Graduate Certificate in People and Culture

If you are keen to improve productivity and work satisfaction for employees, study the Graduate Certificate in People and Culture (formerly known as the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management) to become a changing force in the workplace. This course will teach you about HR policy, management, ethics, and business practice.

Enrol Now Ask a question
SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Graduate Certificate
Level
7
Credits
60
Duration

17 weeks full-time

Up to two years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit (incl. GST). See International.

Course Outline

The Graduate Certificate in People and Culture will help students to undertake critical evaluation to inform the development of human resource policies and procedures in areas such as: recruiting, organisational departmental planning, performance management, and employment compliance. 

The aim of the Graduate Certificate in People and Culture is to provide students who already have a degree, or extensive applicable experience, with theoretical and applied knowledge in People and Culture, which can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area.

The programme offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with an emphasis on applied knowledge and skill. High importance is placed on the development of soft skills for management (such as communication, presentation, interpersonal and problem-solving skills) in addition to the development of specific business knowledge.

Course Content

Select 15 credits from:

MGT607 Employment Relations (15 credits)

This paper explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of employment relations, focusing on legislation, dispute resolution, and contemporary employment systems within New Zealand and global contexts.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

  • Critically examine employment relations theory and contemporary employment systems.
  • Apply employment-related legislation in an organisational context.
  • Evaluate the processes and institutions involved in dispute resolution and negotiation and propose strategies to address employment relations issues.

Select 45 credits from:

MGT710 Advanced Human Resource Management (15 credits)

Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which Human Resource Management supports an organisation in achieving its strategic goals.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

  • Critically assess demographic trends in Aotearoa/New Zealand’s workforce and the implications for organisations and the Human Resource function.
  • Design a recruitment and selection process linked to an organisation’s human resource strategy and business strategy.
  • Evaluate current approaches to employee professional development and assess how they support an organisation in meeting its strategic objectives. 
  • Critique current schools of thought in the area of reward and discuss the link between business strategy and reward.

MGT723 The Dynamics of Employment Relations (15 credits)

In this paper students will critically examine employment regulations and institutions in New Zealand. The paper uses contemporary issues to explore the genesis and shaping of legislation through the socio/political policy making process. The role and impact of policy, regulations and legislation on parties to the employment relationship is also explored.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

  • Critically analyse the key elements and dynamics of the employment relationship.
  • Research and evaluate the current legislative framework covering employment relations in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
  • Critically assess the relationship between employment relations outcomes, enterprise performance and the demands of a global economy
  • Critically discuss the legal requirements for the human resource management function related to current employment legislation.

MGT724 Management Skills for a Diverse Workforce (15 credits)

This paper is designed to provide students with an understanding of the increasing importance of diversity in organisations. We study a range of theories and focus on how to apply those theories to real-world situations. This paper emphasises the development of the skills and knowledge required for successful managerial performance in diverse organisations. It focuses on such areas as developing self-awareness, creative problem-solving, supportive communication, the use of power and influence, motivation techniques, and managing conflict.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

  • Critically analyse leadership and management theories and assess their application or relevance in culturally diverse workplaces.
  • Critically evaluate common skills required for managerial effectiveness within diverse environments.
  • Research and evaluate the dynamics of human behaviour to assess their impact on the effective management of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Critically evaluate your own values, behaviours and perceptions to understand how they influence your interpersonal behaviour and organisational practice.
Career Opportunities

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in People and Culture will undertake critical evaluation to inform the development of human resource policies and procedures in areas such as: recruiting, organisational departmental planning, performance management and employment compliance. They will solve problems, both independently and as part of a team.

Application Criteria

General Admission: To be admitted to this programme all applicants must have obtained an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Special Admission: Mature applicants aged at least 20 years who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply if they have at least three years’ work experience relevant to the area of study and have successfully completed a minimum of 40 credits of study at Level 6.

Special admission applicants must supply their curriculum vitae to demonstrate their relevant work experience and provide evidence of their academic achievements. 

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

The Programme Manager will use this information to assess the applicant’s level of preparedness for study at this level and whether the applicant is likely to successfully complete the qualification.

Meeting the application criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the programme.

English Language Requirements

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English 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 students 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 webpage.

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

  • 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 
    • 5 credits in reading 
    • 5 credits in writing 

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using either:

  • an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules; or
  • successful completion of Level 4 study in English
Are you a domestic or international student?

By submitting this form, I agree to the Privacy Notice and consent to receiving email communications from Southern Institute of Technology and its business divisions about learning options, services, news and events.