New Zealand Diploma in Strategic Leadership (Level 6)

Develop your leadership potential with SIT’s New Zealand Diploma in Strategic Leadership (Level 6). Gain the skills to think strategically, lead organisational change, and build high-performing teams in today’s dynamic business environment. Ideal for those looking to advance their leadership capabilities, take on greater responsibilities, or progress into senior management roles.

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SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Diploma
Level
6
Credits
None
Duration

TBC

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 NZ Diploma in Strategic Leadership (Level 6) will develop your practical leadership capabilities through applied approaches that connect leadership theory with authentic workplace practice.

You will gain the knowledge and skills to:

  • Evaluate the impact of current influences on an organisation's operations and make strategic recommendations to support an organisation's performance
  • Lead people to enable achievement of strategic organisational goals to support an organisation's performance in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Implement continuous improvement strategies to support an organisation's performance.
  • Lead and implement change to support an organisation's performance.
  • Develop and evaluate strategies for a positive workplace culture that values diversity and supports an organisation's performance.

Note: this qualification is intended to replace the NZ Diploma in Business (Level 6) - Leadership and Management strand only. Current students in NZDB L6 (L&M strand) can elect to continue with this qualification (up until the end of 2028) or transition to the new qualification. 

The following table shows how current NZDB L6 papers will credit transfer into the new qualification: 


A decision on whether to transition to the NZ Diploma in Strategic Leadership (Level 6) is likely dependent on how many papers you have already completed and if these will be recognised in the new qualification. For instance:

  • If you have only done papers that can have their credits transferred into the new qualification, then you have the option to move to the new qualification or complete your current qualification (prior to the end of 2028).
  • If you have done any of the papers that cannot have their credits transferred to the new qualification (e.g. MGT622 or MGT626), and you are likely to complete your remaining papers before the end of 2028, then you are best to stay in NZDB L6 and complete this qualification.
  • If you have done any papers which cannot have their credit transferred, but you would still like to move to the new qualification, you are welcome to do so, but you will need to complete additional study to meet the new requirements (e.g. if you have done MGT622 these credits won’t be transferred to the new qualification, so you will need to complete an additional paper).

There is no charge for credit transfer. Please see more information on Recognising Prior Knowledge & Skills.

Course Content

Programme Structure – all of the following papers are compulsory:

MGT601          Management Accounting

MGT603          Operations Management

MGT604          Strategic Management

MGT605          Risk Management

MGT606          Managing Human Resources

MGT608          Organisational Behaviour

MGT609          Change Management

MGT642          Sustainable Leadership

Paper Descriptions

MGT601 Management Accounting (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper 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 paper 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 paper introduces learners to the principles, tools, and methods used to manage operations, resources, and supply chains effectively. Learners will analyse the role of operations management in supporting organisational performance and strategy and evaluate approaches to managing and optimising resources and supply chains to achieve efficient, ethical, and sustainable operations. The paper also focuses on the application of operations management principles and tools within organisational contexts to develop and justify improvements to processes, policies, and procedures that enhance organisational performance.

MGT604 (MGT205) Introduction to Strategic Management (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper introduces learners to the key concepts and principles of strategic management, with a focus on how organisations analyse their strategic position and develop strategies to achieve their objectives. Learners will examine organisational objectives, internal capabilities, stakeholder needs, and external influences to determine an organisation’s current strategic position. The paper explores the use of strategic management tools and organisational information to evaluate strategic issues, opportunities, and risks affecting organisational performance. Learners will also apply strategic management principles to develop and communicate justified strategic recommendations that support organisational performance and sustainability.

MGT605 Risk Management and Quality (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper 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 paper 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.

MGT606 Managing Human Resources (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper introduces learners to the key principles and practices of human resource management, with a focus on supporting organisational effectiveness through effective workforce planning and employee management. Learners will explore job design and job analysis, and develop recruitment, selection, and induction strategies that reflect best practice, relevant legislation, and organisational needs. The paper also examines employee development and performance management systems, including their role in supporting fair and effective remuneration and reward practices. Learners will apply human resource management principles within organisational contexts to support employee performance, development, and organisational success.

MGT608 Organisational Behaviour (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper introduces learners to the key principles, theories, and approaches of organisational behaviour, with a focus on understanding how individual, group, and organisational behaviour influences workplace relationships and organisational performance. Learners will examine the impact of leadership, organisational systems, and external influences on workplace culture, diversity, engagement, and ethical behaviour. The paper explores the application of organisational behaviour theories and approaches to analyse organisational issues and recommend strategies that support inclusive workplace practices, positive organisational culture, and effective organisational performance.

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

MGT609 Change Management (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper develops learners’ understanding of contemporary change management theories and approaches, with a focus on how organisational change supports strategic objectives, performance, and responses to environmental pressures. Learners will examine organisational readiness for change, including the evaluation of potential risks, stakeholder impacts, and organisational impacts. The paper explores approaches to planning and implementing change, with an emphasis on effective stakeholder engagement and workforce transition. Learners will apply change management principles within organisational contexts to develop implementation and engagement approaches that support organisational objectives and continuous improvement.

MGT642 Sustainable Leadership (Level 6) 15 credits

This paper develops learners’ understanding of sustainable leadership, with a focus on how leadership theories and approaches contribute to long-term organisational performance and sustainability. Learners will examine the responsibilities of leaders in collaborating with stakeholders to address complex organisational and societal challenges, while promoting social wellbeing and environmental sustainability. The paper explores ethical, culturally responsive, and inclusive leadership practices. Learners will critically reflect on their personal leadership practice and develop a plan to strengthen their leadership capabilities to support positive organisational and societal outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification may be employed in senior and strategic leadership roles or leading within a specialised field or environment. These leadership roles may include change leaders, economic development leaders, business development leaders, thought leaders, or strategy leaders.

Education pathway

This qualification builds on from the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (any strand), and graduates of the NZ Diploma in Strategic Leadership (Level 6) 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:

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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