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11 Human Resources (HR) Courses Online

HR professionals are always in demand. Let's explore courses to build a career in this field.

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Colleges, TAFEs and Australian universities offer human resources (HR) programs at all levels. Students build their skills by learning how to do essential people management tasks. The online HR courses available include certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate courses.

Courses List

Certificate IV

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.

Your Career - Certificate IV in Human Resource Management

The Cert IV in HR Management is a 12-subject course with no entry requirements. 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 courses are offered by many training providers.

Diplomas

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.

Your Career - 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. Many training providers offer this course online.

Bachelor Degrees

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.

ECU - Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management)

The HR Management major at Edith Cowan University prepares students for jobs such as HR Manager, Recruitment Consultant, and Training & Development Officer. The commerce program boasts an 84.1% satisfaction rate. Students need a minimum ATAR of 70. The course is available online as well as on campus in Perth, Western Australia. It blends theory with practice and covers many core business topics. Specialist subjects include management, recruitment, and HR strategy. Work placements are available to gain hands-on experience.

Deakin - Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management)

Deakin University's Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management) blends business knowledge with specialised HR skills, including recruitment, training, and diversity management. It requires a minimum ATAR of around 70 for online study and boasts an 83.1% graduate satisfaction rate. The program is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). It prepares students for HR roles with work-integrated learning. This degree is available at Burwood, Waterfront, and online.

CSU - Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

The Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) at Charles Sturt University is available in regional NSW and online. It has a satisfaction rating of 79.2%. Students need a 60 ATAR to enter. The program covers key business areas: Accounting, Business Economics, and Marketing. HR-focused subjects include Human Resource Management and Workplace Conflict Resolution. Students also study Data Analytics for Business, Developing Human Resources, and Organisational Behaviour. The specialisation is accredited by AHRI.

Graduate Certificates

Gain a competitive edge or prepare for a career change. The shortest accredited HR course is a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. It includes 3-4 subjects from a master's program. With this grad cert, you're qualified to work in HR after just 6-8 months of part-time study. You can also progress to a grad dip or master's. The courses welcome degree holders and experienced professionals.

RMIT Online - Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from RMIT University is a 100% online program designed for working professionals. It consists of four core subjects: Key Concepts in Human Resource Management, Professional HR Practices, People and Organisations, and Employment Law. Complete it in just 8 months part-time. It's suitable for degree holders and experienced professionals (5+ years) aiming for a career transition or edge. After completion, you have the option to advance to a graduate diploma or master's.

ECU - Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management

The Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management from Edith Cowan University is a concise, 6-month part-time program. Delivered entirely online, it covers Managing People and Organisations, Managing Employee Relations, and HRM Fundamentals. Designed for those advancing in HR or transitioning careers, this exam-free course emphasises practical, real-world skills over theoretical exams. It is a pathway to further studies. The program is ideal for working professionals seeking flexibility and a quality education.

ECU - Graduate Certificate of People and Culture

The ECU Graduate Certificate of People and Culture Online is a unique, 6-month program focusing on creating positive workplace environments. It blends key areas like Diversity and Inclusion, Healthy Work and Wellbeing, and People Analytics. Distinct from other HRM courses, it emphasises mental wellness and culture in the workplace. Offered online with no exams, it provides a pathway to a masters. The accelerated course is ideal for current HR professionals aiming to lead change.

Masters Degrees

For anyone aspiring to go far as an HR manager, an online Masters in Human Resource Management is a worthy qualification. The comprehensive program is designed for HR professionals as well as people looking to enter the field. Core topics include employment relations, strategic human resource development, managing people and organisations, diversity, and performance management.

ECU - Master of Human Resource Management

The 100% online Master of Human Resource Management from Edith Cowan University is flexible and exam-free. You can fast-track your degree and skip 3 of the 12 subjects if you have a major in HR, management, business administration, or employment/industrial relations. It is AHRI accredited and designed for part-time study by working professionals. The program covers key aspects of HR management, including managing people and organisations, employee relations, performance management, workplace wellbeing, and people analytics.

RMIT Online - Master of Human Resource Management

RMIT University offers an accelerated Master of Human Resource Management degree. This forward-looking program aims to build leadership expertise for creating better workplaces. Topics covered include key HR concepts, professional practices, strategic human resource development, contemporary strategic issues, employment law, and managing for entrepreneurship and innovation. Ideal for working professionals, the 100% online program allows flexible study in an interactive environment. Each subject is delivered over a 7-week study block.

UTS Online - MBA (Organisational Learning)

The flexible Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UTS Online includes an 'Organisational Learning' specialisation. It targets HR managers aiming to lead and support innovation in staff development. This 100% online MBA comprises 12 subjects, with 8 core subjects and 4 electives. Specialised subject choices include Designing Innovative Learning, Evaluating Learning and Innovation, Leading Innovative Practices, Leading Learning, Mentoring in the Workplace, and Strategic Learning in Workplaces. The MBA also covers business analytics, finance for managers, leading people and change, and strategy and negotiation.

Best Qualifications to Work in HR

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In Australia, the best qualifications to work in HR are university level. A bachelor's degree in business is preferred by employers, ideally with an HR major. Psychology degrees also offer a pathway. For graduates with unrelated degrees, a graduate certificate in HR management is excellent. The ultimate course is a specialist masters.

Vocational courses offered by TAFEs and colleges are generally not a path to a successful, high-paying HR career. This level of training is designed for support roles. Consider that someone doing tasks such as recruiting and managing employee performance should, themselves, demonstrate high educational achievement.

The quickest HR certification that works is a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. It is an AQF Level 8 qualification that only requires 6-8 months of part-time study. To gain admission, you need a university degree or significant professional experience.

Related: Human Resources (HR) Manager Qualifications in Australia

How to Start in HR with No Experience

Education is the foundation of a career in human resources, though you can potentially start with low-level office jobs and work your way up. A university degree or postgraduate qualification should be in your plans for long-term success.

Key skills matter in HR. Effective communication is essential. HR professionals mediate between staff and management. They solve disputes and clarify policies. Problem-solving skills address workplace issues within legal standards. Organizational skills are vital as HR managers handle recruitment, talent management, and more.

Begin in HR without experience by showing these skills in any role. Entry-level positions like HR assistant or benefits specialist offer practical HR insights. These roles lead to higher positions with experience and further education.

Related: How to Become an HR Manager: 5 Steps

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.

Related: Why a Career in HR Is Good in Australia

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.

Is HR In Demand in Australia?

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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 National Employment Projections, with projected expansions of 7.7% and 13.7% for HR professionals and managers respectively over the 5 years to 2028. Job growth for HR clerks is forecast to be more subdued, with employment growing by 5%. More than 215,000 HR workers are employed in Australia.

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.