New Zealand Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management Strand) (Level 6)

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.

Ask a question
SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Diploma
Level
6
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time 

Up to four years part-time 

Intakes will be 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)

Course Outline

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

  • Contribute to a business entity's strategic objectives and strategic plan
  • Apply broad knowledge of the principles and practices of operations, management accounting, marketing/sales, human resources, and risk management, to support strategic objectives of a business entity
  • Contribute strategically to innovation and organisational change in a business entity
  • Develop and maintain strategic business relationships with stakeholders to support the performance of a business entity
  • Apply knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi to analyse how the resulting bi-cultural partnership can be applied to strategic business activities and relationships
  • Apply professional and ethical practices with integrity, in accordance with the strategic environmental, social and cultural requirements of the context, and apply personal and interpersonal skills to contribute to the achievement of business strategic objectives

Additional Human Resource Management skills

  • Analyse principles and practices of HR functions to improve performance-linked employee behaviours.
  • Contribute evidence-based HR research into strategic organisational decision-making.
  • Analyse trends, including technological, to identify and implement actions in specialist HR areas.
  • Communicate HR principles and practices effectively to influence stakeholders within a recognised industry ethical framework.
Course Content

Programme Structure

Compulsory core papers 

  • MGT601 Management Accounting 
  • MGT603 Operations Management 
  • MGT604 Introduction to Strategic Management 
  • MGT609 Change Management 

Human Resource Management strand specific papers: 

  • MGT606 Managing Human Resources 
  • MGT607 Employment Relations 
  • MGT643 Strategic Relationships 
  • MGT644 Future Trends in HR 

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.

Career Opportunities

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).

Application Criteria

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: 

  • 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up 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.

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.