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. 

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, with a total of 150 hours of study per hexamester, averaging 20–25 hours per week.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Human resources remains a strong and rewarding career choice, particularly as modern workplaces evolve. HR professionals are more critical than ever in shaping organisational culture and performance, with a growing focus on areas like diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing and data-driven strategy.

The demand for skilled HR professionals is growing across all industries, with opportunities in HR analytics, leadership development and organisational change management. Pursuing an advanced qualification, like the Master of Human Resource Management at UNSW Online, can provide you with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to thrive and advance in this dynamic field.

Your earning potential in human resources is closely tied to your level of responsibility and the strategic impact of your role. While salaries vary across the industry, positions that involve high-level decision-making and leadership typically command the highest pay.

HR Business Partners and similar strategic roles are among the top earners in the field, with annual salaries typically ranging from $120,000 to $140,000.

To illustrate how earning potential grows as you advance from operational to strategic roles, consider the following comparisons:

• HR Advisors: These professionals earn a median salary of $108,000, with ranges between $81,000 and $146,000 depending on the organisation.
• HR Administrators: Foundational roles usually offer salaries between $80,000 and $90,000 per year.

As these figures highlight, developing the skills to lead organisational strategy and drive workforce performance is the most effective pathway to accessing the highest salary brackets in the profession.

Source: Seek

To start a career in human resources, you will typically need a recognised bachelor's degree in human resource management, business or a related field. For those aiming for advanced leadership roles, a postgraduate qualification like UNSW Online's Master of Human Resource Management can provide a significant competitive advantage.

Beyond formal qualifications, success in HR requires a specific set of skills, these include leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to align HR practices with organisational goals. As the field evolves, proficiency in digital tools and data-driven decision-making is also becoming essential for career progression.