Programme overview
Develop your career further with Unitec’s Graduate Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management). This one-year programme is ideal if you want to continue to build your expertise in HR, have a degree in another field and are looking to broaden your knowledge or have significant work experience and want to gain practical HR skills.
Strengthen your knowledge of organisational behaviour and develop the tools to solve HR challenges. Apply your knowledge in a hands-on Industry-Based Learning (IBL) placement, gaining valuable experience in the workplace.
Programme Highlights:
- Practical Learning: Focus on applied business skills you can use in the workplace. Gain hands-on experience with an Industry-Based Learning (IBL) course.
- Versatile Exposure: Suitable for roles in profit, non-profit, and public sector organisations.
- SME Expertise: Emphasis on HR management for small to medium enterprises.
- Supportive Environment: Small classes with dedicated support and online resources.
- Flexible Options: Study part-time with a mix of on-campus classes, online learning, and self-directed study.
- Postgraduate Pathway: Provides a pathway into postgraduate programmes, including the Master of Business.
Programme structure
The Graduate Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management) is a 1-year full-time (duration for part-time study will vary), 120-credit programme. Please read the study plan carefully for the programme specific requirements, required credits at each level, and to see which courses are compulsory or elective courses.
Download a copy of the Graduate Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management) study plan here.
Admission requirements
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirement
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 50 with no score lower than 50
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing);
- Provide evidence that they have the English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated through evidence of one of the kinds described in NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
- If you're seeking entry based on work experience, you will be required to demonstrate, in a written application, CV and attestation from suitable referees, that you have substantial professional experience in activities related to this programme, and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent competencies.
For more information download the programme regulations document.
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2026; please check back again soon.
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| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Business Functions(BSNS5003) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | 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. |
