Level up your people leadership capability with SIT’s New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) – Human Resource Management. Gain advanced skills in human resource management, people leadership, and organisational development to confidently support and lead people-focused initiatives. Ideal for those building on existing experience or seeking to progress into HR advisory, leadership, or people management roles.
One year full-time
Up to four years part-time
Intakes will be 17 weeks long
2026 Intake 4: 27 July to 20 November - Applications Close 13 July 2026
2027 Intake 1: 08 February to 04 June - Applications Close 25 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
Zero Fees Scheme
International Fees
$100 per credit
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The NZ Diploma in Business (Level 6) will develop your technical knowledge, people skills, and business environment knowledge.
In addition to gaining core knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the achievement of organisational strategic objectives, graduates of the Human Resource Management strand will gain specific knowledge and skills to apply to people and culture positions in an organisation:
Core skills
Additional Human Resource Management skills
Programme Structure
Compulsory core papers
Human Resource Management strand specific papers:
Paper Descriptions
NZDB L6 compulsory papers
MGT601 Management Accounting (Level 6) 15 credits
This course develops learners’ ability to interpret financial information, make informed decisions, and manage financial resources effectively within an organisational context as learners explore the role and purpose of management accounting and how it supports planning, control, and performance evaluation. The course focuses on analysing financial statements to understand organisational performance and the financial implications of management decisions. Learners will also apply financial planning and budgeting techniques to support sound decision-making and the effective allocation and management of organisational resources.
MGT603 Operations Management (Level 6) 15 credits
This course introduces learners to the concepts, tools, and methods used by organisations to manage operations, resources, and supply chains effectively. Learners will examine the role and functions of operations management within organisational and external environments, with a focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers. The course explores resource management, supply chain principles, and the strategic importance of supply chain design and integration. Learners will also apply business process management principles to evaluate how operational processes support efficiency, coordination, and organisational performance.
MGT604 Introduction to Strategic Management (Level 6) 15 credits
This course introduces learners to the key concepts of strategic management, with a focus on how organisations plan for, implement, and manage change to achieve their objectives. Learners will analyse operational plans and organisational goals, and assess performance to identify an organisation’s current strategic position. The course explores change processes and methods, evaluating how planned change supports organisational improvement and strategic outcomes. Learners will also review and report on organisational performance in relation to stated objectives, developing skills to support informed, strategic decision-making in dynamic organisational environments.
MGT609 Change Management (Level 6) 15 credits
This course develops learners’ understanding of change management and how change processes are planned, led, and managed within organisational contexts. Learners will explore key theories and schools of thought that inform contemporary change management practice, alongside methods for implementing and sustaining change. The course examines the relationship between leadership theory and effective organisational management, highlighting the role of leaders in guiding change. Learners will apply organisational change theory to real business environments, building practical capability to support successful change initiatives within organisations.
Human Resource Management strand specific papers
MGT606 Managing Human Resources (Level 6) 15 credits
This course develops learners’ understanding of key human resource management practices that support organisational effectiveness. Learners will explore core HR functions including job design, recruitment and selection, induction, training, performance management, and total rewards. The course focuses on applying best-practice HR principles and relevant legislation to real organisational roles and contexts. Learners will develop skills in job analysis, designing recruitment and induction strategies, and applying employee development and performance management systems. Emphasis is placed on supporting fair, effective remuneration and reward practices that align with organisational goals and workforce needs.
MGT607 Employment Relations (Level 6) 15 credits
This course explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of employment relations, with a focus on legislation, dispute resolution, and contemporary employment systems within New Zealand and global contexts. Learners will critically examine employment relations theories and how they inform current workplace practices. The course emphasises applying employment-related legislation within organisational settings and evaluating the roles of key institutions and processes involved in negotiation and dispute resolution. Learners will develop the ability to propose informed strategies for addressing employment relations issues and supporting fair, effective workplace relationships.
MGT643 Strategic Relationships (Level 6) 15 credits
This course develops learners’ ability to analyse and manage strategic business relationships while responding ethically and responsibly to contemporary organisational challenges. Learners will explore how different types of business relationships support organisational performance and long-term value. A key focus is integrating the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into organisational strategy and decision-making in Aotearoa New Zealand. The course also emphasises developing inclusive, socially responsible, and ethical strategies to address cultural, social, and environmental challenges, supporting sustainable and values-based organisational practice.
MGT644 Future Trends in HR (Level 6) 15 credits
This course develops learners’ ability to evaluate emerging trends and their strategic implications for human resource functions and organisational performance. Learners will analyse current and future workforce trends to inform strategic decision-making in HR contexts. The course focuses on designing innovative, change-focused HR action plans that integrate organisational change and innovation methodologies. Learners will also develop skills in communicating research-informed, ethical, and strategic recommendations to influence organisational stakeholders, supporting evidence-based and forward-looking HR practice.
Click here for assessment information of NZDB L6 papers
Graduates of the Human Resource Management strand may be employed in a variety of business entities in supervised roles in a specialist HR functional area. The skills and knowledge can also be applied to supervisory or first line management roles.
Education pathway
This qualification will build on from the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (any strand), and graduates of the NZ Diploma in Business (Level 6) (Human Resource Management strand) may progress to the third year of SIT's Bachelor of Applied Management (People and Culture major) or a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (various strands).
It is recommended that all applicants should complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (any strand) prior to applying for this programme, alongside the following criteria:
School Leavers
Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years of age, have completed a minimum of four years secondary education, and have attained a minimum of 12 NCEA credits at Level 2 in each of four approved subjects.
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.
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 must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international learners from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in the Appendix and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of:
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.
Full time study is classed as completing 60 credits per intake. Students who study full time will complete the qualification over two (non-overlapping) intakes. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager’s discretion.
The number of credits selected for part time study should depend on work, family, and other commitments. The recommended maximum number of credits per intake, in consideration of working hours, are:
This is a guide only and will differ from student to student due to individual circumstances.
Students studying part time have a maximum of four years in which they can complete the qualification.
Cross credits, credit transfers, and recognition of prior learning
Please refer to the Academic Support page on the SIT website for details regarding cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning: https://www.sit.ac.nz/Prior-Learning
Additional information
All SIT Online courses require you to have a computer and Internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT Online 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 that 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.
All students will get an official academic transcript on successful completion of their programme of study which will be posted or given at Graduation. After each intake is finished, it is suggested that students check their results on MySIT.
We recommend students new to SIT Online 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 Diploma in Business (Level 6) with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Māori Business and Management, Marketing and Sales, and Real Estate, and be awarded this qualification for the Human Resource Management the student must successfully achieve:
(Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit zero fees entitlement).
Assessments for this programme may include, but are not limited to:
All assessment items are compulsory and must be submitted by the advised time and date.
No re-sits or resubmissions are allowed for assessments in this paper.
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.