Human Resource Management – Master of Management

Gain the human resource management knowledge and strategic skills to help elevate your career and maximise the potential of people within your organisation.

Where you can study

Auckland campus
Distance and online

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 Master of Management at Massey

Massey University’s Master of Management (Human Resource Management) gives you an international perspective on human resource management. You will learn how to become a human resources expert with an in-depth knowledge of the theory of HR. You'll also learn the strategic skills to apply that knowledge to different types of industries and organisations.

This degree is most useful if you come from a discipline outside of HRM and have found yourself working at a level where you need human resource management skills. Or if you have an undergraduate human resources qualification and want to gain more in-depth knowledge.

We teach you how to be a practitioner and a strategist. You'll learn how to take the best of the theory to solve issues in varying workplace situations, including an industry case study.

You will be able to take advantage of Massey University staff research expertise in human resources and related areas.

We also have close connections with the main industry body in New Zealand – the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRINZ) and work within their competency framework.

Rigorous study

The Master of Management is a rigorous programme, where you will be expected to achieve at a high level. The quality of our graduates reflects this, and contributes to the reputation of the qualification.

Interested in a PhD?

To progress to a PhD, choose Massey’s research-based Master of Business Studies.

A Master of Management in Human Resource Management is a good fit if you:

  • Have an undergraduate degree (not necessarily in business)
  • Would like to change or progress a management career
  • Are interested in a qualification that is primarily taught and practice-based

Planning information

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

For progression to Part Two of the Master of Management, you will need to achieve a B- grade average across the Part One courses.

If you have completed at least 60 credits of postgraduate study with a minimum grade average of C+ you will not need to complete the core courses in Schedule A (115758 and 115759, or 295700). However, this is not a credit and you must complete an approved alternative course/s totalling 30 credits in your subject, or an alternative course from Schedule B, or equivalent. You will need to add the course using the Special Permission function on the Course Enrolment page in your portal.

If you are admitted directly to Part Two of the Master of Management on the basis of credit for Part One, you will be awarded the qualification without a subject.

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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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.

Part One

Compulsory course

Course code: 114702 Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations 30 credits

This course introduces the area of Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations. Specifically, the focus of the course is on the principles and practices associated with organisational behaviour, employment relations, human resources management and development.

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Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 114709 Managing the Employment Relationship 30 credits

A general understanding of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management with an emphasis on contemporary theory and practice. This course provides the opportunity for critical reflection and analysis of theories and practices relating to managing the employment relationship in any organisation.

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Course code: 114722 Advanced Organisational Behaviour 30 credits

This course is an examination of applied psychology and sociology in the context of organisations. The content is based on a foundation of theory which students are expected to critically analyse. The course is designed so that students apply the theory to modern organisational situations.

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Course code: 114735 Competitive Advantage and HRM Strategy 30 credits

An examination of how strategic human resource management theory and practice contributes to competitive advantage in business enterprises. Particular reference is made to the environmental factors that influence talent management in New Zealand and globally.

Restrictions: 114725

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Course code: 114761 International Human Resource Management 30 credits

An examination of the management of employees from an international perspective, including comparative HRM, the practice of HRM in multinational firm, and developments in the emerging field of Strategic International Human Resource Management (SIHRM).

View full course details

Part Two

Course code: 152894 Professional Practice 60 credits

Candidates will undertake a professional action investigation within the subject area in which the Master of Management is being completed. Investigations may be conducted either individually or in groups and assessment of the outcome of the investigation may be in a variety of ways including written and oral presentations.

Restrictions: 114895

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Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Management (Human Resource Management) you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, having achieved a grade average of at least B- in the highest level courses, or
  • have been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business with a B- grade average, or equivalent.

If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Business from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification, in a single subject. If you are granted credit, the degree will be awarded without a subject.

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

English language requirements

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

English language skills

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

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.

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

If you would like to progress into a management role, or are interested in progressing into a higher level of management, the Master of Management can facilitate this progression.

Sought after by employers

International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Earn more

A Ministry of Education report found that:

  • earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
  • five years after leaving study, most young domestic graduates will be earning above the national median earnings
  • young masters graduates earn 86 per cent more than the national median
  • good careers are associated with better health, better wellbeing and more satisfying lives.

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.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

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

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

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

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