Programme overview
Skilled leadership and management professionals are highly sought after in the business world. Great leaders know how to inspire and motivate people in an organisation. Great managers help their teams achieve company goals by removing process roadblocks and fostering good working relationships. Together, the roles are vital to the growth and success of a business.
You might have a strong interest in the people side of business, or solid leadership and management experience that you’d like to back up with a qualification. Whether you’re new to the workforce or returning to work and need a skills refresher, this programme will prepare you to take on roles leading or managing people and projects.
Here are some of the technical and people skills you’ll develop:
- Attain leadership skills
- Understand operations management, human resource management and change management
- Learn techniques for continuous improvement
- Contribute to business planning
- Manage projects within scope, resources and time
- Negotiate and positively influence others to achieve the organisation's outcomes
- Develop a positive workplace culture and team engagement
- Promote compliance with internal and external requirements
Highlights
- Great introduction programme. Dip your toes in the diverse pool of business management and develop highly-desirable skills that will enable you to thrive in the business world.
- Get qualified quickly. Study full-time for one year and graduate work-ready.
- Work on practical assignments and real-world cases. Be prepared for what you’ll experience in leadership and management support roles.
- Wrap-around student support. Learn from a well-connected, expert teaching team dedicated to your success. If you need help at any stage, they’ll connect you with our various Student Services.
Interested in higher-level study?
The New Zealand Diploma in Business – Leadership and Management provides an excellent pathway to our Bachelor of Business (Management). You can specialise in Human Resources, or Operations, or our Bachelor of Business (Marketing) programme.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet 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:
- An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the preceding two years,; or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.; or
If you do not meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. 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.
For more information, download the programme regulations.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context(BSNS5001TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse organisations and engage with stakeholders in an Aotearoa New Zealand context. |
| Business Environments(BSNS5002TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse and manage the impact of environmental influences on a business entity. |
| Business Functions(BSNS5003TP) | 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. |
| Change and Innovation(BSNS5004TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to contribute to organisational change and innovation. |
| Introduction to Leadership(BSNS5401TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyse and identify effective leadership approaches that promote positive workplace culture, diversity and change. |
| Operations Management and Compliance(BSNS5402TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to evaluate operational issues and challenges and apply operational techniques for continuous improvement and compliance. |
| Business Planning(BSNS5403TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to engage in business planning and develop strategies that improve organisational performance. |
| Managing Projects(BSNS5404TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively manage projects and lead project teams. |
