Master of Human Resource Management Specialising in Social Impact

Program Overview

The Master of Human Resource Management from Swinburne University equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in HR management, preparing them for leadership roles in a rapidly changing business environment. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, emphasizing ethical and social implications of HR practices. Graduates are highly sought after by employers for their strong understanding of HR principles, practical skills, and focus on social impact.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Human Resource Management from Swinburne University of Technology equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage people in a rapidly changing business environment. The course offers a combination of theoretical foundations and practical experience, preparing graduates to excel in various HR roles.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of human resource management principles and practices.
• Acquire practical skills in HR functions such as recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and social implications of HR practices.
• Enhance leadership and management abilities to effectively manage teams and organizations.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Comprises 16 units (200 credit points) including:
• 4 foundation units (50 credit points)
• 8 core units (100 credit points)
• 4 units comprising one specialization or 4 elective units (50 credit points)

Course Schedule:

• Available as a 2-year full-time program or equivalent part-time study.
• Can be accelerated to 1 year of full-time study for applicants with relevant work experience or cognate learning.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

Foundation Units:

• Behaviour in Organizations: Examines the behavior of individuals and groups within organizational settings, covering topics such as motivation, leadership, and communication.
• Management Analysis and Problem Solving: Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, focusing on data analysis, decision-making, and innovation.
• Business Sustainability and Social Impact: Explores the concepts of sustainability and social responsibility in business, examining their implications for HR practices.
• Future Management Skills: Investigates emerging trends and challenges in management, focusing on developing skills such as adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking.

Core Units:

• Opportunity Discovery, Creativity, and Design: Introduces design thinking principles and methodologies, focusing on identifying opportunities, generating solutions, and implementing innovative HR strategies.
• Employee Relations: Covers the legal and ethical aspects of employee relations, including managing workplace disputes, handling grievances, and promoting workplace harmony.
• Human Resource Fundamentals: Provides a comprehensive overview of HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, compensation and benefits, and talent development.
• Managing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Examines the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, addressing issues such as cultural competence, unconscious bias, and equal opportunity.
• Strategic Human Resource Management: Explores the role of HR in strategic planning and organizational decision-making, aligning HR practices with business objectives.
• Human Capital Analytics: Introduces data analytics techniques for HR professionals, covering data collection, analysis, and visualization for informed decision-making.
• Leading Change: Develops skills in managing and facilitating organizational change, including stakeholder engagement, communication, and resistance management.
• Human Resource Consultancy Project: Provides practical experience in HR consulting, working on real-world projects and developing solutions for organizations.

Specialization Units (Social Impact):

• Corporate Responsibility and Accountability: Explores the ethical and social responsibilities of businesses, covering topics such as sustainability, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Social Impact: Entrepreneurs and Social Innovation: Examines the role of entrepreneurship and social innovation in addressing social issues, focusing on developing business models and strategies for creating positive social impact.
• Social Investment and Philanthropy: Addresses the principles and practices of social investment and philanthropy, examining their role in supporting social causes and creating sustainable change.
• Evaluation and Impact Measurement: Introduces techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of social impact initiatives, covering data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Assignments (essays, reports, case studies)
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Exams (mid-semester and final)
• Assessment Criteria:
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of HR principles and practices
• Ability to apply HR knowledge to real-world situations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Case studies
• Guest speakers
• Online learning
• Faculty:
• Experienced and industry-connected faculty with expertise in HR management and social impact.
• Unique Approaches:
• Co-design and delivery of the program with industry partners Siemens and Medibank.
• Opportunities for work-integrated learning through internships, industry projects, and guest speakers.
• Focus on research and innovation, with access to Swinburne's research centers and facilities.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Human Resource Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Diversity and Inclusion Manager
• Opportunities:
• Employment in various industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and technology.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
• Increased employability and earning potential.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their strong foundation in HR principles, practical skills, and social impact focus.
• High employment rates and positive career outcomes for graduates.