University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This Graduate Diploma provides a concentrated programme of study in the fundamental areas of human resource management. Typical subjects cover:

• Foundations of Human Resource Management – principles of HRM, role of HR in organisational strategy and ethical practice.
• Employment Relations and Workplace Law – industrial relations, workplace rights and obligations, dispute resolution and compliance.
• Recruitment and Selection – attraction strategies, selection techniques, interviewing and onboarding.
• Performance Management and Reward – appraisal systems, performance improvement, remuneration design and benefits.
• Learning, Development and Talent Management – workplace learning design, capability development and succession planning.
• Organisational Behaviour and Change – individual and group behaviour, leadership, culture and change management.
• HR Analytics and Workforce Planning – use of data in HR decision-making, metrics and workforce forecasting.
• Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing – policies and practices to support safe and productive workplaces.

Study is delivered through a mix of lectures, case studies, workshops and applied assessment. The programme is structured to be completed in a concentrated postgraduate cycle and can be taken full-time or part-time. Course selection and sequencing may allow articulation into a relevant master’s degree for students who meet progression requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants with significant professional experience in a related field may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must demonstrate competence in academic English; this can be shown either through prior tertiary study in English or by providing evidence from a recognised English language test as specified by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates gain practical skills that are readily applied in a range of people-management roles across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• HR generalist or HR advisor roles, managing day-to-day people processes and employee relations.
• Recruitment and talent acquisition specialist, working in in-house teams or agencies.
• Learning and development coordinator, designing and delivering training and capability programs.
• Remuneration and benefits analyst or payroll specialist.
• Workplace relations or HR compliance officer focusing on legislative and industrial obligations.
• Consulting roles in small firms or as part of broader management teams; pathway to senior HR management with further experience or postgraduate study.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers this programme through a faculty with established links to business and government across South Australia, emphasising applied learning and contemporary practice. Students benefit from teaching by academics and practitioners with experience in HR, workplace relations and organisational development, as well as opportunities for industry engagement, guest speakers and case-based learning. The programme is designed to align academic theory with workplace application, helping graduates move quickly into professional HR roles or to expand responsibilities within their current organisations.