Master of Business (Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management)

In this specialised Master of Business, you'll explore contemporary industrial relations and human resource (IR/HR) management.

You'll develop business expertise and learn to resolve IR conflicts. These skills are in high demand in Australia, making this masters an excellent step towards a successful career.

Our program is based on the disciplines of management and general business. Throughout, you'll be challenged to think creatively about the role of managers in business organisations.

You'll also develop strong research skills and gain a rich understanding of IR and HR systems, ethics and law. We combine this with hands-on experience, giving you the confidence and ability to manage workplace disputes.

If you have relevant work experience, you can apply for the Master of Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management and complete your masters in a shorter timeframe.

This masters course could lead you to a career as:

• human resource manager
• employee development planner
• employee relations manager
• recruitment consultant
• industrial relations officer
• union official or representative.

Organisations which employ human resource professionals include:

• banks
• consultancies
• local and national government.
• small or large businesses.

If you find work at a management level in HR, you can expect a salary of around A$97,500 (JobOutlook).

Strong growth is predicted in the number of jobs in human resource management over the next few years (JobOutlook).

Industrial relations is not an area that HR professionals are often drawn to. HR project consultants, HR advisers, and industrial-relations and employee-relations specialists are all in high demand Australia's HR sector.

With this qualification, there are opportunities to work in businesses as the following:

• HR management strategist
• performance-management systems expert
• negotiator with unions and employees
• facilitator or support during redundancies.

VU's Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management is accredited with the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI).

Accreditation from this respected institute demonstrates a high level of experience and expertise. The accreditation is based on globally benchmarked standards.

Our masters has an important research component where you'll acquire valuable, transferable skills.

You can undertake a research project examining real-world business situations. Or you may choose a business research thesis, applying theory and analysis to a relevant organisation.

VU has an established research focus. This includes community projects and industry partnerships where you can build networks and on-the-job experience.

VU gives you the opportunity to associate with peers from all around the world. The Victoria Graduate School of Business (VGSB) offers a truly international educational experience.

We have built an extensive international network - with partners in China, Singapore, Malaysia, India and France.

To attain the Master of Business (Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management), students will be required to complete 192 credit points (equivalent to 16 units) consisting of:

• 48 credit points (equivalent to 4 units) college core units
• 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) core units:
• 84 credit points (equivalent to 7 units) professional core units

Plus either / or
OPTION 1
12 credit points (equivalent to 1 unit) capstone unit; and,
24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) elective units. Students to select from any postgraduate units from across the University (subject to availability).
OPTION 2
12 credit points (equivalent to 1 unit) research proposal unit; and,
24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) minor thesis unit.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.