Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations (Post Diploma)
The Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations is an integrated, multidisciplinary program of courses that examines employment relations within their social, legal, political, and economic contexts. The program will be of interest to trade unionists, managers, human resource specialists, and individuals interested in better understanding the employment relations of their own workplace.
Planning your program
Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.
Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Program requirements
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
The Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations (Post Diploma) offers a number of admission routes for business and non-business diploma-holders. All diplomas presented must be approved by Athabasca University. Please review Transfer Credit Services for further information.
Program structure
| Total credits in the program | 90 |
| Maximum block transfer credit for Ontario two-year business administration diploma | 45 |
| Maximum block transfer credit for Ontario three-year business administration diploma* *60 block credits with the possibility of up to six additional credits if the student holds an approved three-year diploma with direct equivalents to the remaining core courses. | 60 |
| Maximum block transfer credit for approved non-business administration diploma | 30 |
| Minimum credits at senior (300/400) level | 27 |
| Required core courses | 30 |
| Elective courses | 15 to 30 |
| Residency requirement. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. | 24 |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
| Maximum Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) credits | 6 |
| No preparatory (100-level) courses will count towards this program |
Following are the remaining courses to complete the credential for AU-approved two-year business administration diplomas (excluding Ontario) and Ontario three-year business administration diplomas:
Required core courses
(30 credits)
| Elective at the 300/400 level**Choose from HRMT or IDRL courses listed in the Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations program. | (3) |
| EDUC 317 – Training and Development in Organizations | (3) |
| HRMT 386 – Introduction to Human Resource Management | (3) |
| IDRL 316 – The Practice of Labour Relations | (3) |
| IDRL 309/LGST 310 – Human Rights, the Charter and Labour Relations | (3) |
| or | |
| LBST 330 – Workers and the Economy | |
| IDRL 215 – Introduction to Labour Relations | (3) |
| IDRL 308 – Occupational Health and Safety | (3) |
| IDRL 320 – The Law of Work | (3) |
| SOCI 321 – Sociology of Work and Industry | (3) |
| SOSC 366 – Research Methods in the Social Sciences | (3) |
Following are the remaining courses to complete the credential for AU-approved Ontario two-year business administration diplomas and non-business administration diplomas.
Elective courses
(15 to 30 credits)
Select course work from the elective list in the Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations program. Note that at least 9 credits must be chosen from HRMT and/or IDRL courses. Students wishing to substitute another course(s) for the electives may do so with the permission of the program director.
- Electives for Ontario two-year business administration diplomas (15)
- Electives for non-business administration diplomas (30)
As of 2023, the BHRLR has been accredited by CPHR-Alberta, the professional association for human resources professionals. HRLR graduates who wish to obtain Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) designation will be exempted from the National Knowledge Exam if they complete the courses in the CPHR stream as part of their course requirements. All Canadian residents (except Ontario) who complete the CPHR stream are eligible for the exemption. For more information about the CPHR stream at AU go here: https://www.athabascau.ca/humanities-and-social-sciences/resources/ba-hrpa-accreditation.html
For more information on the CPHR please visit https://www.cphrab.ca/become-a-CPHR
Updated July 26, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)