New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management Strand) (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management Strand) (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Leadership and Management Strand)

Take charge of your future with SIT’s New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) – Leadership and Management. Build practical skills in team leadership, business operations, and problem-solving while gaining a solid grounding in core business practices. Whether you’re starting out or upskilling, this flexible programme sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced business world.

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Key Details
SIT Online
Qualification:
Diploma
Level:
5
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time

Two - Six years part-time

Maximum Duration of Programme 6 years

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2027 Intake 1: 09 February to 04 June - Applications Close 26 January 2027

2027 Intake 2: 15 March to 09 July - Applications Close 01 March 2027

2027 Intake 3: 21 June to 15 October - Applications Close 07 June 2027

2027 Intake 4: 26 July to 19 November - Applications Close 12 July 2027

Fees:

Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct Material Cost: $8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

 

     

This one year programme will encourage you to develop your initiative, whilst simultaneously meeting business organisation requirements. This stand-alone diploma specialising in leadership and management can also be used as a pathway to further study.

It is practically oriented and is designed to give you a good understanding of the theories, practices and principles involved in business.

Learn how to:

  • Develop your ability to plan
  • Organise, implement and monitor your own workload and the workload of others
  • Use communication skills to support individuals and teams to meet organisational or enterprise requirements
  • Plan, design, apply and evaluate solutions to unpredictable problems
  • Identify, analyse and synthesise information from a variety of sources.

Get started on your business career with a business diploma, specialising in leadership and management from SIT Online.

For New Students to this Programme of Study:

Please undertake 8 papers to complete this programme.

  • The core compulsory papers in all strands are: BSNS5001, BSNS5002, BSNS5003 and BSNS5004

The 4 compulsory papers for the Leadership and Management strand as follows:

  • Leadership and Management Strand: BSNS5401, BSNS5402, BSNS5403 and BSNS5404
     

Programme Structure

Compulsory Core Courses (all strands)

  • BSNS5001 Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context
  • BSNS5002 Business Environments
  • BSNS5003 Business Functions
  • BSNS5004 Change and Innovation 

Leadership and Management Strand

  • BSNS5401 Introduction to Leadership
  • BSNS5402 Operations Management and Compliance
  • BSNS5403 Business Planning
  • BSNS5404 Managing Projects

Paper Descriptions

BSNS5001 Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context  (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse organisations and engage with stakeholders in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Examine the nature of organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Analyse how bi-cultural partnerships can influence operational business activities and relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Demonstrate effective communication in professional contexts
  • Maintain professional and ethical stakeholder relationships in a socially and culturally appropriate manner.

BSNS5002 Business Environments (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse and manage the impact of environmental influences on an organisation.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Analyse the impact of internal environmental influences on business operations.
  • Analyse the impact of external environmental influences on business operations.
  • Evaluate environmental data to manage risk to support the performance of an organisation.

BSNS5003 Business Functions (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to the core business functions of accounting, operations, human resource management, marketing and sales.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Apply principles and practices of operations to support business performance.
  • Examine the role of human resource management in supporting business performance.
  • Explain the application of marketing and sales principles and practices that support business performance.
  • Explore accounting concepts and processes that support business performance.

BSNS5004 Change and Innovation (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to contribute to organisational change and innovation.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Apply practices and processes relevant to organisational change and innovation.
  • Discuss how organisational change and innovation can contribute to enhanced business performance.
  • Examine personal and interpersonal skills that contribute to organisational change and innovation.

BSNS5401 Introduction to Leadership (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse and identify effective leadership approaches that promote positive workplace culture, diversity and change.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Analyse the role leaders play in creating an inclusive a positive workplace culture.
  • Describe leadership approaches that contribute to the successful performance of an organisation.
  • Examine leadership approaches which support effective change in an organisation.

BSNS5402 Operations Management and Compliance (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to evaluate operational issues and challenges and apply operational techniques for continuous improvement and compliance.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Evaluate the internal and external compliance requirements of an organisation.
  • Describe operational issues and challenges for an organisation.
  • Apply operational techniques for continuous improvement in an organisation.

BSNS5403 Business Planning (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to engage in business planning and develop strategies that improve organisational performance.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and components of business planning for an organisation.
  • Prepare components of a business plan for an organisation.
  • Develop strategies to build competitive advantage and improve organisational performance.

BSNS5404 Managing Projects (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively manage projects and lead project teams.

At the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Evaluate project management techniques to inform decision making in an organisation
  • Apply techniques to manage a project within scope, resources, and time, to meet organisational objectives.
  • Develop techniques to contribute to high performance project teams within an organisation.

Graduates of the Leadership and Management strand may be employed in a managerial/leadership operational role within New Zealand business entities.

Whakatapoko | Admission

To be eligible for admission to this programme, all applicants must meet three admission requirements: 

  • Requirements for either General or Discretionary admission
  • Any additional Programme specific requirements
  • Language Literacy requirements

General Admission

To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester in which they wish to enrol (or provide a completed Early Release Exemption form), and meet one of the following requirements:

i. Achievement of NCEA Level 2 including: 

  • 8 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above; and
  • 14 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above 

Or

ii. An equivalent of the above

Or

iii. Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above with a relevant pathway.

Mature Applicants

Applicants over the age of 20 years will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme (e.g. Record of Learning, or Curriculum Vitae). They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate. Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Discretionary Admission

Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for discretionary admission.

In assessing whether to grant discretionary admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme.

3 Regulations demonstrate how the provisions and procedures for the awarding credit recognition and transfer will be applied to the programme.

4 Regulations demonstrate how the provisions and procedures for the awarding of recognition of prior learning will be applied to the programme.

All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.

Programme Specific Requirements

There are no additional Programme Specific requirements.

Language Literacy Admission Requirements

All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of: 

  • 8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above. 

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by an IELTS score of 5.5 (academic) with no individual band lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga Web-page.

Studying online at SIT

Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.

Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.

Staying in contact with your Facilitator

During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.

Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.

This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.

Results and transcripts

After each intake, check your results through MySIT.

Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.

If you're new to SIT Online, we also recommend reading the FAQs for more information about studying and enrolling online.

 

Study load

Full-time study 

For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:

  • 12–15 weeks: minimum 36 credits
  • 16–19 weeks: minimum 48 credits
  • 20 weeks: minimum 60 credits

Part-time study*

If you plan to study part time, consider your work, family and other commitments when choosing your study load.

As a guide, we recommend:

  • Working 37+ hours per week: up to 30 credits per intake
  • Working 20–37 hours per week: up to 45 credits per intake
  • Working fewer than 20 hours per week: up to 60 credits per intake

These are guidelines only. The right study load will depend on your individual circumstances.

*Your eligibility and maximum duration you have to complete your qualification part-time is subject to change, enquire to confirm.

How much study time should I allow?

As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.

Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.

Important enrolment information

  • All papers selected for an intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is approved. 
  • Online enrolment is completed year by year, and you can apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.
  • You are responsible for enrolling for further study. Enrolment does not automatically roll over to the next year.

Cross credits and previous study

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

Before you apply

Please read the Information on this page before starting your application. 
Your application will be assessed based on the information and supporting documents you provide.

Missing information or documents may delay your application.

Application checklist (once you click “Enrol”)

Before submitting your application, check that:

  • You have read the Programme Information on this page.
  • You meet the programme admission requirements.
  • You meet any entry requirements for the individual paper(s) you want to study.
  • You have selected your preferred intake(s), avoiding overlapping intakes.
  • You know how you intend to pay for your study.
  • If your organisation or employer is paying, you have an approved purchase order ready to attach. If they do not pay your fees, these will become your responsibility.
  • If applying for cross credit, you have completed the required cross credit form.
  • You have access to a computer, internet connection and software for creating electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

For Level 3 programmes: You will be required by the Tertiary Education Commission to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of your studies.

New students

You will also need to:

  • Provide an active NSN in the name you are enrolling under. If you do not know your NSN, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
  • If you do not have an active NSN, provide verified identification in the name you are enrolling under.
  • If you are a New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident, provide proof of residency.
  • Provide supporting academic documentation, such as your NZQA Record of Achievement, academic transcripts or certificates. These documents do not need to be verified.
  • If you do not have academic documentation, provide a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience.
  • Attach any other supporting documents required for the programme.

Zero Fees Scheme | What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

Under the Zero Fees Scheme, SIT does not charge tuition fees. You will still need to pay the applicable Student Direct Material Cost and a non-refundable administration fee.

The Student Direct Material Cost provides access to Blackboard®, SIT's online learning environment, and student support services throughout your study.

Who qualifies?

The Zero Fees Scheme is available to:

  • New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification.
  • Australian citizens, New Zealand Residents and Permanent Residents who will be living in New Zealand for the duration of their enrolment.

If you are not eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, call 0800 748 257 to discuss your options.

Submit your application

Complete the online application and attach all required supporting documentation.

Before submitting, check that the information you have provided is complete and accurate. Missing information or documentation may delay the processing of your application.

Any additional documentation can be emailed to sitonline@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  1. Application received
    You will receive an automatic email confirming that SIT has received your application. Processing may take up to three weeks. We will contact you sooner if we require additional documentation.
  2. Offer and invoice
    If your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional offer of acceptance, an invoice and payment instructions.
  3. Enrolment confirmed
    Once payment has been received, or you have selected an approved payment method such as Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order, you will receive an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet.
  4. Get ready to study
    Closer to the start of your intake, you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter with the information, tools and guidance you need to begin your studies.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management strand) (Level 5), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

  • A minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management strand) (Level 5).
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management strand) (Level 5) full-time over one year or part-time over a maximum of five years.

Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit zero fees entitlement.

Assessments for this programme may include, but are not limited to:

  • Tests
  • Assignments
  • Case studies
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Final examinations

All requirements for assessment must be submitted by the advised time and date. Late assignments will not be accepted unless an extension has been requested.

     

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

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