New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management strand) (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management strand) (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Project Management strand)

The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) with a Project Management focus equips learners with essential technical knowledge and skills in people management, cognitive and affective abilities, and understanding of the business environment.

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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

 

     

The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Project Management strand) provides learners with core technical knowledge, people, cognitive, affective, and business environment skills with a focus in Project Management.

This allows students to specialise and gain technical knowledge and people skills relevant to their interest area.

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 Project Management strand as follows:

  • Project Management Strand: BSNS5601,BSNS5602, BSNS5603 and BSNS5604

For Returning Students (student who have previously started this programme of study):

  • The students currently enrolled in NZDB level 05 (SIT version/MGT Papers) will be transferred to NZDB level 05 (Te Pūkenga version/BSNS Papers from 2024).
  • Please ensure you select the correct papers when you enrol online, as the application will now show the new paper codes.
  • Please refer to the "Course Content" tab and the Programme Structure (Returning Students) section.
     

Programme Structure (New Learners under Te Pūkenga)

Compulsory Core Courses (all strands)

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

Project Management Strand

  • BSNS5601 Project Management Principles 
  • BSNS5602 Project Management Methodologies
  • BSNS5603 Project Management Tools
  • BSNS5604 Applied Project Management

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.

BSNS5601 Project Management Principles (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to the principles of project management.

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

  • Define the phases and relevant documentation of the project management lifecycle.
  • Examine the principles of project management to inform project planning for an organisation.
  • Analyse the skills and attributes of a project manager within the project lifecycle.

BSNS5602 Project Management Methodologies (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to evaluate and select project management methodologies.

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

  • Describe a range of methodologies used in project management.
  • Justify the selection of a project management methodology for a project.

BSNS5603 Project Management Tools (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse and select project management tools and software.

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

  • Describe project management tools and software used to support a project lifecycle.
  • Analyse tools and software that can support a specific project management scenario.

BSNS5604 Applied Project Management (Level 5) 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to apply project management tools, techniques and methodologies, and manage stakeholders.

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

  • Apply project management tools, techniques, and methodologies to complete a project.
  • Apply stakeholder management strategies through the project lifecycle.

Programme Structure (Returning Students)

  • The students currently enrolled in NZDB level 05 (SIT version/MGT Papers) will be transferred to NZDB level 05 (Te Pūkenga version/BSNS Papers from 2024).
  • Please ensure you select the correct papers when you enrol online, as the application will now show the new paper codes.
  • Please see the table below for the MGT paper codes and new BSNS Paper codes:

Transition Arrangements

Old Paper Codes - MGT (SIT version)

NZDB (Level 05)

New Paper codes - BSNS (Te Pūkenga version)

NZDB (Level 05)

Old Paper CodePaper NameCreditsNew Paper CodePaper NameCredits
MGT 505Business communication15BSNS5001Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context15
MGT 503Introduction to Applied Marketing15BSNS5002Business Environments15
MGT 504Introduction to Accounting15BSNS5003Business Function15
MGT 502Introduction to Human Resource Management15BSNS5004Change and Innovation15
MGT 501Introduction to Applied Management15BSNS5601Project Management Principles15
MGT 515Introduction to Project Management Methodologies and Frameworks15BSNS5602Project Management Methodologies15
MGT 511Introduction to Project Management15BSNS5603Project Management Tools15
MGT 514Organisational Context of Project Management15BSNS5604Applied Project Management15

Colour Explanation

SIT Core Papers
Project Management Strand papers

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 (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Leadership and Management, and Project Management) (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 (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Leadership and Management, and Project Management) (Level 5).
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Leadership and Management, and Project Management) (Level 5) full-time over 1 year or part-time over a maximum of 5 years.

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

Assessments for this programme typically include essays, analytical business reports, question and answer assessments and practical assessments. There are no exams for this programme. The programme requires access to, or knowledge of, a business or organisational workplace. This could be:

  • Your current workplace
  • A past workplace
  • A family business
  • A voluntary organisation (church, playgroup, sports club etc.)

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

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