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University of South Australia
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Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Year 2025

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBBH

SATAC Code
424351 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported arrow-small-right

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

Degree overview

  • Study a degree recognised by the world’s largest human resource professional society1.  
  • Ranked No. 1 in SA for graduate careers in Business and Management2 and Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management3. 
  • Study a curriculum informed by cutting-edge research in Human Resource Management which is ranked above world-class4.
  • Focus on people management including recruitment and selection, employee rewards and remuneration, human resource analytics, and employment relations. 
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity. 
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program. 
  • Benefit from flexible study options to suit your needs. 
  • Add a second qualification to your studies with a business combined degree, and explore how you can expand your expertise in two fields.  
  • Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence5. 
  • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.

1Recognised by the world’s largest HRM body, based in the United States – the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32024 QS Subject Rankings. 42018 Excellence in Research Australia (ERA).5UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings.

Snapshot

Catherine Macleod HRM - Copy.jpg

Success in a modern business environment is often a delicate balance between organisational financial performance and the health and wellbeing of employees. Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a pivotal role in supporting organisations to achieve its goals at the same time as ensuring employees thrive at work.

As part of this degree, you will gain an understanding of people management systems of organisations including recruitment and selection, employee rewards and remuneration, training and development, human resource analytics, and employment relations.

Employers look for graduates who can apply theory to real industry challenges. During your degree you will access career-focused electives and internships in industry to build your confidence and gain valuable industry experience. 

What you'll learn

P7240096-2.jpgThe degree starts with core courses in business. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals such as economics, accounting and business intelligence. You can also gain valuable insight and career skills while you study with advanced career-focused electives and internships in industry.

In your human resource management specialisation you’ll focus on people management, studying areas such as:

  • recruitment and selection
  • performance and compensation management
  • human resource analytics
  • employment relations

Tertiary Transfer

If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Course name
FIRST YEAR
Reference
 
Course name
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Reference
 
Course name
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange
Area and cat no.
MARK 1010
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
Foundations of Human Resource Management
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2043
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Business and Society
Area and cat no.
BUSS 1057
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
OR
Reference
 
Course name
International Study Tour
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 4
 
Course name
OR
Reference
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1
 
Course name
Accounting for Business
Area and cat no.
ACCT 1008
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
OR
Reference
 
Course name
Quantitative Methods for Business
Area and cat no.
MATH 1053
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Reference
 
Course name
Principles of Economics
Area and cat no.
ECON 1008
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1,2,3
 
Course name
Career Development in Business
Area and cat no.
BUSS 1060
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
Business Law
Area and cat no.
LAWS 1018
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
SECOND YEAR
Reference
 
Course name
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Reference
 
Course name
Management and Organisation
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2068
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 3
 
Course name
Business Intelligence
Area and cat no.
INFS 2036
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 2,3
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1,3
 
Course name
Training and Development
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2036
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Reference
 
Course name
Performance and Compensation Management
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2048
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2085
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Organisational Behaviour
Area and cat no.
BUSS 2046
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1,3
 
Course name
THIRD YEAR
Reference
 
Course name
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Reference
 
Course name
Managing the Employment Relationship
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3037
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Strategic Management
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3023
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Recruitment and Selection
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3082
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
International Business Environments
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3103
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
OR
Reference
 
Course name
International Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 5
 
Course name
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Reference
 
Course name
Strategic Human Resource Management
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3038
Units
4.5
Reference
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1,3
 
Course name
Elective
Units
4.5
Reference
Note(s): 1
 
Course name
HR Analytics
Area and cat no.
BUSS 3110
Units
4.5
Reference
 

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy.jpgYour studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • industry-relevant, research-based projects
  • practicals and team-based projects
  • contributions to the workplace and classroom

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

UniSA_Portraits Joel Beauchesne HRM 2 - Copy.jpgRecognised by the world’s largest HR industry body1, this degree will prepare you for a professional career in a global environment. You will develop an understanding of people management systems in a range of organisational contexts.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

Combined degrees

We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests. 

More ways to study

Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub. 

UniSA ACCELERATE

Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study up to two university courses while you're in Year 12 and have the option to count this study towards your SACE Stage 2.

1Recognised by the world’s largest HRM body, based in the United States, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we also offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom. There are a range of engagement opportunities available to you, including:  

  • Build your networks and career options by participating in the Business Career Mentor Program, which pairs you with an experienced business professional  
  • Undertake a Business Internship or complete an industry project, and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting 
  • Become a global citizen through our international exchange programs– we have more than 80 partner institutions worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year 
  • Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program. You’ll receive expert guidance and gain workplace insights that will support your career development. Learn more through our Business Careers team.

We host regular University-wide careers events and workshops, expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas. 

This could be you

You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers. See where a human resource management degree could take you.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

With a 16.3% increase in demand for skilled human resource managers1 (HRM) by 2026, there has never been a better time to consider a career in Human Resource Management. Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

Careers to consider include: 

  • Human resources business partner: recruiting and selecting, training and developing staff; approving job descriptions and advertisements; advising on employment law and organisational policies and procedures; negotiating salaries, contracts, working conditions or redundancy packages, health and safety specialist, industrial relations practitioner.
  • Human resources manager: designing, organising and implementing human resources strategies, policies and programs; overseeing recruitment, performance management, and learning and development.
  • Employment relations consultant: providing a consultancy service and representation on industrial and workplace relations matters; actively contributing to the development and implementation of industrial relations strategies.
  • Learning and development administrator/consultant/manager: liaising with managers and interviewing employees to identify and assess training and development needs; delivering and overseeing training; monitoring progress made through training programs; designing training programs.
  • Organisational change consultant: working with key executives develop strategies and frameworks; planning, communicating and executing process improvements; facilitating a smooth transition through the change process.
  • People and culture manager: overseeing day to day people and culture activities; talent acquisition; employee relations and training and development; implementing and executing strategic employee engagement initiatives.
  • Recruitment consultant: working on behalf of companies to source candidates for job vacancies; analysing and understanding job specifications; conducting keyword searches on internal recruitment databases, assessing CVs online using various job websites, or actively ‘headhunting’ senior professionals through independent research.
  • Health and safety officer: supporting the development of OHS policies and programs; advising and instructing on various safety-related topics; conducting risk assessment and enforcing preventative measures; reviewing existing policies and updating according to legislation; organising WHS training.

1Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program has met the criteria for course accreditation and is currently accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI). Accreditation is reviewed every three years by the AHRI National Accreditation Committee. Students applying for this course can be assured that the quality of core units map onto the AHRI Model of Excellence for HR Practitioners and Academics, a recognised benchmark of HR best practice and standards.

This program has been acknowledged by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) as being aligned with its recommended requirements for HR degrees as outlined in the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and templates. UniSA is one of 323 educational institutions throughout the world that have been acknowledged by SHRM to define HR education standards taught in university business schools. Recognition from this internationally acclaimed HRM professional body signifies to employers that the contents of the program equip our graduates with the HRM competences required to work in a global environment.

Industry facts

data-presentation

Employment for human resource and training professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 11,900 by May 20241.

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor
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Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more arrow-small-right

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more arrow-small-right

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

You can also access a range of other student services including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study

UniSA’s Student Association USASA also offers a range of other services. For example, you can also join the UniSA Human Resource Management Club – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, as well as a variety of social and network events. 

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in virtual classrooms
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am a Lecturer in Human Resources Management at UniSA Business with expertise in the fields of employment relations, industrial relations, and human resource management. I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses. I also conduct research on a range of topics, such as employment skills and strategies, labour disputes settlement, labour relations policy, labour and comparative law, social security and migrant work, employee voice and social media, decent work and sustainable development. My practice has included negotiation and advocacy in employment relations, industrial relations, and labour law in Australia and the Philippines. Having extensive theoretical knowledge and industry experience, and as Program Director for HRM and Supply Chain Management, I am confident this program will equip students with outstanding competencies and skills that will help them achieve success in their future careers.

Dr Jonathan Sale

Program Director

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Portrait image for Dr Jonathan Sale
Portrait image for Dr Jonathan Sale

Dr Jonathan Sale

Program Director

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What others are saying

The range of activities I have been able to participate in outside of lectures is invaluable. I not only have the knowledge of a HR graduate, but I have experience in and understanding of the employability skills and characteristics a successful HR professional should have.

Catherine Macleod

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Recruitment Officer, Cara Inc.

Catherine Macleod.jpg

Catherine Macleod

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Recruitment Officer, Cara Inc.

Future study opportunities

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Study overseas

Enrich your studies and your life - make overseas experience part of your degree. Lots of opportunities are available.

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Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

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Got questions?

If you've got a question about studying at UniSA, we've got an answer.

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Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
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