Diploma of Human Resource Management

The Diploma of Human Resource Management at York Business Institute is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification that prepares you for HR roles across Australian workplaces. You will study the core functions of people management: recruitment and onboarding, performance and reward, workplace relations, work health and safety, and the legal framework that governs employment in Australia. The course is delivered over three or four study periods, depending on the intake schedule, and is made up of units of study with credit points. Each unit is assessed through a mix of assignments, case studies, projects and exams, and you will need to complete all required units to graduate.

What you will study

The curriculum covers the employee lifecycle from hiring to exit. You will learn how to write job descriptions, screen candidates, run induction programmes, manage performance issues, interpret industrial instruments, and handle grievances and disputes. There is a strong focus on the Fair Work Act and other legislation that shapes Australian employment, so you can give accurate advice and keep organisations compliant. You will also build skills in HR data and reporting, so you can measure turnover, absenteeism and workforce trends and present that information to managers.

How the course is structured

This is a diploma-level qualification, which sits below a bachelor degree on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is designed to be hands-on and job-ready. Delivery is face-to-face at the institute’s campus, with some units supported by online resources. Assessment is competency-based, meaning you need to demonstrate that you can apply the skills in a workplace context. There is a work-integrated learning component: you will complete a practical placement or simulated workplace project where you apply your HR knowledge under supervision. This gives you recent, relevant experience to put on your resume and talk about in interviews.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to start an HR career, or who are already working in administration, team leadership or payroll and want to move into a dedicated HR role. It also works for international students who need an Australian qualification to enter the local job market. If you are an international applicant, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an equivalent accepted by the institute. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition and intake dates are published on the CRICOS register; check the official page for current details.

• HR assistant or HR officer
• Recruitment consultant or talent acquisition coordinator
• Payroll officer
• Training and development coordinator
• Work health and safety administrator
• Employee relations assistant
• HR administrator in private companies, government agencies, not-for-profits and labour hire firms

These roles are found across most Australian industries, including professional services, health, retail, manufacturing, construction and public administration. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in human resource management or business, if you want to keep going.