Master of Strategic People Management (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 8563
- CRICOS code -
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $40,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $40,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $49,000*
Fees
Fees
-
100% online
-
Complete in one year full-time
-
AHRI accredited pathway
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Strategic People Management at UNSW Canberra equips middle managers with the skills to drive organisational change through effective people management. Designed specifically for managers, this program addresses the unique challenges they face by integrating systems theory with strategies for developing and sustaining individual and organisational capability.
You’ll learn to translate organisational strategy into people-focused implementation plans, creating a direct impact on organisational success. This fully online program blends advanced theory with practical insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of strategic people management.
As part of the UNSW Canberra School of Business, an accredited member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the program reflects the highest standards of business education worldwide. Only 5 per cent of university business programs worldwide are AACSB accredited.
Key features
Nurturing current and future managers
This program addresses the unique challenges of middle management, focusing on practical strategies for leading people and implementing organisational change.
Wide range of electives
Shape your studies around your interests and career aspirations with a comprehensive list of electives to choose from, including Marketing, Business Ethics, Organisational Behaviour and more.
Accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI)
Gain a qualification that meets AHRI's Model of Excellence, recognised as a benchmark for HR best practices.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Global standard of excellence in teaching
UNSW Canberra’s School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction achieved by only 5% of business schools worldwide.
Flexible learning for working professionals
Designed with professionals in mind, UNSW Canberra’s flexible, online delivery means you can embark on further study without interrupting your career. Whether you're already in the defence sector or looking to pivot into security roles, this qualification will accelerate your career.
Designed to meet industry needs
This program has been codesigned with experts in people and organisational management and is regularly reviewed to account for developments in industry best practice.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Program structure
The Master of Strategic People Management is a fully online, flexible program consisting of 8 courses (48 units of credit). This combination of core courses and prescribed electives blend theoretical and practical approaches to strategic people management. The program can be completed in one year with full-time study.
Full program structure
The Master of Strategic People Management is offered as an online, one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program. Students must complete:
Core courses – 24 UOC
● People and Systems – 6 UOC
● Driving Performance – 6 UOC
● Developing Organisational Capability – 6 UOC
Plus, one of the following:
● Strategic Management
● Change Management
Prescribed electives – 24 UOC
● Strategic Management
● Organisational Behaviour
● Strategic Human Resources
● Accounting for Management Decisions
● Business Law
● Public Service Implementation
● Leadership of Safe and Healthy Work
● Public Service Performance and Evaluation
● Entrepreneurship and Innovation
● The Business of Managing Projects
● Leadership
● Change Management
● Marketing
● Business Ethics
● Humanitarian Logistics
● Critical Analysis in Business
● Workforce Planning
● Strategic Logistics Management
● Managing Diversity
● Research Project - Business
● Evidence-based Decision Making
● Institutional Subjectivity and Ethics
Graduates of the Master of Strategic People Management are equipped to lead and influence organisational strategy through effective people management, making them valuable assets across public, private and non-profit sectors. With skills in systems thinking, strategic HR and leadership, graduates are well-prepared for mid to senior-level roles focused on organisational development, talent management and change leadership.
Potential roles
● Change Management Consultant
● Employee Relations Manager
● Human Resource Manager
● Learning and Development Specialist
● People and Culture Manager
● Performance and Talent Manager
● Recruitment Manager
● Strategic HR Advisor
● Workforce Analytics Manager
Accreditation
A program of study within the Master of Strategic People Management is accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) effective January 2021. Accreditation is reviewed every three years by the AHRI National Accreditation Committee. Students applying for this program can be assured that the quality of core courses map onto the AHRI Model of Excellence for HR Practitioners and Academics, a recognised benchmark of HR best practice and standards.
If you require more information about the specified courses that make up the program or are currently in a Masters program and would like to enquire if you are eligible to transfer into this program, please contact business@adfa.edu.au.
Alumni testimonial
“Having worked in Defence for more than 16 years, I have experience in personnel and business management. However, this degree has enhanced my confidence and expertise, particularly in relation to strategic management, strategic human resources, change management and systems thinking related workplace opportunities.”
Samantha Dennis, Master of Strategic People Management student
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
