- Where you can study
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Auckland campusDistance and online
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Specialise in Human Resource Management for your Master of Business Studies at Massey
Massey University’s Master of Business Studies combines study of advanced theory with research. It gives you the skills you need to progress your career, or continue to further study.
What will you learn?
A master’s is a rigorous, challenging, rewarding and exciting qualification of study. Your study will focus on your chosen specialisation, in the context of other business disciplines. This reflects the reality of today’s business environment.
You will learn the processes and disciplines involved in high-level in-depth research and how to apply them to business. You will complete and present a comprehensive written report on an independent research topic.
We utilise our relationships with industry and help you draw on experience you may have to give your learning context and relevance to the real world.
The Master of Business Studies will also develop your oral and written communication skills to the level expected of senior business leaders.
Further study
After successfully completing a Master of Business Studies, you could go on to a PhD.
A Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management is a good fit if you:
- have completed a bachelor’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with honours) with good grades
- wish to progress your business career into a more senior level
- would like to continue on to further study such as a PhD.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two. You will need to achieve a minimum B- grade average over the first 60 credits of Part One including the compulsory courses.
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 be 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
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 selection
Course code: 152781 Advanced Research Methods in Business 30 credits
Research approaches to management and organisation theory. Includes reading and designing research in these areas up to the preparation of research proposals.
View full course detailsSubject courses
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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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 detailsElective courses
Course code: 251731 Advanced Occupational Health and Safety 30 credits
An examination of current issues in Occupational Safety and Health and issues commonly found in the work environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 251770 Health and Safety Auditing 30 credits
A comprehensive examination and critical analysis of current theories and practice in relation to auditing and assessing organisational health and safety performance.
View full course detailsCourse code: 251772 Advanced Occupational Hygiene 30 credits
An advanced course studying the current issues in occupational safety and health, which involves the recognition, evaluation and control of health hazards in the work environment, including the study of noise, ventilation systems and air pollution.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 115891 Thesis 90-Credit Part 1 45 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a thesis for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115892 Thesis 90-Credit Part 2 45 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a thesis for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115894 Research Report 60-Credit Part 1 30 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115895 Research Report 60-Credit Part 2 30 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152804 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152805 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152896 Research Report 60 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
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
To enter the Master of Business Studies (Human Resource Management) you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum B- grade average in the highest level courses.
If you have been awarded the Degree of Bachelor of Business Studies with Honours from Massey University, or the equivalent degree of another recognised university, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- International students: $39,840
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.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Joe Walding Memorial Bursary
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Mary Mallon Memorial Scholarship
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
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
Careers and job opportunities
Business studies equips students with the flexible and highly portable skills employers are looking for. With a Master of Business Studies, you will be prepared to take the next step in your career or to join the world of business in a variety of dynamic roles, from financial accountant to marketing manager.
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.
Greater earning potential
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication "The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates", found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than 1.5 times more than the national median (5 years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
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 5 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 3 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.
Related study options
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.
Human Resource Management and Employment Relations – Bachelor of Business
The Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management and Employment Relations) will give you the theoretical, policy and business skills you need to understand, manage and collaborate effectively with people in the workplace.
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