analysis

#Pre-requisite: Introductory Data Analysis.

Further elective courses
  • Attracting, Evaluating and Retaining Talent 
  • Change Management 
  • Strategic Rewards and Performance Management
  • Managing Yourself and Others 

The UNSW Online experience

We are here to support you, every step of the way, to graduate from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment has been designed to seamlessly fit into your already busy schedule and you’ll be able to access course resources on any device, at any time.

We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments.

Our academics are some of the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you can expect your learning experience to be the same high standard as that of our on-campus students.

Throughout your study journey, you will be able to turn to your Student Success Advisor, who is committed to assisting you from enrolment through to graduation. They are on-hand for all non-academic queries by phone or email.

You will also have access to Career Success – a curated, self-paced module that provides a framework for thinking about and taking action to implement an effective career plan. Through Career Success, you will have access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach, and guides on crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter.

 

 

 

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, you must have: 

  • A  recognised  bachelor's degree (or equivalent  qualification).  OR​ 
  • A minimum of 3 years relevant or professional experience*  in analytics, clerical or administrative work in a commercial,  not-for-profit or public service  organisation  or other  analytics-related positions.​ 

*Relevant experience includes being responsible for tasks that  are non-routine, unstructured, or semi-structured,  and engaging  in  problem-solving activities. It can include the experience of  managing a small team, being a team leader, managing a  project, or being responsible for the management and  allocation of resources. Alternatively, engaging in a  professional role over a period of time is relevant experience.

Articulation

Articulation pathways exist into the Graduate  Certificate programs in Master of Human Resource Management and the included specialisations from the Human Resource Management; Human Resource Analytics;  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Leadership  and  Organisational  Development; if the student  completes these programs with a minimum  WAM of 65.

You can also complete up to two eligible Graduate Certificates which can be stacked towards your Master of Human Resource Management degree. Stacking two Graduate Certificates will allow you to graduate with the master's degree by completing a further 4 courses.

Enquire now

 

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management best suited for?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is best suited for aspiring and early-career HR professionals who want to develop practical skills and contemporary knowledge to shape workplace culture, enhance stakeholder engagement and drive organisational performance. It is also ideal for individuals aiming to transition into specialist or leadership roles within HR or those seeking a pathway to further studies, such as the Master of Human Resource Management.

How long does it take to complete the Graduate Certificate in HR Management at UNSW?

We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments. This flexible online certificate consists of four courses and can be completed in as little as eight months, part-time (15 - 20 hours a week study commitment).

What are the entry requirements for this program?

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, you must have either a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) or a minimum of three years of relevant full-time professional experience. This experience may include roles in analytics, clerical or administrative work, or other positions involving problem-solving, managing people or resources, or overseeing projects within commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisations.

What are my study options if I want to continue after completing the Graduate Certificate?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management offers a pathway to the Master of Human Resource Management, provided you achieve a WAM of 65 or above. This program includes opportunities to specialise in areas like Human Resource Analytics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or Leadership and Organisational Development.

Alternatively, you can choose to study another eligible Graduate Certificate and stack these qualifications, requiring only four additional courses to complete a future master's degree.

What types of elective courses can I choose from?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management includes one core course – Human Resource Policies and Practices – along with three electives of your choice. Elective courses span four streams – General Human Resource Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership and Organisational Development, and Human Resource Analytics – allowing you to tailor your studies to align with your interests and career aspirations.

Is this program delivered fully online, and how flexible is it?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is delivered entirely online, providing exceptional flexibility for working professionals. Designed for asynchronous learning, the courses can be accessed on any device at any time, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your studies into your schedule. With six intakes per year and seven-week course blocks, you have the freedom to start when it suits you and progress at a pace that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

What kind of support will I receive as an online student?

As a UNSW Online student, you’ll receive extensive online student support, including personalised guidance from a dedicated Student Success Advisor. You’ll also gain access the UNSW Career Success platform with exclusive tools including resume builders, LinkedIn optimisation, Career AI and CaseCoach. You will also have access to academic facilitators and wellness services, and be provided with online opportunities to network with peers and UNSW staff, ensuring a successful and enriching learning experience.

Can I stack multiple Graduate Certificates towards a master’s degree?

Yes, UNSW Online provides students the option to stack two eligible Graduate Certificates towards the Master of Human Resource Management. By completing two certificates, students only need to undertake an four additional courses to earn a full master’s qualification.

How does this qualification add value to my career?

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management equips you with practical, employer-relevant skills that can be immediately applied in HR roles, enhancing your ability to shape workplace culture and drive organisational success. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, transitioning into HR, or specialising in areas like analytics or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this qualification serves as a valuable stepping stone towards leadership opportunities and career advancement in human resource management.