- Where you can study
-
Auckland campusDistance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying on-line outside New Zealand
Specialise in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations for your Bachelor of Business at Massey
Human resource management and employment relations involve managing relationships between people and organisations. The role of HR professionals is to shape and support organisations and their employees.
The Bachelor of Business (BBus) in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations (HRM&ER) looks at how employees are recruited, developed and managed. It also examines the design of work so that an organisation can create value from, and add value to its employees.
During your study, you will get a thorough grounding in workplace theory and approaches, as well as practical insights into the business world.
Our lecturers are actively researching, bringing the most relevant developments in business theory and practice to your study. They also have hands-on experience and real-world knowledge of human resource management and employment relations. You’ll have the opportunity to try out your ideas for yourself through project work.
They also collaborate with human resource and employment relations professionals, industry experts, employer and union representatives, academics, community groups and other stakeholders. You will hear about the latest developments in human resources and employment relations from expert speakers and develop industry networks, while you study.
The BBus will give you the leadership, communication and critical thinking skills that will make you a sought-after employee. It will give you skills you can use in many different types of businesses, in New Zealand and around the world, whether as a human resource management specialist or in general management work.
Further study
Study options upon completion of this qualification could include the:
Master of Management
Master of Business Studies
PhD.
A Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations is a good fit if you:
- would like to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
- would like to develop skills in working with others and resolving people-related concerns in the workplace
- are interested in how organisations function and how to manage employment relationships.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you will usually complete 120 credits per year (four 15-credit courses in each of Semesters 1 and 2).
If you study part-time, you should consider how many hours per week you can allocate to your studies. We recommend that part-time students enrol in 30 credits (two 15-credit courses each semester).
Degree structure
The Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management and Employment Relations) consists of:
- Compulsory (Core) courses (135 credits)
- Human Resource Management and Employment Relations major courses (120 credits)
- Elective courses (105 credits)
You may use your elective courses to complete a recognised minor, or broaden your study.
Important planning notes
- A full-time study load is typically 60 credits per semester.
- Complete prerequisite courses early to support progression into the higher-level Human Resource Management and Employment Relations courses.
- Some advanced courses may only be offered once per year, so plan ahead.
- If you intend to complete a minor or an internship, you should plan your course sequencing carefully to ensure prerequisite requirements are met on time.
- Some courses may also be available during Summer School.
You must also ensure that your overall degree includes:
- no more than 180 credits at 100 level (including all compulsory and major 100-level course requirements), and
- at least 75 credits at 300 level.
Majors and minors
Completing at least one major is compulsory. A major requires 120 credits, including at least 60 credits at 300 level.
If you wish to complete an internship, it will normally be in addition to your major requirements.
Completing a minor is optional and allows you to broaden your knowledge and capabilities in another subject area. A minor must be in a different subject from your major and can be from another undergraduate degree (subject to the regulations of that qualification).
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Major courses Choose from a selection of courses appropriate for your specialisation.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year One |
|---|
| 115112 Accounting for Business Decisions |
| 115113 Economic Fundamentals of Global Business |
| 115114 Finance for Business and Life |
| 115115 People, Work and Organisations |
| 115116 Marketing: Creating Value |
| 115117 Business in the Digital Age |
| Core option* |
| Elective |
| Year Two |
|---|
| 115212 Responsible Leadership in Business |
| 114240 Organisational Behaviour |
| 114241 Principles of Human Resource Management |
| 114254 Employment Relations |
| 152252 Project Management (subject choice) |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Year Three |
|---|
| 115340 Sustainable Business Operations |
| 114321 Managing Talent and Performance |
| 114330 Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Workplace |
| 114343 Healthy Workplaces |
| 152393 Managing Conflict |
| 152336 Leadership Practice (subject choice) |
| 115389 Business Internship (subject choice) |
| Elective |
Notes
- All courses are worth 15 credits unless otherwise stated.
- *Core option. Choose one:
- 115109 Introduction to Business Analytics
- 115211 Business Law
- 115230 Pakihi Māori
- 125230 Business Finance.
- Complete all Major courses (105 credits) and choose one Subject course (15 credits) to complete the HRM&ER specialisation. Courses labelled (Subject choice) are supporting courses that complement the HRM&ER specialisation.
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
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Business
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Business core courses
Human Resource Management and Employment Relations courses
Compulsory courses
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 detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse 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 detailsSubject courses
Course code: 115389 Business Internship 15 credits
This course provides an individual practical experience in business in which students deliver a set project in a business, linking theory to practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152252 Project Management 15 credits
An introduction to the theory and methods employed in project management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152336 Leadership Practice 15 credits
A critical analysis of the theory and practice of leadership relevant to public and private organisations and the development of ethical leadership and citizenship in a variety of socio-cultural contexts.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no special entry requirements other than those required to study at 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.
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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415
- International students: $38,080
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Human Resources Management and Employment Relations major offers a wide variety of career opportunities.
When you graduate you may take up a general HR/ER position in a private company or in the public sector. There are also specialist human resources roles in strategy, recruitment, remuneration, training and development, collective bargaining, change management and dispute resolution.
Past graduates have also become consultants, policy analysts for government, research officers, and academics. Because management involves people, many also enter general management qualifications.
International students
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.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
Related study options
Human Resource Management – Master of Business Studies
Gain in-depth specialist business skills that will help take your career to the next level.
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.
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.
Related content
