Study Human Resources and Law

The Master of Human Resources and Law program provides professionals working in law, human resources, employment relations or general management with a deeper knowledge of and skills in human resource management and law through an applied, interdisciplinary program. A joint initiative of the Newcastle Business School and the School of Law and Justice, it is a purpose-built program which brings together distinct fields of knowledge - Australian employment law, human resource management and employment relations.

You will explore critical policy and legal issues and develop an understanding of relevant legal frameworks.In combination, the knowledge and skills developed in this program will enable graduates to be highly effective in directly managing a workforce, as well as advising others on how to do so.

Why study with us?

  • A purpose-built program - the Master of Human Resources and Law is a fantastic opportunity to build skills and knowledge simultaneously in employment law, human resource management and employment relations.
  • Study at NUspace - NUspace, located in Newcastle’s CBD, provides the optimum environment for you to excel in your studies, for those studying face-to-face intensive courses.
  • Learn from teaching and research experts - our highly qualified teachers in the School of Law and Justice and Newcastle Business School are acknowledged Australian leaders in Dispute Resolution research and practice, and experts in Employment Relations.
  • Build industry connections - the Master of Human Resources and Law provides you the opportunity to build valuable industry relationships in the Hunter region.
  • A one of a kind for our university - the first time a postgraduate program combining labour law, human resource management and employment relations has been offered at the University of Newcastle.
World top 175 ? for business and economics
Top 200 ? in the world for Law
94.4% employed ? within four months of graduating

What you will study

Students will use problem-based learning, case-based learning and other active learning techniques to build highly valued workplace capabilities including negotiation, mediation, collaboration, research, critical thinking and problem-solving.

The Master of Human Resources and Law comprises of eight courses (80 units) which includes four compulsory core courses and four directed elective courses. Core courses to support your drive and learning include:

In addition to the theoretical studies students will engage in practical, real-world exercises and assessments, drawn from a range of sectors, industries and countries, to equip them with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the professional workplace.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Human Resources and Law might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

At the completion of your Master of Human Resources and Law you will be equipped with the appropriate theoretical and practical skills to confidently and professionally work in human resource management and law. Our lecturers have strong relationships with legal and human resource industry professionals, businesses, unions and state and federal government. This will benefit students’ experience and education, and provide the opportunity for students to engage during their studies with these representatives.

You will graduate with significantly enhanced skills and knowledge to assist you in the following career pathways:

  • Human Resource Manager
  • Employer Organisation Advisor
  • Human Resource Business Partner
  • International Business Manager
  • Change Management Consultant
  • Union Organiser

Professional and Industry Engagement

Through strong relationships with the legal and human resource management/employment relations professions, supported by active Industry Advisory Committees in both Schools, you’ll have the opportunity during your studies to engage with representatives from your profession, business, unions, the public sector and government.

Application info

Applying for Master of Human Resources and Law

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Entry into the Master of Human Resources and Law program (80 units) will be available for applicants who have:

  • an AQF Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in a related field such as law, legal studies, business, human resource management, industrial relations or organisational psychology; or
  • an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in related field such as law, legal studies, business, human resource management, industrial relations or organisational psychology; or
  • an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree in a related field such as law, legal studies, business, human resource management, industrial relations or organisational psychology, and have at least one year relevant work experience; or
  • an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree in a non-related field, and have at least two years’ relevant organisational experience; or
  • at least seven years relevant organisational experience, of which two years should have been in a management position in law, employment relations or human resource management, for instance as: a line manager with substantial people management responsibilities; a professional with experience in mentoring, training or supervising the quality of professional work; or as a manager or consultant working in the HRM or ER field.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates

Assocation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The Newcastle Business School is accredited with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), earned by fewer than 5% of the world's business programs. AACSB is the premier, and longest-standing, international accrediting body for business programs and is the international benchmark for excellence in business education.

EQUIS accredited

The Newcastle Business School is EQUIS accredited. The EQUIS accreditation measures our performance against rigorous international standards which validates the high quality and professional relevance of our education programs and research.