Why Study / Key Benefits

• Combines broad business education with specialist Human Resource Management knowledge, preparing students to manage people, workplace relationships and organisational performance.
• The Human Resource Management major covers organisational behaviour, industrial relations, diversity and inclusion, performance management and innovation, international HR management, employee health and wellbeing, data-driven decision-making and evidence-based management.
• Students develop practical skills in communication, conflict management, critical thinking, negotiation, organisation and problem-solving.
• Swinburne highlights hands-on business learning, industry connections and exposure to digital platforms such as MYOB, Xero and Google Analytics.
• The Professional degree includes a 12-month paid work-placement opportunity, allowing students to gain substantial professional experience while earning academic credit.
• The Human Resource Management major is professionally accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).
• The Bachelor of Business (Professional) is also AACSB accredited and aligned with PRME. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current indicative study sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and Swinburne notes that unit offerings can change.

Year 1 – Core units, 100 credit points:

• Financial Information for Decision Making — ACC10007
• Economics for Business Decision Making — ECO10005
• Business Digitalisation — INF10024
• Contemporary Management Principles — MGT10009
• Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact — BUS10014
• Creative Mindset and Entrepreneurship — BUS10015
• Financial Statistics — FIN10002
• Marketing and the Consumer Experience — MKT10009

Human Resource Management major:

• Human Resource Practices — HRM10004
• Dynamics of Diversity in Organisations — HRM20016
• Law of Employment — LAW30005
• Organisational Behaviour — MGT20007
• Managing Workplace Relations — HRM20017
• Digital Management and the Future of Work — HRM30012
• Human Resource Analytics — HRM30011
• Business Consulting Project — BUS30032

Professional placement:

• Work Experience in Industry A — WEI20001
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Business — BUS20010
• Work Experience in Industry B — WEI20002
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Business — BUS20011

Other study/electives:

Students can use the remaining study component for approved electives and/or structured minors or advanced minors, depending on the course rules. Available minors include areas such as Accounting, Business Law, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Impact and Social Media.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Human Resource Management

The wider Bachelor of Business (Professional) offers majors including:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Business Analytics and Analysis
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Management
• Marketing
• Sports Management

Programme Highlights

• 4-year Bachelor of Business (Professional)
• 375 credit points
• Hawthorn campus
• CRICOS 095883G
• Human Resource Management major
• AHRI professional accreditation for the major
• AACSB accreditation for the Bachelor of Business (Professional)
• 12-month paid professional work-placement opportunity
• 100 credit points associated with the Professional Placement Co-Major
• Approximately 1,672–1,976 placement hours
• Practical HR topics including workplace relations, diversity, employment law, organisational behaviour, future of work and HR analytics
• Industry-focused learning and opportunities to develop professional networks.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for the Human Resource Management major:

• HR adviser
• HR consultant
• HR manager
• Organisational change coordinator

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current published 2027 starts are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current course code: BA-BUSPRF1.
• Current CRICOS code: 095883G.
• The published study sequence is indicative and based on Semester 1, 2026; Swinburne states that unit offerings may change.
• Professional placement is a significant course requirement/opportunity. Students must satisfy the applicable academic and placement requirements.
• The course has additional academic-progress requirements. Students may be classified as at risk if they fail a unit, breach the Student Charter during professional placement, or have not secured a Professional Placement two months before the relevant final-year period. Unsatisfactory progress can also arise from failing placement units or early termination of a placement by an industry partner.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• International students currently completing Australian Year 12 must apply through VTAC; other applicants can use Swinburne's direct application or an authorised agent route as applicable.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student undertaking this programme in Australia is generally the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable English-language requirements or an exemption.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Maintaining appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Demonstrating financial capacity when required.
• Complying with Student visa conditions.