Human Resource Management – Graduate Diploma in Business Studies

Keen for a career in human resource management? By studying Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Human Resource Management) you can change the direction of your career.

Where you can study

Auckland campus
Distance and online
Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Specialise in Human Resource Management for your Graduate Diploma in Business Studies at Massey

The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies is useful if you wish to keep up with professional developments in your field and are short of time. Or you may have found yourself working in a different field of business to that in which you hold a qualification.

You need to be a university graduate to enrol in this qualification. The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree. The graduate diploma is a bridging tool to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a specific area so you can go on to postgraduate study.

Why human resources?

Human Resource Management (HRM) is the process of managing the relationship between people and the organisations they work in. It is a specialist function supporting organisations, and their employees, at both strategic and operational levels. An understanding of HRM is also of benefit to anyone with responsibilities for managing people.

A focus on HRM

You’ll become part of one of the largest and most highly-respected management schools in New Zealand. Your teachers are world-leading experts, who have their own experience in the industry.

The importance Massey University places on human resources is reflected in our focus on research qualifications, such as the Massey People, Organisation, Work and Employment Research (MPOWER) Group which drives collaboration between human resource professionals, academics and other stakeholders.

Flexibility

It is a flexible qualification, with no core or compulsory subjects. You can tailor your study to your interests or needs.

Further study

If when you complete this graduate diploma, if you would like to progress to a Bachelor of Business (BBus) , you may be able to credit your courses towards it.

A Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in Human Resource Management is a good fit if you:

  • would like to change from the major of your first degree to study a different business subject
  • want to update your knowledge with the latest developments in your field.

Planning information

This qualification cannot be completed in one year of full-time study because of the need to take certain courses in sequence. It will take a minimum of 1.5 - 2 years.

No 100-level credits can be included in the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Compulsory courses

Choose 90 credits from
Course code: 114241 Principles of Human Resources Management 15 credits

An introduction to human resources management (HRM) theories and practices in national and international contexts.

View full course details
Course code: 114321 Managing Talent & Performance 15 credits

An examination of the theories and principles of strategic human resource management and the application of those to acquiring, developing and managing talent for organisational success.

Prerequisites: 114241

View full course details
Course code: 114330 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace 15 credits

An examination of issues, opportunities, and responses to managing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

View full course details
Course code: 114331 Contemporary Work and HRM 15 credits

An exploration of contemporary trends and issues relating to work, employment, human resource management, and employment relations in national (NZ) and international contexts.

Prerequisites: Any 45 credits at 200-level.

View full course details
Course code: 114343 Healthy Workplaces 15 credits

An exploration of the principles and practices of healthy work and workplaces, focusing on the identification and management of psychosocial hazards and risks in a New Zealand context.

View full course details
Course code: 152393 Managing Conflict 15 credits

A theoretical and applied examination of the nature and management of conflict in diverse settings. This course is suitable for anyone interested in working in or with organisations, employees, groups or teams, projects, or contracts.

View full course details

At least 15 credits from

Course code: 114240 Organisational Behaviour 15 credits

A theoretical and practical examination of the behaviour of people in the work environment. Students develop a basic understanding of individual behaviour and team dynamics, exploring issues of motivation, communication, leadership, decision making, power and organisational change.

View full course details
Course code: 114254 Employment Relations 15 credits

An exploration of the theoretical frameworks used to analyse employment relations, including institutional processes and practices crucial to the workings of contemporary employment relations in New Zealand.

View full course details

Up to 15 credits from

Course code: 115212 Fundamentals of Leadership and Teamwork 15 credits

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of leadership and teamwork.

Prerequisites: 90 credits at 100 level

View full course details
Course code: 155301 Employment Law 15 credits

This course examines the law governing the employment relationship in New Zealand.

View full course details
Course code: 251271 Occupational Health and Safety I 15 credits

An introduction to Occupational Health and Safety and its application to workplaces in New Zealand. The course will explore the complex relationship between health and safety, factors in the working environment affecting health and safety and systems intended to regulate and manage the working environment.

View full course details

Courses at 300 level from the 114 or 152 course prefix series.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Human Resource Management) you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
  • have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

If you are applying for admission with equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience you will need to provide a current CV containing details of academic and work history.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

A major in human resource management enables you to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. For a career in this area it is very useful to get some general business experience to help you understand better how organisations work, so if you don’t initially work in HRM this can still work to your advantage in the long term.

Graduates often take up generalist human resource positions in private companies or in the public sector. Others specialise in areas such as recruitment, training and development, and employment relations.

For those already working in the field, the diploma will give you additional skills and bring you up-to-date on theory and practice.

International students

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.

As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.

Accreditations and rankings

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

Learn more

QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.

Learn more

ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

Learn more

Related study options