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Major

In a complex and interconnected world, the nature of work is rapidly changing, and so is the regulation, reward and negotiation of employment. Our Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IR and HRM) major will equip you with the knowledge to build a career in the 'people' function in organisations, workplace relations, organisational change and public policy.

Businesses and employees, consultants, managers and policymakers need a sound understanding of the forces shaping workplaces and of relationships among employees and external stakeholders.

Our major gives a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the employment relationship, incorporating the study of labour law, human resource management, industrial relations policy and international human resources from a global perspective.

You will learn about two interconnected strands in IR and HRM: the people and processes within an organisation in both national and international contexts, and the theory and practice of institutional relationships between employers, employees, government, unions and other regulatory bodies.

Our academics are all active researchers who contribute to business and public policy debates, publish widely in national and international forums and attract major research funding. You will learn from highly regarded researchers who are well connected with the fields of work, business and policy.

About this major

To achieve a major in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, you must complete 48 credit points in units of study, as follows:

(1) two 1000-level core units of study (12 credit points):

  • Foundations of Management
  • Foundations of Work and Employment

(2) three 2000-level core units of study (18 credit points):

  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Work and Industrial Relations Policy
  • Work and HR Analytics

(3) one 3000-level core unit of study (6 credit points):

  • IR and HRM in Practice

(4) two 3000-level selective units of study (12 credit points):

  • Business Intelligence for Managers
  • International Human Resource Management
  • Gender, Diversity and Inclusion at Work
  • Workplace Law and Regulation
  • Globalisation, Work and Employment
  • Climate Change and Work
  • Industry and Community Project

Note. Not all selective units will be available each year.

Career Pathways

Our graduates can be found in a variety of roles such as:

  • Human resources coordinator
  • People and change consultant
  • Diversity consultant
  • Policy analyst
  • Industrial officer
  • Employer branding consultant

Accreditation

All undergraduate degrees incorporating a major in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IR&HRM) are Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) accredited. Students wishing to satisfy the requirements for professional membership of AHRI should complete an IR&HRM major as part of their degree.

Courses that offer this major

To commence study in the year

The course information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

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