Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management

Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IR & HRM) is an interdisciplinary subject designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the broad, ever-changing field of employment relations, human resource management, workplace change, and education and training.

In IR and HRM we provide interpretations on how the modern world of work works; how to manage not just our own work life but in terms of a professional career other people's work, life and learning. This programme is:

• Designed specifically to meet employer needs
• Taught within a degree focussed on your needs
• Within a programme that embodies an international outlook

You will be well prepared for graduate studies within this programme as its draws on relevant papers from Education Studies, Labour Studies, Psychology and Human Resource Management. IR & HRM is a major within the Bachelor of Social Science and the programme can be completed in three years.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Social Sciences

Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management can also be taken as second majors or supporting subjects within most degrees.

School subjects required

There are no specific subjects you need to study at secondary school to study Human Resource Management at Waikato.

Other subjects that may interest you

Economics, Education Studies, Human Development, Labour Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Strategic Management.

Career Opportunities

• Employment Court Official
• Human Capital Development Strategist  
• Human Resource Manager  
• Industrial Relations Mediator/Facilitator  
• Payroll Manager

Potential Employers

• Government Departments
• Large Corporations
• Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH)
• Recruitment Firms

Papers

SOCY101 Introduction to Sociology
This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies.

LBST101 The Nature of Work
This paper offers an interdisciplinary account of the changing forms and social contexts of work from ancient times to the present and beyond. Special emphasis is placed on work in capitalist societies including the impact of new technologies.

STMG191 Introduction to Management
This paper provides an appreciation of management essentials and the role of managers in a contemporary context.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Classical Studies (including Achievement Standard 90513), or English, or History (including Achievement Standard 90658), or Te Reo Māori, or CIE with a minimum D pass at AS or A level in English Language, or Language and Literature English, or Literature in English.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers examine employment relations in New Zealand, organisational behaviour, workers education and training and learning for life.