On trend
Our world-leading experts at Massey will get you up to speed with the latest trends in the HR and employment field.
Get hands-on
As part of your study get involved in projects across a variety of industries. Build a network of HR contacts with Massey.
Top-rated
Massey's Business School is ranked in the top 5% of business colleges worldwide by AACSB International.
Overview
Good HR and safe work practices are key to any thriving business.
Learn from our world-leading experts, with experience in the HR industry and specialisations such as diversity and living wages. Discover new trends in HR, occupational safety, and employment relations. Get hands-on with projects for different industries and organisations. Link with HR contacts while you study, including internships.
Business internships through Massey
Studying human resources and employment is a good fit if you:
- enjoy business studies or psychology
- want to help make work a better place for all – employers and workers
- like managing relationships between people.
Courses in HR and employment may cover:
- employment relations and law
- equity and diversity in the workplace
- health and safety, including staff wellbeing
- hiring and managing staff
- organisational culture.
How to study human resources and employment
Discover what we offer if you’re interested in human resources and employment – whether you’re coming to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to advance your study or career.
Undergraduate study
Bachelor's degrees
Bachelor of Business – BBus
When you study the Bachelor of Business you will become a well-rounded business professional by building research and practice-informed knowledge and developing a comprehensive skillset for a successful career in business
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.
Occupational Health and Safety – Bachelor of Health Science
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) will give you essential skills for a career in the health industry.
Graduate diplomas
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.
Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety – GradDipOHS
With a Massey Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, you can improve the working lives of New Zealanders, while boosting your career.
Relevant undergraduate subjects to major or specialise in
When you apply to study at Massey, for some undergraduate qualifications you can choose what subject you’d like to specialise in. You can usually change your mind after you get to university, depending on the courses you enrol in.
Postgraduate study
Master's degrees
Executive Master of Business Administration – EMBA
The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a 240-credit, world-class, career development qualification that prepares you to take on top-level roles in business, government, and non-profit organisations in New Zealand and globally.
Master of Business Studies – MBS
Gain in-depth specialist business skills that will take your career to the next level.
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 – 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.
Postgraduate certificates
Postgraduate Certificate in Business – PGCertBus
Whether you’re interested in a specific professional development course, or entry to further study, the Postgraduate Certificate in Business offers the flexibility to study in the areas you choose.
Postgraduate diplomas
Postgraduate Diploma in Business – PGDipBus
Gain practical business skills that employers are searching for with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Business. You’ll be able to design this qualification to suit your interests and your lifestyle.
PhD and other doctoral degrees
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
Jobs in human resources and employment
HR and employment careers span most organisations, from working with small businesses to corporates or government departments. Some of our graduates work in general HR. Others specialise in training or strategy. Many go into general management roles.
Careers include:
- health and safety advisors
- HR managers or HR advisors
- HR specialists in learning and development or people and culture
- policy analysts, who often work in government
- recruiters, who find the right people for the right roles
- workplace relations advisors, who specialise in areas such as collective bargaining or dispute resolution.
Annual salary ranges for jobs
- Health and safety advisor – $42,000 to $140,000
- HR advisor – $65,000 to $110,000
- Management consultant - $50,000 to $250,000
- Trainer – $56,000 to $128,000
- Workplace relations advisor or manager – $92,000 to $163,000
Salary ranges disclaimer
Indicative pay rates are:
- in New Zealand dollars
- based on careers.govt.nz data.
Which human resources and employment qualification?
Examples of where our qualifications may take you.
Jobs | Examples of what you could study |
---|---|
HR advisor or manager, workplace relations advisor, learning and development specialist | Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management and Employment Relations) |
Health and safety advisor, occupational health consultant | Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) |
Management and consulting roles |
Master of Business Studies (Human Resource Management) Master of Management (Human Resource Management) |
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.

Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Massey's MBA programmes (MBA and EMBA) are accredited by the Association of MBAs

Institute of Management New Zealand (IMNZ)
Massey Business School and IMNZ have a collaborative partnership to offer development pathways that transform talented people into valuable managers, visionary leaders and global executives.

ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
Get an information guide
Download our guide to find out more about studying human resources and employment at Massey.