Program overview
Get a better understanding of industrial relations and human resource matters with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations. This multidisciplinary program examines employment relations in social, legal, political, and economic contexts.
This certificate will be of interest to
- trade unionists
- managers
- human resource specialists
- individuals interested in better employment opportunities
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
Credit earned in this certificate program may be transferred to the Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations program.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Please note: If you have completed AU’s former University Certificate in Labour Relations, you cannot apply to the University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations program.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- draw upon a wide range of evidence and practical background to create detailed yet clear proposals and arguments.
- achieve a sufficient level of understanding of background and context to employ these understandings routinely and systematically.
- show some understanding of the critical differences between theoretical perspectives in the disciplines of industrial relations and human resources.
- argue the historical reasons and relative merits of collective versus individualistic approaches to employment-related issues.
- show leadership potential and be selected for these roles on frequent occasions, in relation to issues and problems of moderate difficulty or complexity.
- be depended upon to successfully plan for and solve problems and resolve issues in efficient and participatory manner.
- express the self verbally in understandable, thorough ways that are useful in union/management/human resources-related settings.
- routinely and dependably produce appropriate written work (letters, documents, leaflets, etc.) for union/management/human resources-related purposes.
- show some insight into cause and effect relationships, as well as detailed knowledge in some parts of the field.
- explain the implications of certain industrial relations and human resources management positions for the workplace and society.
- exhibit evidence of practical knowledge in a considerable range of industrial relations/human resources activities, from basic participation to leadership and advocacy roles.
- display practical and successful activity that engages people and organizations in good industrial relations/human resources management.
- demonstrate use of policy, as well as appropriate intervention, to form and/or amend policy and processes related to it.
- demonstrate knowledge of much of the origins and evolution of industrial relations and human resources management at both practical and theoretical levels.
- describe and analyze ideas and conditions with clarity and forthrightness and in terms understood by those active in the discipline.
- convey concepts related to the discipline in ways showing a grasp of intricate and varied nature from the material.
- convey evidence of detailed knowledge coupled with disciplined action in interests of good industrial relations and human resources management.
Possible career options
- trade Unionist
- manager
- human resources specialist