Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course provides a program of interdisciplinary study relevant to the needs of organisations and practitioners in employment relations. The course is aimed at individuals who work, or seek to work, in the private and public sectors, and provides specialised knowledge and skills in the fields of employment relations, management, conflict resolution, public policy and labour law. For practitioners, the course is designed for individuals in specialist roles, including human resources, negotiation and conflict management, workforce planning, and discrimination and inclusion. It is also designed for individuals working, or looking to work, in public policy roles in employment relations, work organisation or labour market policy.

The Master of Work and Employment Relations aims to produce graduates who will:

(a.) be critical and creative scholars who:

• produce innovative solutions to problems
• apply research skills to business challenges
• communicate effectively and perceptively

(b.) be responsible and effective global citizens who:

• engage in an internationalised world
• exhibit cross cultural competence
• demonstrate ethical values

(c.) have a comprehensive understanding of their discipline and be able to provide discipline based solutions relevant to the business, professional and public policy communities we serve

(d.) have advanced knowledge to masters level in work and employment relations.

An optional research pathway is available.

The course structure has two main components:

• a set of core units in work and employment relations
• six open electives.

(a.) Students must complete six core units (36 points) as follows:

(i.) the following five units (30 points):

• BTX5080 Workplace negotiations
• BTX9070 Labour relations law
• MGX5130 Managing diversity and inclusion
• MGX5620 Pay, participation and performance
• MGX9850 Human resource management

(ii.) one of the following units (6 points):

• MGX5610 Work and employment relations in a global context
• MGX9220 Work and employment relations

(b.) students must complete a further six graduate-level units (36 points) subject to the following conditions:

• a maximum of two elective units (12 points) may be taken from other faculties
• students interested in pursuing PhD studies can choose the three-unit research report elective option.

Research report elective option

The research report option may provide an alternative pathway for students from a coursework masters programs into a PhD program. The research report elective option consists of a three unit combination totalling 24 points, and comprises the following units:

• MGX5000 Introductory management research methods (6 points)
• MGX5901 Research report (introduction) (6 points)
• MGX5900 Research report (12 points)

Students intending to enrol in the research report require permission. Students must have completed a minimum of 24 points of coursework study, including MGX5000 and achieved a minimum average of 70 per cent, to progress to the research report. Students should discuss this option with their course director prior to enrolling.

Additional degree requirements:

• students must study a minimum of four 5000-level units.

It is recommended that students consult with the course coordinator to ensure their elective units form a coherent study program.

This degree may serve as a pathway to a higher degree by research. Students considering a research degree are advised to consult a course coordinator prior to making an application.

Students wishing to exit the Master of Work and Employment Relations early may apply to graduate with one of the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Graduate Certificate in Business after successful completion of 24 points of study
• Graduate Diploma in Business after successful completion of 48 points of study.

Master of Work and Employment Relations