Make a difference in people’s working lives
Human Resource Management and Employment Relations is about how people work together. You’ll learn how workplaces can be fair, safe, and supportive, and how good decisions can make work better for everyone.
You’ll explore what happens in workplaces, from hiring and skill development to pay and treatment at work.
You’ll also learn how rules and laws shape work in New Zealand and around the world, and how governments, employers, and workers work together to shape the future of work.
Choose your study path
You’ll study Human Resource Management and Employment Relations as a major in the Bachelor of Commerce. You can take a double major and combine HRM and ER with another Commerce major such as Management.
You could also study a conjoint degree and combine a BCom in HRM and ER with a BA, BSc, LLB, or other degree. This means you could study HRM and ER with majors like Psychological Science or Sociology, for example.
Real-world connections
The School of Management is in the centre of the capital city, providing unique connections with employers, unions, and government.
Located in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand's capital city, the school recognises the importance of students having a degree of managerial and policy expertise, as well as a critical awareness of how commercial and public organisations operate.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Human Resource Management and Employment Relations at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Graduates often start in entry-level HR or employment relations roles and grow into more senior positions over time.
You’ll gain knowledge of how workplaces run, how employment law works, and how people work together. You’ll also build skills in communication, problem solving, and understanding business—skills valued in any organisation.
You might find work in a:
- government department
- large company
- medium business
- union
- recruitment consultancy.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Human Resources and Employment Relations
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Business and Government
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. You could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.