New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management strand) (Level 6)

Level up your leadership game with SIT’s New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) – Leadership and Management. Gain advanced skills in strategic planning, team performance, and organisational leadership to step confidently into management roles. Ideal for those building on existing experience or looking to move up in their career.

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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

$100.00 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 Leadership and Management strand will gain specific knowledge and skills to apply to leadership 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 Leadership and Management skills

  • Manage and lead people to enable them to achieve personal and entity goals for efficient and effective performance of the entity
  • Lead and implement change within the entity for efficient and effective performance of the entity
  • Lead and manage projects and/or entity initiatives
  • Access and manage resources to improve entity performance
  • Analyse and apply financial information to make informed decisions and forecasts for efficient and effective performance of the entity
  • Manage stakeholder relationships to support the entity's performance.
  • Management compliance with internal and external requirements
  • Analyse the impact of operating in a global context on entity goals 
Course Content

Course Structure

Compulsory core papers 

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

Select four of the following: 

  • MGT605 Risk Management and Quality 
  • MGT608 Organisational Behaviour*
  • MGT611 Health and Safety in Employment
  • MGT622 Fundamentals of Project Management
  • MGT626 Leadership and the Project Manager

Paper Descriptors

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 (MGT203) 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 (MGT205) 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.

 

Leadership and Management strand Elective papers – select four

MGT605 Risk Management and Quality (Level 6) 15 credits

This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to apply risk management principles in New Zealand workplace contexts, aligned with relevant legislation, best practice, and organisational risk tolerance. Learners will develop capability in identifying, evaluating, prioritising, and managing health and safety risks and hazards. The course focuses on developing and communicating effective risk mitigation strategies that meet regulatory requirements and organisational needs. Learners will also critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing risk controls and recommend improvements to support quality, performance, and continuous improvement within organisational risk management frameworks.

MGT608 Organisational Behaviour (Level 6) 15 credits

This course provides learners with a strong foundation in organisational behaviour and motivational theories, and how these inform analysis of internal and external organisational environments. Learners will examine how individual and group behaviour influences organisational performance and workplace dynamics. The course explores organisational-level factors and key developments in the external environment, evaluating their impact on behaviour within organisations. Learners will apply organisational behaviour theories, models, and concepts to analyse real organisational issues, supporting informed decision-making and effective management practice.

* Note: MGT608 is a compulsory paper if you are intending to continue on to study the Bachelor of Applied Management (Applied Management major).

MGT611 Health and Safety in Employment (Level 6) 15 credits

This course provides learners with foundational knowledge of workplace health, safety, and wellbeing, with a focus on responsibilities within New Zealand workplace contexts. Learners will develop skills to source, analyse, and communicate health and safety information, including evaluating the quality and reliability of data from internal and external sources. The course explores relevant legislation and practical strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of work-related injury and illness. Learners will also develop effective engagement and communication approaches to support health, safety, and wellbeing across all organisational levels.

MGT622 Fundamentals of Project Management (Level 6) 15 credits

This course develops foundational project management knowledge, developing learners’ ability to plan, lead, and deliver projects in organisational contexts. Learners will evaluate a range of project management methodologies and consider how different approaches can be applied to suit varying project environments. The course also explores key project constraints, stakeholder expectations, and risk management practices, highlighting how these factors influence project success. A strong emphasis is placed on effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and team leadership, equipping learners with practical skills to contribute confidently to successful project delivery in real-world settings.

MGT626 Leadership and the Project Manager (Level 6) 15 credits

This course focuses on the leadership role of the project manager and the skills, behaviours, and competencies required to lead and motivate project teams effectively. Learners will explore the importance of communication and emotional intelligence in managing stakeholder relationships and influencing project outcomes, and examine how different leadership styles impact team performance, motivation, and workplace culture within project environments. Learners will also reflect on their own leadership approach and identify strategies for ongoing professional growth and leadership development, supporting their ability to lead teams confidently and effectively in project-based settings.

Click here for assessment information of NZDB L6 papers

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification with the Leadership and Management strand will have the skills and knowledge to work as a manager/leader in a range of strategic roles within New Zealand business entities.

Education pathway

This qualification builds on from the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (any strand), and graduates of the NZ Diploma in Business (Level 6) (Leadership and Management strand) may progress to the third year of SIT's Bachelor of Applied Management (Applied Management 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:
    • 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 an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

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