Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

POSTGRADUATE

Extend your knowledge of contemporary HR practice.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$17,280 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$23,040 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Enhance and update your knowledge of contemporary HR practice and examine management issues in the context of global changes that impact on people within workplaces.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management focusses on tackling common problems in the management of people across borders, in various legal and cultural contexts. You will develop a critical awareness of these legal, ethical, social, economic and environmental challenges and their implications for effective and successful HR strategy, operations, processes and decision making.

You will understand the application of human resources (HR) practices within small and medium enterprises, including start-ups and entrepreneurial firms, public and not-for-profit sectors as well as multinational corporations.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management at RMIT?

Industry input

This course has been developed in consultation with high-profile industry executives.

Graduate job-ready

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study.

Professional association

Gain eligibility to join the Australian HR Institute.

RMIT Bursary

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1 2025, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Glasses and laptop on desk

Study entirely online

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is also available via online delivery.

Find out more

*Please note: RMIT's online degrees are only available to students based outside Australia as they do not meet Australian student visa requirements. For study on an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a degree.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. In addition, you will have access to online and digital resources such as lecture notes, assessment tools, discussion boards and podcasts through.

Your subjects may be offered during the day and late afternoon/early evening. Some advanced level workshops are offered over several days and/or weekends.

Assessment methods

Your assessment in this graduate certificate will take different forms according to your subject requirements. These may include assignments and projects, group or independent work, in-class tests, formal exams, and more.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Guiding the development of the College of Business and Law, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives.

The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management comprises four core subjects.

Through your study, you will explore HR's key concepts, professional HR practices, people and organisations, and employment law, to shape you into the consummate professional.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
Program code: GC161
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC161
088783C
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC161
CRICOS
088783C
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
GC161
088783C
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
GC161
CRICOS
088783C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You will emerge with knowledge and skills in contemporary business and HR practice and operational leadership, enabling you to identify and analyse problems in the field of human resources, and provide innovative solutions.

Graduates are encouraged to progress to the Master of Human Resource Management, offered at the Melbourne City campus and online.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Australian HR Institute (AHRI)

Course satisfies the standards defined by the AHRI HR Model of Excellence associated competencies and key practice areas for human resource management professionals. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via RMIT Online.)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students eligible for membership category: Student
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Graduate

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate you may be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline.

You may also be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years full-time equivalent work experience. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants who have successfully completed postgraduate studies in a business or related discipline at another institution can have these assessed for credit or exemptions from this course consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is a pathway to the Master of Human Resource Management. 

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management you can continue your studies in the Master of Human Resource Management and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Human Resource Management. 

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programs.

Fees

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This program has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$17,280* (2025 total).

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

About the bursary

If you’re an RMIT University alumnus commencing this degree from Semester 1 2025, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on your tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be:

  • an RMIT alumnus, having completed an award program at RMIT (including RMIT Vietnam and RMIT Online), and
  • a domestic student commencing* an eligible face-to-face/On Campus (Melbourne campus) RMIT Business or Law postgraduate degree in Semester 1 2025, and
  • enrolled in a full-fee paying place.

*a student is considered commencing if they are enrolled in the first semester of their degree and have not previously been enrolled. 

Note:

  • If you become eligible for the discount during 2025 (i.e., an international student who receives Permanent Residency) you must contact Business Connect to have your eligibility assessed and the discount applied. The College of Business and Law will not monitor eligibility or apply the discount outside the normal admissions process).
  • You are eligible for the discount on course enrolments in all degrees that meet the criteria (i.e., both the Graduate Certificate and a Masters degree). 

Exclusions

RMIT Bursary:

  • Cannot be held concurrently with any other scholarship, bursary or any other monetary discounts offered by RMIT (excluding awards).
  • Will not apply to postgraduate studies undertaken in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or online delivered programs.

Payment of bursary:

  • If eligibility is maintained, the discount will apply to all eligible course enrolments in the eligible degree in the year the discount has been awarded (i.e., 2025).
  • The discount will be applied directly to your student account and will be reflected on your invoice.
  • The discount is reviewed annually and may be removed in future years.

Application process

If you are an RMIT alumni there is no application process. Your eligibility to receive the bursary will be assessed at the time of application and enrolment. If eligible, the bursary will be applied directly to your tuition fees.

Eligible programs

All College of Business and Law postgraduate coursework programs delivered face-to-face/on campus (Melbourne campus). 

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information