Undergraduate study in Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management* is offered as a major** within the Bachelor of Commerce, usually as part of a double major alongside another BCom major such as International Business or Management. You can also study towards the Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management as part of a conjoint degree programme. (In a conjoint programme, you study for two degrees at the same time, attaining the qualifications in a shorter time than it would take to complete the two programmes separately.)

In the Human Resource Management major, you’ll learn about workforce strategy, people analytics, employment law, and organisational practice – all areas that are essential for professional roles in HR management, organisational development, talent strategy, and consulting within local and international organisations.

The HRM major includes a dedicated HR Analytics course (HRM 302). This is the only undergraduate course of its kind in New Zealand, directly addressing employer demand for HR professionals who are skilled at understanding and using data.

Courses in the Bachelor of Commerce major in Human Resource Management cover areas including:

• Employment Law
• HR Policy and Practice
• Strategic HRM
• HR Analytics
• International Management

*The major in Human Resource Management is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).
**A single major option is only available to students who started their BCom before the start of 2027.

The Human Resource Management major launches in 2027. Stage II courses will be available from 2027, with Stage III courses following in 2028. The new major will be available to students who started their BCom or BCom conjoint degree before 2027.

The HRM major comprises 90 points across Stage II and Stage III.

Stage II (45 points):

• COMLAW 214 Employment Law (15 points)
• HRM 201 HR Policy and Practice (15 points)
• MGMT 223 Understanding Work and People (15 points)

Stage III (45 points):

• HRM 301 Strategic HRM (15 points)
• HRM 302 HR Analytics (15 points)
• INTBUS 338 International Management (15 points)

The 90-point structure accommodates double major combinations within the Bachelor of Commerce:

• BCom in HRM + BA or BSc in Psychology integrates behavioural science with people management strategy
• BCom in HRM + LLB combines HR expertise with employment law capability

If you enrolled in the BCom before 2027, you have the choice of completing either a single or double major in the 360-point (24-course) BCom.

HRM is a growth area, playing an increasing role in analytics, AI integration, and organisational transformation. In the Human Resource Management major, you will build skills across practical and theoretical areas including people analytics, employment law application, cross-cultural management, and strategic HRM.

You will learn how to:

• Design innovative HR policies responsive to organisational needs
• Formulate data-driven workforce strategies using analytics and AI
• Address ethical and strategic challenges in contemporary HR practice
• Integrate HR systems with business strategy in domestic and global contexts

Career pathways include:

• HR generalist roles
• People analytics
• Talent acquisition
• Employment relations
• Organisational development
• HR business partnering

HR is a profession with strong career progression. According to Human Resources New Zealand, 27% of HR professionals reach Director or General Manager level. Graduates are also eligible for HRNZ graduate membership, providing early access to professional networks and development opportunities.

• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science conjoint degree with a major in Psychology integrates behavioural science with people management strategy
• Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree combines HR expertise with employment law capability
• Master of Commerce in Global Management and Innovation
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  

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