Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Study a degree recognised by the world’s largest human resource professional society1, and fully accredited by the leading Australian human resource management professional body2.
- Ranked No. 1 in SA for graduate careers in Business and Management3 and Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management4.
- Study a curriculum informed by cutting-edge research in Human Resource Management which is ranked above world-class5.
- 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 excellence6.
- 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). 2The Australian Human Resources Institute. 3ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 42024 QS Subject Rankings. 52018 Excellence in Research Australia (ERA). 6UniSA 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
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
The 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.
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
Your 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.
Why Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Recognised 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).
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.
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
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:
- UniSA College Diploma in Business
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Business)
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- see the full list of entry pathways that may apply
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- see the full list of entry pathways that may apply
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.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
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.
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
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.
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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
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.
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
Being able to connect with and learn from industry professionals was definitely a highlight of my degree. I aspire to be a human resources manager where I can be involved in the areas I enjoy most, including training and development, industrial relations and recruitment.
Nicholas Parrella
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Senior Human Resources Officer | Jobs Statewide
UniSA has provided me with many unique opportunities like networking at various events, and international study tours. I know that my studies will allow me to become an inspirational leader, as I will be equipped with the best knowledge and tools possible. In addition to having the amazing opportunity of being the Vice President of the UniSA Human Resource Management Club, I have also seen significant improvements in my teamwork and communication skills, as well as my ability to research subjects and topics. I believe these are all part of continuous learning and imperative to remaining current with business issues.
Emily Cicconi
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
A highlight of my time at UniSA was travelling to Colorado, USA, on an International Study Tour through my Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation) degree. This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone to develop key skills and make lifelong friends. I also completed a Human Resource Management Student Internship at the Adelaide Football Club. This internship provided me with the opportunity to gain exposure to real world HR and network with key contacts within the industry – which eventually led to obtaining my first graduate position at the Club.
Nicole Rundle
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) & Bachelor of Business (Sport & Recreation Management)
Human Resources Business Partner | Adelaide Football Club
