Human Resources and Labour Relations Athabasca University

Overview

The Human Resources and Labour Relations programme at Athabasca University provides a multidisciplinary foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of the modern workplace. Students engage with a curriculum that balances human resource management with the legal and political frameworks of labour relations. This flexible degree is designed to be completed at the learner's own pace, accommodating professional and personal commitments.

Why Human Resources and Labour Relations at Athabasca University?

Athabasca University offers a unique, open-enrolment approach that allows students to begin their studies at any time without traditional academic barriers. The programme is specifically accredited by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Alberta. Graduates who maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and complete designated courses can benefit from an exemption from the National Knowledge Exam, accelerating their path to professional designation. Additionally, the university provides robust credit transfer options, including a post-diploma route that allows previous college graduates to complete their degree in as little as one year.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 1863 per credit
• National fee: CAD 1863 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of workplace issues, from legal compliance to organisational psychology. Modules may include:

• Training and Development in Organisations
• Human Resource Planning
• Human Resource Management
• Labour Relations
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Rights, the Charter, and Labour Relations
• The Law of Work
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Careers with Human Resources and Labour Relations

Graduates are prepared for diverse leadership and specialist roles within the public and private sectors. The programme equips students with the expertise required for careers such as human resources managers, labour relations specialists, and union representatives. Other potential career paths include roles as mediators, recruitment officers, corporate trainers, and policy developers. The comprehensive focus on both management and labour perspectives ensures that graduates can effectively navigate collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and strategic workforce planning.