Program Overview

Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations

About the course

Postgraduate study in Human Resources and Employment Relations will provide you with a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the management of people and employment in Australia and overseas, focusing on refining critical problem-solving tools to develop innovative and realistic solutions.

This course is suitable for professionals working in the human resources and employment relations area who wish to extend and deepen their knowledge, and also for those wishing to move into the field.

Who should do this course?

This course is ideal for:

• Senior management or professionals working in the human resources and employment relations area who wish to extend and deepen their knowledge.
• Recent business or commerce graduates who have specialised in management or human resources, and who desire additional capabilities in the relevant field.
• Those wishing to move into the field from another industry.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: The estimated time commitment is 12 hours per unit which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 41660
• CRICOS code: F
• Full time/part time duration: 1.5 - 2 years
• Degrees course is available in: Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

• Students are required to complete all core units plus 24 points chosen from a combination of Options A, B or C.
• Conversion: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Commerce or a bachelor's degree majoring in employment relations and/or human resources may be required to complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the Faculty.
• Core: Take all units (48 points):
  • EMPL5450 Sustainability and Employment Relations (6)
  • EMPL5501 Strategic Workplace Relations (6)
  • EMPL5511 Employment Relations in a Global Context (6)
  • EMPL5514 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (6)
  • HRMT5501 Diversity and Inclusion (6)
  • HRMT5502 People Analytics (6)
  • HRMT5518 Strategic Human Resource Management (6)
  • HRMT5530 Career Development and Employability (6)
• Option - Group A: Students may choose units to the value of 24 points from Group A.
  • EMPL5555 Employee Relations Law (6)
  • MGMT5506 Ethics and Sustainability Management (6)
  • MGMT5511 Introduction to Global Business (6)
  • MGMT5660 Applied Project Management (6)
• Option - Group B: Students may choose units to the value of 12 points from Group B.
  • PSYC5514 Assessment and Selection (6)
  • PSYC5515 Organisational Development and Change (6)
  • PSYC5556 Work Design (6)
• Option - Group C: Students may choose units to the value of 6 points from Group C.
  • HRMT5531 Work-Based Learning Project (6)
  • SVLG5003 Wicked Problems (6)
  • WILG5001 Work Integrated Learning Internship Program (6)

Why study this course?

This course provides students with a unique opportunity due to:

1. Its integration of research and theory with practical application in a range of government, industry and not-for-profit organisations.
2. A diverse team of teaching staff who bring together practical experience in a variety of employment contexts, as well as internationally recognised research.
3. A suite of practical work-based learning activities that include industry placements and research projects.

Hands-on experience

Many of our units require students to undertake industry-based projects working with leading organisations including government, business, trade unions and not-for-profits.

Our set of work-based learning options provide opportunities for students to undertake industry-based internships. Currently, we have students exploring generalist HR and specialist roles such as learning and development, workforce planning, employment relations and organisation development, in a range of sectors including accountancy firms, banks, resources companies, health care, emergency services and law.

Students also have access to mentoring opportunities from within the Business School’s wide ranging industry and alumni community.

AHRI Accredited Course

The Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations (41660) is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). Graduates may be eligible to apply for member status (MAHRI).

Admission requirements

• To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have:
  • A Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and either:
    • The equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; or
    • At least two years professional experience in a relevant occupation; or
  • Completed a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources and Employment Relations or Graduate Certificate in Commerce at UWA.
• For 2026 intake, to be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have the equivalent of a UWA Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent; and any additional requirements as summarised in the Admission Requirements above.

English competency

• English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee: $34,100.00 (2025)
  • For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled.
• International Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee: $48,700.00 (2025)
  • Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled.
• Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
• Search Scholarships

Cost of living

• There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.