Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Formulate solutions to complex human resource management problems
2. Critically appraise evidence to support decision making
3. Assess risks for strategic planning
4. Evaluate opportunities for change
5. Adopt contemporary leadership theory and practices to real life settings
6. Apply technical and human resource management specific knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice.

The MBA (Human Resource Management) is designed to provide a strong foundation of business knowledge, skills and attitudes to support ethical, global business management of organisations including private sector business organisations, not-for-profit organisations and public organisations. Through experiential learning techniques students will develop knowledge and skills to conduct independent research, carry out industry and discipline related projects, and relate their learning to their individual business experience.

The Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) - 2 years requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course specialisation is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management), students must complete 16 subjects (equivalent to 72 credit points):

Year 1 - 8 x Core subjects (36 credit points)

Trimester 1

• BUSN9146 Economic Environments: Assessing Current and Future Markets
• BUSN8006 Driving Financial Performance
• BUSN9148 Marketing in a Digital Age.

Trimester 2

• BUSN8007 Ethics, Sustainability and Governance
• BUSN9150 Business Analytics.

Trimester 3

• BUSN9152 Legal Signposts for Decision Makers
• BUSN8009 Creating Resilient Supply Chains and Procurement
• BUSN9153 Emerging Business Models: Disruptions, Collaboration and Competition.

Year 2 - 8 x Core subjects (36 credit points)

Trimester 1

• BUSN8008 Building Teams and Networks
• BUSN9262 Advanced Recruitment and Selection
• BUSN9235 Managing Negotiations.

Trimester 2

• BUSN9151 Trends in Business Finance
• BUSN9149 Researching Markets.

Trimester 3

• BUSN9147 Leading a Future Workforce
• BUSN9242 International Human Resources Management
• BUSN9263 Performance Management and Rewards.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $71,280

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must have one of:

• Hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution; OR
• Have completed the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration at Flinders University.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.

The MBA (HRM) is designed for the future, with sustainability built in. This means you will learn how to apply artificial intelligence and understand its impact on the future of job design. This MBA course has industry engagement embedded, with a total of up to 36 weeks of experience available through Work Integrated Learning and industry programs.