Master of Business (Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management)

Victoria University

About

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.

Structure

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.

Course structure and units

Year 1

  • Work and Organisation Systems Unit code BMO6506 Credits12
  • Business Statistics Unit code BEO5539 Credits12
  • Business Economics Unit code BEO6600 Credits12
  • Strategic Management and Business Policy Unit code BMO6511 Credits12
  • Business Ethics and Sustainability Unit code BMO5501 Credits12
  • Human Resource Management Unit code BMO5564 Credits12
  • Industrial Relations Unit code BMO5544 Credits12
  • Law of Employment Unit code BLO5513 Credits12

Year 2

  • Organisation Change Management Unit code BMO6624 Credits12
  • Strategic Human Resource Management Unit code BMO5572 Credits12
  • Managing Workplace Conflict Unit code BMO5567 Credits12
  • Business Research Methods Unit code BMO6630 Credits12
  • Performance Management and Rewards Unit code BMO6625 Credits12

Plus

OPTION 1

  • Business Research Project Unit code BGP7730 Credits12

24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) elective units. Students to select from any postgraduate units from across the University (subject to availability).

or

OPTION 2

  • Business Research Proposal Unit code BGP7711 Credits12
  • Business Research Thesis Unit code BGP7712 Credits24

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any disciplineORCompletion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar disciplineORApplicants without an undergraduate qualification may be admitted to the Graduate Diploma based on approved work experience. Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma, graduates will be eligible for admission to this course with credit granted for completed units.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

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.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Critically reflect upon theoretical approaches and analyse their application to achieve effective IR/HR strategies.  
  2. Justify and interpret theoretical propositions and related bodies of knowledge to critically evaluate the resolution of business problems and recommend actions relevant to IR/HR in contemporary business, industry and community settings.  
  3. Critically apply cross disciplinary knowledge to IR/HR-related decision making with creativity for emerging contexts.  
  4. Exhibit accountability in autonomous and collaborative judgements and innovative strategic thinking in response to contemporary and future professional IR/HR challenges.  
  5. Work as a reflective practitioner to formulate, implement and evaluate industry-specific investigations to resolve complex professional problems and inform IR/HR decision making.  
  6. Communicate effectively with specialist and non- specialist audiences including multi-disciplinary teams, diverse cultural communities and business and other professional organisations.  
  7. Exemplify initiative and inspirational leadership in a dynamic 21st century work environment, acting consistently, ethically and socially responsibly.  
  8. Plan and execute a substantial research based project or evidence-based capstone experience linked to contemporary sustainable, socially responsible and ethical IR/HR practices to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at abstract and practical levels.  

Institution