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Human Resources (HR) Courses Online

Human resources professionals are always in demand. To build a career in this dynamic field, here are the best online HR courses from Australia.

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A good education is vital in human resources (HR). The job is about maximising human potential, so you should be well educated and trained yourself. Online HR courses include certificates, diplomas, degrees and post graduate courses.

Colleges, TAFE providers and Australian universities offer online human resources courses at all levels. Students build HR skills by learning how to do essential people management tasks. Let's explore the different programs available and find the best one for you.

HR Courses

Why Study Human Resources?

Studying human resources management gives you skills that are useful in any organisation with employees. That makes you widely employable and opens a pathway to an interesting career with high pay and strong job security.

If you have the right attributes, a human resources course is a great investment in your work future. You'll create job opportunities and the ability to forge a successful career.

Certificate IV in Human Resources

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If you have no previous HR qualifications or experience, you can start your career journey with a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management. The nationally accredited qualification gives you foundational administrative skills in areas such as recruitment, performance management, learning and development, and workplace safety.

BSB40420 Certificate IV in Human Resource Management

The Certificate IV in Human Resource Management is a 12-subject course that's part of the National Qualifications Framework. The 6 core units are: Administer performance development processes; Support employee and industrial relations; Support the learning and development of teams and individuals; Coordinate recruitment and onboarding; Support human resource functions and processes; and Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs. Online course options are offered by many training providers and the average duration is around 14 months.

Diploma in HR Management

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A Diploma of Human Resource Management is a step up from the Certificate IV. You're required to have completed some HR studies previously or have at least two years of relevant work experience. The units of study are more focused on completing tasks independently as opposed to supporting others.

BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resource Management

The Diploma of Human Resource Management gives you applied training to competently perform a range of HR functions in the workplace. You'll learn how to coordinate activities across teams, implement staffing plans, ensure compliance with workplace health and safety regulations, and coordinate learning and development processes. The 1-year program consists of 7 core subjects and 5 elective units. Gaining the diploma qualifies you to undertake an advanced diploma in HR management. Most training providers offer this course online.

Bachelor of Human Resources

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You can study human resources as part of a 3-year business degree. You'll find the study field in almost all undergraduate business programs. As well, you can major in human resources management with some online universities. To qualify for the major, HR subjects may need to comprise 25% of your individual program in year 1, at least 37.5% in year 2 and 50% in your final year.

University of New England

The University of New England has a large online business program. Students graduating with a major in Human Resource Management are eligible to become a professional member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. The degree program teaches methods for understanding and managing human behaviour in the workplace. You also learn how to manage people within legal and regulatory frameworks for business.

Graduate Certificates

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Made up of 3-4 units from a masters program, the shortest accredited HR course is a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Earning a grad cert qualifies you to work in HR after just 6-8 months of part-time study. It's similar to a degree. You also have the option to continue with the rest of the masters. A graduate certificate is a multi-purpose course that's open to degree holders (any discipline) and experienced professionals.

Edith Cowan University

The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management from Edith Cowan University is a short, 3-unit introduction to the HRM field. The flexible, 100% online course can be completed in 6 months of part-time study. Each student is assigned a success advisor, who helps coach you through the course in a non-academic capacity. You study the basics of the profession, with units on managing people and organisations, HR management fundamentals, and relations between employees and employers. The course is an entry pathway into a masters program. FEE-HELP government loans are available.

Edith Cowan University (People and Culture)

If you've studied HR or a related field before, consider the Graduate Certificate of People and Culture from Edith Cowan University. The online course is open to graduates who have majored in fields such as HR, management, business administration, industrial relations or employment relations. You skip foundation units and get straight into the interesting subjects of Healthy Work and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, and People Analytics. By doing this course, you're only a further 6 units away from completing a masters degree.

RMIT University

RMIT Online offers an excellent foundations course. The 100% online Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management can be completed over 8 months of part-time study, all while working full-time if you wish. The 4-unit course consists of two broad introductory units: key concepts in human resources management, and professional human resources management practices. Students also examine two key subjects in more depth: people and organisations, and employment law. The course is delivered by industry experts and exposes you to the latest thinking on the role of HR professionals.

Masters in HR Management

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For anyone aspiring to go far as an HR manager, a Masters in Human Resource Management is a worthy qualification. These programs are comprehensive and designed for HR professionals as well as people looking to enter the field.

Good masters programs are similar, covering universal topics such as employment relations, strategic human resource development, managing people and organisations, diversity, and performance management.

Course duration depends on your background. Credit may be available if you have a business degree, especially one with an HR focus... READ MORE

Study Online

By studying HR online, you earn a qualification in the most convenient way. Course material is all available online. You never have to attend a lecture or tutorial on campus. Postgraduate courses are normally exam-free as well.

Career Opportunities

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The human resources field is abundant with different kinds of job opportunities, including entry-level roles. Almost every medium to large organisation has an HR team and you can take on support, specialist and management positions within a given group.

Job growth for degree holders will remain strong according to Australian Government data, with projected expansions of 13.1% and 16.3% for HR professionals and managers respectively over the 5 years to 2027. Job growth for HR clerks is forecast to be more subdued, with employment growing by 6%. More than 200,000 HR workers are employed in Australia.

Human resources jobs list

Careers Adviser • Employment and Industrial Relations Consultant • HR Manager • HR Officer • Industrial Relations Officer • Learning and Development Manager • Management Consultant • Occupational Health and Safety Manager • Office Manager • Organisational Development Manager • Recruitment Consultant • Trade Union Official • Training and Development Officer • Workplace Relations Adviser

† Online courses are available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle. Australia Wide.