Master of Strategic People Management

About the course

The Master of Strategic People Management at UNSW Canberra develops advanced capability in contemporary people and workforce management. You’ll learn to align human resource strategy with organisational goals, lead change, and make evidence-based decisions across recruitment, performance, culture and employee relations. The program is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen strategic HR leadership and influence. This is a one-year Master coursework degree in people management.

Career outcome

Graduates can pursue strategic and leadership roles in human resources and organisational development across government, defence, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Typical pathways include HR business partner, people and culture manager, talent and workforce planning specialist, employee relations adviser, change management consultant and organisational development lead. The degree supports progression into senior people leadership positions. This is a Master coursework qualification in strategic people management.

Living Costs in Canberra**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 23	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,584 - 2,095	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,253 - 1,657
Transportation (Daily) A$ 4 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 264 - 348

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)