Home » Business » Human Resources » Human Resources (HR) Courses Online

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.

Business executive browsing through professional profiles

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

Woman at office desk on landline phone

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

Young male and female professionals talking and walking

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

Young woman networking at business event

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.

Comprised of 3-4 subjects from a master's 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 can be similar to a bachelor degree in terms of career impact, and you also have the option to continue with the rest of the master's degree.

A graduate certificate is typically a multi-purpose course open to degree holders and experienced professionals. It is a useful way to gain a competitive edge or prepare for a career transition... READ MORE

Masters in HR Management

Female executive at her desk with laptop having meeting with professional man

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

Two female professionals greeting and shaking hands as one enters with folder

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.