If you’re looking to enter human resources but don’t know where to start, an HR qualification is the best place to begin. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of human resources and can even choose to double up your diploma, learning more specific skills to help you get into your chosen industry faster.
Who should study an HR qualification?
Human resources is a dynamic and challenging career suited to people from all walks of life. If you like interacting with people and helping implement policies and procedures that make work-life more enjoyable, fair and efficient, you’ll likely enjoy working in a human resources role.
Those who have previously worked in industries such as customer service, retail, sales, recruitment, administration, management or legal are well suited to a career in human resources.
Opportunities in HR
For those looking at a career in human resources, the good news is that both job opportunities and earning potential are growing at a higher-than-average rate.
The average salary for a human resource manager is $131,000. Those working in more specialised roles, often command higher earnings. The majority of roles are full-time, offering both job and income security. Most roles operate within corporate environments, where working hours are typically 9:00 am–5:00 pm on business days.
HR qualification options
If you’re serious about entering into a career in human resources, a great study option is a double diploma. You can save time and money by coupling complementary qualifications, giving you the edge over other applicants during the competitive recruitment process.
A Diploma of Human Resource Management offered by the College for Adult Learning is certified by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). CAL is the only registered training organisation to offer a diploma with this certification. This means that the skills taught are in line with Australian industry standards and benchmarks. AHRI also offers memberships and networking opportunities at various events held throughout the year.
We're excited to offer students studying Human Resources with the College for Adult Learning either a Associate (Full Fee) or Professional level membership to the AHRI.
As a member, you'll have access to valuable resources to support your studies, be able to join programs and events to help you become job-ready, and attend free member-only networking forums to build your professional network and learn about specialist HR topics. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) + Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420)
Coupling a Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) with a Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) is a great choice, particularly if you plan on working in senior roles within your organisation.
You’ll spend less time studying thanks to the overlap in units and skills taught during the course. You’ll study areas such as:
- Leading and managing effective workplace relationships
- Developing and using emotional intelligence
- Ensuring a safe workplace for a work area
- Managing personal work priorities and professional development
Along with being able to work in generalised human resources roles, you’ll also be well-equipped to succeed in other areas, such as leadership or management. You will be confident to expand your role to include training new or potential managers, running leadership workshops in your organisation or managing a team, thanks to the skills learned during your double diploma.
Download our FREE HR Course Comparison Guide
Find valuable information on the latest HR industry news, different HR jobs to pursue and a course comparison chart to help you pick the right HR course!
Certificate IV in Human Resource Management (BSB40420) + Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120)
The certificate IV alternative is great for those who want to dip their toe into the industry or are still considering their longer-term career options. A certificate IV in HR is often undertaken by individuals who do not have any experience in the HR industry. It’s well suited to those aiming for entry-level roles who are looking to stand out from other applicants, or even those looking for part-time work in the industry, perhaps after returning to work after having children.
The certificate option has less study time, helping you to graduate sooner. You will learn all of the key requirements to be successful in human resource management or business operations.
After completing the Certificate IV in Human Resource Management (BSB40420), you can always choose to study the diploma. Because of the previous units completed, the study time and cost of the diploma will be less.
Completing the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) alongside the certificate IV in HR is a great option. Due to the broad nature of the qualification, you’ll be opened up to a variety of roles in a wide number of industries.
Careers from an HR qualification
No matter what qualification option you decide on, working in human resources is a great career choice with plenty of room to move into more senior roles. You can also move laterally into other areas of business, thanks to the transferable skills learned in your qualification.
Whether you choose a double or single diploma, or even a certificate IV, studying at the College for Adult Learning means you can study flexibly, at your own pace, but still with plenty of one-on-one support from your learning coaches. If you have relevant experience from previous work, you may even find that you can shorten the length of your degree through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
We are proud to announce that from 2022 all CAL graduates of the Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) will have their qualification accredited by AHRI.
Your Career in Human Resources
Do you want to learn more about HR skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights?
Discover your career in human resources.
HUMAN RESOURCES CAREER PAGE