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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

146504 v.5 Master of Human Resources

MHumRes(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 027236B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course is designed for managers, human resource and industrial relations professionals, and consultants wanting to develop and expand knowledge, personal and professional skills applicable to working in complex and changing organisational climates in Australia and overseas. The course features guided independent study, team projects and extensive use of information and communication technology.


Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership to the Australian Human Resources Institute


Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment in areas that have an interest in, or focus on, human resource management and industrial relations activities in middle managerial levels.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a bachelor degree, an honours degree, or a graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution) in a discipline other than Human Resource Management. Note that students may be required to successfully complete additional foundation units at the discretion of the appropriate academic program leader.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Specific Course Completion Details

Students may be required to successfully complete additional foundation units at the discretion of the appropriate academic program leader.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. synthesise relevant theories, concepts and techniques and apply them to designing solutions to a range of workplace-based human resource and management issues.

2. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various conceptual models relating to human resource management functions. Assess contextual variables in determining which models and theories best inform possible solutions to human resources problems.

3. find, assess and synthesise disparate information from multiple sources to make supported judgments and decisions about HR issues.

4. explain and model effective and empathetic communication practices relevant to diverse audiences and HRM contexts.

5. describe and apply various technologies, recognising their benefits and limitations when applied to human resource management functions and activities.

6. demonstrate initiative in finding new information. Apply adult learning principles to their own and others personal and professional development.

7. compare and contrast international and domestic HRM practices and IR contexts. Describe how HR practices in developing countries differ from those found in developed countries.

8. Critically evaluate and model the contribution cultural diversity can make to improving business and professional practice.

9. demonstrate leadership, ethical practice and professional integrity when working within a team and independently.


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is between one-and-a-half years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Some units are available in the evening.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
11347 v.6   Human Resource Development 574 3.0 25.0
4688 v.6   Human Resource Management Overview 560 3.0 25.0
5472 v.9   Cross-Cultural Communication and Negotiation 580 3.0 25.0
5745 v.7   Comparative Industrial Relations 562 3.0 25.0
  OR  
11217 v.3   Employee Relations in Australia 560 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
5770 v.8   Knowledge Worker Retention 600 3.0 25.0
5744 v.8   Industrial Relations Mediation and Advocacy 561 3.0 25.0
5754 v.5   Facilitation and Group Process Skills 565 3.0 25.0
5771 v.9   International Human Resource Management 650 7.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
5769 v.8   Strategic Human Resource Management 662 3.0 25.0
5768 v.9   Remuneration and Performance Management 661 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
5470 v.9   Practical Employment Law 572 3.0 25.0
10481 v.3   Business Ethics 567 3.0 25.0
11217 v.3   Employee Relations in Australia 560 3.0 25.0
5745 v.7   Comparative Industrial Relations 562 3.0 25.0
5248 v.8   Global Leadership 561 3.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Curtin Business School on telephone (08) 9266 7713, email business@cbs.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://business.curtin.edu.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.