Develop the skills and knowledge needed to start, operate, grow and sustain a successful small business with the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) Level 4. Make your business dream a reality and learn how to apply business skills and knowledge to a small business.
17 weeks full-time
Up to two years part-time
2024 Intake 1: 12 February to 7 June - Applications Close 29 January 2024
2024 Intake 2: 18 March to 12 July - Applications Close 11 March 2024
2024 Intake 3: 17 June to 11 October - Applications Close 3 June 2024
2024 Intake 4: 5 August to 29 November - Applications Close 22 July 2024
Fees Free
First year of tertiary study
Tuition Fee: $0 Check eligibility
SIT Zero Fees Scheme
(e.g. $700 for 100 credit course)
International Fees
$12500
Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
BSNS4701: Business Planning
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to develop a business owner skill set and plan for the functions of a small business.
BSNS4702: Business Relationships & Technology
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to engage, and maintain positive relationships, with stakeholders and to select appropriate small business technologies.
BSNS4703: Business Marketing & Human Resources
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to effectively manage marketing, human resources, and the legal environment in which a small business operates.
BSNS4704: Business Finance & Improvement
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes to manage the finances and improve the performance of a small business.
TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS
SIT version(Old programme)
Unified Te Pūkenga version(New Programme)
BSNS4701
BSNS4702
BSNS4703
Business Marketing & Humans Resources
BSNS4704
Business Finance & Improvement
This qualification is to provide Aotearoa New Zealand with people who have the knowledge and skills to establish, operate, grow, and sustain a small business. Graduates of this qualification will be able to apply business skills and knowledge to a small business, in accordance with nga kaupapa o te Tiriti o Waitangi (the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi), and in a multi-cultural environment.
General admission
To be admitted to this programme applicants must hold one of the following:
40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent; or a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above.
Special admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme.
Discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
English language requirements
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
Suggested study path / combinations
Part time study
The number of credits selected per intake should depend on work, family, and other commitments.
Students must complete the papers in the order they are listed on the website.
It is recommended all students complete no more than two papers per alternate intake. Full time study is not recommended.
Full time study
Full time study is completing all papers (60 credits) in one intake. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager's discretion. As there are weekly assignments for many of the papers within this programme, part time study is recommended, even for students working less than 20 hours per week.
Additional information
All SIT2LRN courses require you to have computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet which includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.
Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.
We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.
Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with. Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.
What is the Zero Fees Scheme?
The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees, however there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.
Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?
Instructions to help you with your application:
If you are a new student...
Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.
What happens next?
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4) and be awarded this qualification, the student must successfully achieve:
This qualification may build on from:
This qualification may complement these qualifications:
Graduates of this qualification may progress to:
Assessments for this programme typically include essays, analytical business reports, question and answer assessments and practical assessments. There are no exams for this programme.
For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here.
Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study