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Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations
PostgraduateCSU-INR-GCE2025
Formalise a future in industrial relations
Whether you already work in the field or are starting out, this set of four subjects will empower you with specialised knowledge of the Australian industrial relations system. Graduate and work in policy, HR management, employment relations and more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations
About this degree
The Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations provides specialised knowledge of the Australian industrial relations system, as well as insight into managerial and specialist roles in industrial relations in the private, public and trade union sectors. It equips you with the theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to manage successfully, act ethically and add value to your organisation.
Need a boost to advance your career? If you're seeking to upgrade your knowledge or experience in industrial relations with a formal qualification, the Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations from Charles Sturt University is be ideal for you.
Recommended study pattern
The course consists of two core subjects, one restricted elective Set A and one restricted elective Set B.
Core
INR501 Industrial Relations in Context
INR503 Industrial Relations in Practice
Restricted elective set A
One from the following:
INR517 Legal Frameworks of Employment Relations
LAW515 Law of Employment
Restricted elective set B
One from the following:
HRM512 Values & Conflict in Organisations
HRM531 Organisational Politics
HRM545 Skills of Conflict Resolution
HRM560 Training, Design and Development
INR502 Contemporary Issues in Industrial Relations
LAW515 Law of Employment (if not completed above)
LAW519 Negotiation Skills
Further study
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, students will then be eligible for admission to a number of Masters programs offered by the Faculty of Business, Justice & Behavioural Sciences and receive credit for applicable subjects. Further study is recommended (but not limited to) the following courses:
Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Dispute Resolution
Master of Commerce
Master of Business Administration
Master of Social and Organisational Leadership
Award requirements
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 32 points.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $15,560
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
Learn more about CSU.
Explore CSU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 34
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 37
Entry requirements
Previous university study is not required for this course, admission can be based on one or more of the following:
- Previous study in a related field
- Previous study in a different field
- Relevant work experience
- Professional accreditation or registration in a relevant field.
Applicants without a tertiary qualification may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations on the basis of professional attainment and/or work experience.
If you’ve studied before, you may be able to fast-track your postgraduate degree with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, you could be awarded credit for your postgraduate degree. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible for credit based on your previous qualifications or industry experience.
Standard Charles Sturt University Credit Policy applies.
Study method requirements
Residential Schools required for some online subjects.
Career opportunities
Specialised knowledge of industrial relations is beneficial in a variety of roles. Having completed your Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations, you could work in policy development, human resource management, employment relations or industrial relations in all areas of the private and public sectors. Alternatively, you could take up advisory, consultant or industrial officer positions in employer associations and unions.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resource Managers | Over $120K | Up 85.7% |
| Human Resource Professionals | $75K to $93K | Up 24.6% |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |