Study International Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMIN

SATAC Code
4CM190 (Internal)
4CM191 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
$AU 32,500 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A completed bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed graduate diploma from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A completed graduate certificate from a recognised higher education institution.
Applicants who have:
- completed a bachelor degree in a business discipline; or
- completed a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management; or
- completed a graduate certificate in a business discipline,
  
  are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.
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Degree overview

Study at a university recognised globally for Business. UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
A two-year IMBA with a global focus that does not require previous work experience.
Provides early-career professionals with advanced management knowledge and skills to excel in international business.
Learn about business strategy, leadership, data analytics, global marketing, accounting for management, and much more
Both on campus and mixed mode study options are available, providing you with flexibility throughout your studies.
Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an optional internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
Qualify for Advanced Standing from previous qualifications and complete your degree in just 1.5 years.
Receive mentoring from a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.
Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Human Resource Management¹.
UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide² and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
Study at the #1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality³.
Experience UniSA’s campus facilities, ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for Business and Management⁴.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).²UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. ³Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023. ⁴ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Learning Resources Indicator. Public universities.

Snapshot

SNoonan_UniSA BusHub_231017_004.jpg Are you an early-career professional looking to progress your career in an international business context?

This degree will develop your knowledge of the global business environment and enable you to maximise your career development opportunities and employment prospects. You will benefit from a range of experience-based learning opportunities, including overseas study and business mentoring by a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.

Your studies will focus on international business strategy, international trade, global marketing, and employment law – the knowledge you will need to accelerate your career as a business professional in an international context.

What you'll learn

Postgraduate Business students

The two year program comprises 16 courses, including 4 electives and an industry placement/project. You will start with seven core courses common to all specialisations in the IMBA. Through these you will develop advanced skills and expertise in areas of international management including:

global business environment
people leadership and performance
economic principles for business
fundamentals of data analytics

You will then move into your human resource management specialisation studying areas such as recruitment and selection, people analytics and strategic management of human resources.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
BUSINESS CORE COURSES
Marketing Management	MARK 5025	4.5		Rule(s): 3
Accounting for Management M	ACCT 5011	4.5		Rule(s): 3
Economic Principles for Business	ECON 5020	4.5		Rule(s): 3
Global Business Environment	BUSS 5300	4.5		Rule(s): 3
PROGRAM CORE COURSES
Fundamentals of Data Analytics for Business	INFS 5130	4.5
Managing the Global Workforce	BUSS 5302	4.5
People, Leadership and Performance	BUSS 5114	4.5
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISATION
Talent Acquisition and Development	BUSS 5351	4.5
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards	BUSS 5398	4.5
People Analytics	BUSS 5450	4.5
Strategic Management of Human Resources	BUSS 5316	4.5
Leading and Managing Organisational Change	BUSS 5065	4.5
Specialisation Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2	Rule(s): 6
BUSINESS ELECTIVES
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 6
Professional Consulting Project	BUSS 5434	4.5
OR
Business Practicum G	BUSS 5396	4.5
International Business: Strategy and Ethics	BUSS 5034	4.5		Rule(s): 4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Advanced Business Electives
Doing Business in Asia	BUSS 5347	4.5
Issues in International Trade	BUSS 5348	4.5
Research for Business Decision Making	BUSS 5397	4.5
Business Virtual Study Tour - Postgraduate	BUSS 5411	4.5
Forecasting for Decision Making	BUSS 5427	4.5
Advanced Specialisation Electives
Service Management	BUSS 5428	4.5
Australian Industrial Relations	BUSS 5308	4.5
Negotiation	BUSS 5355	4.5
Business Electives
Startup Studio G	BUSS 5448	4.5
Data Visualisation and Communication for Business Professionals	INFS 5128	4.5
Enterprising Asia: Innovation, Strategy & Impact	BUSS 5453	4.5
Tourism and Indigenous People and Stakeholders	TOUR 5010	4.5
Specialisation Elective
Employment Law F	COML 5015	4.5
Workplace Learning and Development	BUSS 5069	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students, who have taken, for another award, a course which is substantially equivalent to a course from the program schedule, may be granted up to one third of the program in credit or may substitute a course of equal standing and unit's value, with the approval of the Program Director. Credit will only be granted for courses undertaken at postgraduate level in a qualification that has not been used as the basis for Advanced Standing.

2. The Program Director may approve variations to the program of studies for a student by substituting courses from the program schedule with courses from other graduate level programs in this or another university.

3. Applicants who have completed a bachelor degree in a business discipline or who hold a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management or applicants who have completed a graduate certificate in a business discipline are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

4. This is a capstone course and should be completed at the end of the program.

5. Students enrolled in the International Master of Business Administration are eligible to transfer into Master of Management or any of the Master of Management specialisations after a semester of study.

6. One course has to be at an advanced level and can be chosen from the Advanced Specialisation Electives or Advanced Business Electives list.

Notes

1. To be selected from the specialisation elective list or may be used to complete a short term international exchange, internship or UniSA Business electives approved by the Program Director.

2. The Australian Industrial Relations course listed in the electives is strongly recommended for students who intend to work in the human resources field in Australia.

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. 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

Your courses will incorporate practical, professional and research-based learning. Assessments may include:

case studies and reports
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant project
oral or online presentation
journals or portfolios
work placements

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.

Research

Working closely with industry, UniSA generates high quality enterprising research that informs our curriculum and tackles real world problems. We are renowned for our concentration of global thought-leaders and academic experts in the areas of marketing, human resource management, tourism and events management, logistics and supply chains, applied economics, business analytics, and international business.

Our curriculum is informed by our research expertise which is ranked ‘Above World-Class’ in Business, Management, Marketing and Tourism in the 2018 Excellence in Research (ERA) rankings. This program is taught by leading business experts from our broad range of research concentrations, institutes and centres.

Why International Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)

This two-year IMBA provides professionals with advanced knowledge and management skills for international business. It does not require previous work experience.

Courses are designed in consultation with industry professionals, so you’ll learn through real-life case studies and develop the knowledge and expertise you need to address today’s global business challenges.

You'll gain real world insights through UniSA’s global business focus, executive knowledge and networks. Graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to succeed in your future career—no matter where in the world you choose to work.

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.

The Human Resource Management (HRM) specialisation is designed and taught by academics actively involved in collaborative industry research. Courses draw on international research and professional experience both locally and abroad, so they are relevant, practical and applicable to today’s environment. You will develop the expertise and skills for effective professional practice as an HRM specialist.

An enriching student experience

Our flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from a blend of online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek program support from our Business Student Hub.

Real-world connections

Placements and internships bridge the gap between study and work. Our connections to industry create opportunities for you to grow. These experiences build confidence in the business world and give you a competitive edge.

Executive Partners Program

Have you ever considered having a business mentor? As part of your studies, you can apply for our Executive Partners Program.

This is a unique opportunity for our postgraduate students to engage with highly successful industry executives to enhance your study and career. Our Executive Partners are either active, semi-retired or recently retired business professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and want to help you achieve your goals.

Discover more

Hear from Executive Director: MBA and Executive Education about what makes our International Master of Business Administration unique, and what opportunities you can make the most of as a UniSA student.

Career outcomes

Your career

An International Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management), will provide you with specialist skills in human resource management and equip you to pursue international career opportunities in roles such as:

Chief HR officer: working with senior management teams; developing and implementing workforce policies and practices; creating competitive remuneration strategies and performance management frameworks; acting as regulatory adviser for complex industrial relations matters
Human resources manager: designing, organising and implementing human resources strategies, policies and programs; overseeing recruitment, performance management, and learning and development
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

Industry facts

By 2024, employment for human resource and training professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 11,900 by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019.

Enterprise Skills

UniSA Business students graduate with key enterprise skills that have been developed in partnership with employers across a range of industries. Embedded in your curriculum you will learn problem solving, ethical awareness, teamwork, and communication skills, which will help you to stand out and succeed in your future career.

Learn more

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM190
1.5 years - SATAC CODE 4CM191

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing for previous studies means you can complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. You can apply if you have successfully completed one of these (please see entry requirements for further details):

bachelor degree in a business discipline
bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management
graduate certificate in a business discipline

Alternative Pathways

Australian
If you would like to strengthen your business knowledge with a shorter qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Business (four courses) may suit you. This provides an entry pathway into the International Master of Business Administration Program.

International
If you would like to strengthen your business knowledge with a shorter qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Business (four courses) may suit you. This provides an entry pathway into the International Master of Business Administration Program.

Credit Transfer

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

Go to credit assessor

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

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

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

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 provides a range of other services.

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.

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.

Your program director

I am a Senior Lecturer (Strategy and Entrepreneurship) and the Program Director for a number of postgrad business courses. I am also the co-Director for Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE), a research centre within UniSA. In the past I had the opportunity to work and provide consultancy to industry and the government in Australia and India. I’ve also conducted extensive, high-quality research in the field of innovation policy, entrepreneurship, strategy, and international business. As Program Director for this degree, I believe students will benefit from both industry informed coursework and practical opportunities such as business mentorships, to help advance their future career goals.

Mr Stan Astachnowicz

Program Director

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Mr Stan Astachnowicz

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

When hiring staff, I look for a suite of five skills. I look for their ability to communicate and engage in meaningful conversations, their commitment to learning, team orientation, personal leadership, as well as their professional skill set. My advice for HR professionals is to invest in your own development - whether that be through studying, reading, attending presentations or being great at asking questions!

Samantha Wilkinson

Owner and Principal Consultant | Samantha Wilkinson Human Resource Consulting