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Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology)

Undergraduate degree

Delve into the fundamentals of psychological science and human resource management. Graduate ready to excel in recruitment and workplace negotiations.

Key facts

Duration

3 years full-time

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Be empowered to see human resources from a different angle. Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) and explore the human mind in a business context. As a graduate you will have a significant advantage when performing key functions in your human resources (HR) role, from recruitment and workplace negotiations, to creating high-performance environments.

Gain a more targeted knowledge base in psychology and take a scientific approach to the day-to-day functions of a human resources professional. Your deep understanding of human behaviour will be crucial when it comes to analysing employee performance, developing strong organisational culture and selecting the right person for the job. This course has been recognised by key accreditation bodies in HR and psychology as a degree that closely reflects the needs of the industry. This is largely due to our practical learning opportunities, including industry placements and overseas study tours.

If you are interested in HR, why not graduate with complementary skills in psychology that make you stand out from the pack?

At the core of human resources is understanding the person in front of you. What motivates them? What holds them back? What role suits their strengths? Our Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) prepares you for these questions and more.

Graduate with a keen sense for the underlying factors behind common workplace challenges. Through practical learning, underpinned by the latest research, you will be able to provide evidence-based solutions to these very challenges.

By applying a psychology lens to human resource management, you will have a definitive advantage in core competencies relating to: 

  • employee relations 
  • change and performance management 
  • organisational culture 
  • teamwork 
  • research methods. 

The diverse range of units on offer gives you a broader perspective of the challenges faced in HR, while at the same time preparing you for the realities of modern business. Learn the fundamentals of human resources by studying units such as organisational behaviour, change management and workplace counselling and negotiation. Then complement this knowledge with psychology units including brain, biology and behaviour, psychological science and the human mind. This dual expertise doesn't just make you better at your job; it makes you much more attractive to employers.

Deakin's Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) is closely linked to industry and provides opportunities to apply the skills you learn in the classroom in real-world settings. Our work-integrated-learning program gives you a taste of your future career in human resources. Spend valuable time at an organisation, working alongside professionals and building networks that enhance your career prospects. You will also have the chance to enrich your uni experience with an international study tour. Past tours have seen students explore intercultural management in Norway and dispute resolution in Sri Lanka. 

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology)
Year

2025 course information

VTAC code
1400410683 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400510683 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
M335
CRICOS code?
0101801 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) students must attain 24 credit points of core units. All units in the Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) are worth 1 credit point, so you must take 24 units (think of units as ‘subjects’) to complete your degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

To complete the course you must also complete the following:

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Core units

  • Foundations of Psychological Science
  • Foundations of Psychological Practice
  • Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour
  • Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development
  • Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)
  • Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent)
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)
  • Personality Psychology
  • Psychopathology
  • Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)
  • Management
  • Managing Self and Others
  • Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Workplace Conflict Resolution
  • Human Resource Development
  • Human Resource Practice
  • Human Resources Technology
  • Change Management
  • Employment Relations
  • Strategic Human Resource Management (Capstone)
  • And one credit point from:

  • Business for Social Impact
  • Consultancy Experience
  • Entrepreneurship Experience
  • Internship
  • International Consultancy Experience
  • Compulsory 0-credit point module

    To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waterfront (Geelong)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waterfront (Geelong)
      • Online

    Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
    Travel between campuses will be required to complete Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology). On-campus Business and Law units are taught at Waterfront campus and on-campus Faculty of Health units are taught at Waurn Ponds Campus.

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Unit selection

    Students admitted to this course will be given advice on unit selection, however students must take responsibility for planning their own studies within the course structure and course rules.

    Part-time studies

    part-time study is available via Campus and online mode. part-time study refers to academic workload, not mode of study.

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

    Workload

    You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.

    Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.

    International Students:

    This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.

    For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

    Academic requirements

    Current or recent secondary education

    If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    Year 12 prerequisite subjects

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

    ATAR

    • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

    Higher education

    If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • successful completion of at least two credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree. 

    Vocational education

    If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
    • at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

    Submit a cover letter outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, any Information Technology, Maths: Further Mathematics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

    Recognition of prior learning

    If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
    Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

    Please note that a maximum of five credit points can be granted for Psychology core units.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about international student fees.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

    We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

    Apply through VTAC

    If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
    If you need assistance, please contact us.

    Pathways

    Expand your career options and create pathways into further study.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    This specialist course will provide a highly unique skillset for students interested in understanding how internal psychological states and external work environment factors affect employee productivity in a variety of organisational contexts. As such graduates will be highly sought after for their capacity to scientifically identify opportunities for organisational growth relating to personnel in a range of industries.

    Students will gain a competitive advantage over other graduates with typical business/HR degrees through their capacity to quantify and explain ‘why’ and ‘by how much’ changes in human resources will positively impact on a range of business outputs. Graduate in-demand and ready to take on highly coveted roles, including:

    • employee relations officer
    • human resources compensation officer
    • human resources consultant
    • industrial relations officer
    • organisational development consultant
    • training and development manager.

    Professional recognition

    The Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

    Completion of the course also provides students with an APAC accredited three-year degree in psychology. This allows students to then undertake additional study in pursuit of professional registration as a practising psychologist through the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA).

    Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability. 

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Integrate theoretical knowledge of the disciplines of psychology and human resources/organisational behaviour in relation to human behaviour; apply a broad and coherent knowledge of psychology and human resources/organisational behaviour
    Communication Communicate knowledge and arguments effectively using the most appropriate means utilising clear, discipline appropriate, coherent and well-developed communication skills, including oral, written, and visual communications
    Digital Literacy Utilise online technologies to interact with others, access research and evaluate empirical evidence; and create and disseminate human resources/organisational behaviour and psychology-relevant content
    Critical thinking Identify and critically evaluate information from diverse sources including academic and other; develop arguments, reports, or commentaries based on empirical research and apply these skills in diverse contexts
    Problem Solving Identify existing and theoretical problems related to human resources/organisational behaviour and psychology; design, plan, and construct solutions to these problems using knowledge of existing human resources/organisational behaviour practice and empirical research; apply knowledge and skills toward the development of these solutions
    Self-management Engage in independent learning and personal responsibility while managing resources and timelines; and use a self-reflective lens toward personal and professional development within the practices of human resources and psychology
    Teamwork Collaborate and communicate psychology and human resources principles and practices effectively in interdisciplinary teams; collaborate and engage to work and learn in a range of environments including communities of practice, research, and professional practice
    Global Citizenship Embody the value of global citizenship by engaging ethically, responsibly, sustainably, and effectively with local and global communities within diverse cultural, social, and regulatory frameworks