Master of Human Resource Management

Master of Human Resource Management

POSTGRADUATE

Update your knowledge and gain new skills to develop a global HR practice.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated
Fees:

AU$ 46,080 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

The Master of Human Resource Management focuses on a diverse global workforce. Develop critical awareness of the legal, ethical, social, economic and environmental challenges and implications of HR strategy, operations, processes and decision-making.

Complete your degree sooner

If you have successfully completed previous studies you may be eligible for credit towards your degree in the form of masters advanced standing or recognition of prior learning.

Silhouettes of workers in a high-rise corporate office, with city buildings in the background

What you will learn

Examine human resource management and people and culture issues in the context of global changes impacting on people in workplaces.

Upon graduating, you will understand the application of HR practice within small and medium enterprises, including start-ups, entrepreneurial firms, multinational corporations, and the public and not-for-profit sectors.

The Master of Human Resource Management meets the needs of people with no previous formal HR qualifications who wish to enter the HR profession, as well as people with extensive experience who want to update their knowledge of contemporary global thinking.

Why study human resource management at RMIT?

Professional accreditation

Qualify for membership of the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) and expand your network.

Industry-aligned education

Gain practical knowledge when you learn from experts with expansive industry connections.

Global study tour

Combine an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode.

Glasses and laptop on a desk

Study entirely online

The Master of Human Resource Management is also available via online delivery. 

Find out more

*Please note: RMIT's online degrees are only available to students based outside Australia as they do not meet Australian student visa requirements. For study on an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a degree.

 

 

Portrait of Soulinnara Ratanavong, Master of Human Resource Management
What I’ve learned from RMIT was that we must be self-directed in everything we do, but if things get tough, we can always reach out and seek help. 

- Soulinnara Ratanavong, Master of Human Resource Management and Australia Awards Scholarship recipient

RMIT Bursary

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1 2025, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations and group discussions. In addition you will have access to online and digital resources.

Your subjects may be offered during the day and late afternoon/early evening. Some advanced level workshops are offered over several days and/or weekends.

Assessment methods

Your assessments in this degree are designed to provide you with opportunities to demonstrate the extent to which you have developed your capabilities and achieved specific learning outcomes in a given area. Methods of assessment will vary depending on your selected subjects but may include case studies, research projects and reports, and more.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

Advisory boards consist of high-profile industry representatives who ensure links with industry standards and practice are reflected in the curriculum.

Management practitioners, lecturers from industry, guest speakers and industry-relevant projects underpin the work-integrated learning components of this degree.

The Master of Human Resource Management involves the use of authentic issues in the contemporary world of work to strengthen the links between theory and practice. 

While the Master of Human Resource Management is delivered in Melbourne, study tours are a unique feature of the on-campus degree.

You may be able to combine an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode and have this credited towards your degree.

Global intensives depart during the Australian summer or winter breaks and are usually undertaken in your final semester of study. If you are planning to include a study tour as part of your study, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.

  • 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)

For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your degree. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

  • 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

This degree comprises core and elective subjects.

Case studies and interactive and experiential learning activities to help you develop the capacity to identify HR challenges, propose innovative solutions, and critically evaluate the impacts of HR decisions and practices in a variety enterprises and organisations.

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to apply key concepts in the subjects Contemporary Issues in Strategic Human Resource Management and Professional Human Resource Management Practices. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Human Resource Management
Program code: MC263
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Human Resource Management
City Campus
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
MC263
088784B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
Plan code
MC263
CRICOS
088784B
View plan
Master of Human Resource Management
City Campus
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
MC263
088784B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
Plan code
MC263
CRICOS
088784B
View plan
Master of Human Resource Management
City Campus
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
MC263EXE
088784B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
Plan code
MC263EXE
CRICOS
088784B
View plan
Master of Human Resource Management
City Campus
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
MC263EXE
088784B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students; 2 years fulltime or parttime equivalent, International students; 2 years fulltime
Plan code
MC263EXE
CRICOS
088784B
View plan
Master of Human Resource Management
City Campus
2 years full-time equivalent (or 1.5 years full-time equivalent with advanced standing)
MC263OX
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time equivalent (or 1.5 years full-time equivalent with advanced standing)
Plan code
MC263OX
CRICOS
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Employees sitting at large corporate desk, talking into a microphone/telephone device

Your global career in human resource management

On completion of the Master of Human Resource Management, you will be well equipped to tackle common problems in the management of people and culture across borders, in various legal and cultural contexts.

Human resource management roles include diversity management, people and culture, occupational health and safety, training and development, industrial relations roles as well as HR practice.

You may work in a range of industry sectors where your skills in contemporary business and HR practice, operational leadership, problem-solving, cross-cultural awareness and persuasive communication are required for the strategic management of people in a global context.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Master of Human Resource Management

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Australian HR Institute (AHRI)

Course satisfies the standards defined by the AHRI HR Model of Excellence associated competencies and key practice areas for human resource management professionals. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via RMIT Online.)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students eligible for membership category: Student
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Graduate
  • Graduates may be eligible for membership category: Professional Membership MAHRI or CAHRI depending on experience
  • Graduates with requisite work experience eligible for direct entry into the Unit 4 Capstone: Applied Project in Organisational Capability of the AHRI Practising Certification (APC) Program and on completion awarded CPHR
Visit AHRI

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

1.5 year duration (with advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification, in a business or related discipline from a recognised tertiary*

    OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline plus a minimum of two years relevant work

    OR

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 1.5-year duration masters, you may be considered for the 2-year duration masters.

2 year duration (without advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification,  in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree. 

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available in this course. The minimum GPA to be considered for a CSP is 2.7 out of 4.0. To be considered for a CSP you must apply for the CSP offering through the RMIT Application System.

Students currently enrolled in this course in a full-fee place may apply to transfer to a CSP upon completing 48 credit points (not including credit transfer), subject to meeting minimum GPA requirement in full-fee course.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

2 year duration

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

1.5 year duration

You must have successfully completed:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree, (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution*.

    OR

*Qualification must have been completed within the last 10 years.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Pathway options

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is a pathway to the Master of Human Resource Management.  
  
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management you can continue your studies in the Master of Human Resource Management and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

Advanced standing and credit

If you have successfully completed previous studies, with a major in a business or related discipline, or an unrelated discipline with two years relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree in the form of masters advanced standing or recognition of prior learning.

Enter your study and work experience below, to discover how much credit you may be eligible for:

 

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Further study

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Human Resource Management with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Learn more about RMIT undergraduate programs

Masters Advanced Standing (MAS)

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows: 

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Fees

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This program has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$34,560 (2025 annual fee)*.

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

About the bursary

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1 2025, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be:

  • an RMIT alumnus, having completed an award program at RMIT (including RMIT Vietnam and RMIT Online), and
  • a domestic student commencing* an eligible face-to-face/On Campus (Melbourne campus) RMIT Business or Law postgraduate degree in Semester 1 2025, and
  • enrolled in a full-fee paying place.

*a student is considered commencing if they are enrolled in the first semester of their degree and have not previously been enrolled. 

Note:

  • If you become eligible for the discount during 2025 (i.e., an international student who receives Permanent Residency) you must contact Business Connect to have your eligibility assessed and the discount applied. The College of Business and Law will not monitor eligibility or apply the discount outside the normal admissions process).
  • You are eligible for the discount on course enrolments in all degrees that meet the criteria (i.e., both the Graduate Certificate and a Masters degree). 

Exclusions

RMIT Bursary:

  • Cannot be held concurrently with any other scholarship, bursary or any other monetary discounts offered by RMIT (excluding awards).
  • Will not apply to postgraduate studies undertaken in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or online delivered programs.

Payment of bursary:

  • If eligibility is maintained, the discount will apply to all eligible course enrolments in the eligible degree in the year the discount has been awarded (i.e., 2025).
  • The discount will be applied directly to your student account and will be reflected on your invoice.
  • The discount is reviewed annually and may be removed in future years.

Application process

If you are an RMIT alumni there is no application process. Your eligibility to receive the bursary will be assessed at the time of application and enrolment. If eligible, the bursary will be applied directly to your tuition fees.

Eligible programs

All College of Business and Law postgraduate coursework programs delivered face-to-face/on campus (Melbourne campus). 

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The annual tuition fee for 2025 is AU$46,080.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2025 commencement is AU$96,000.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information