Postgraduate Diploma in Business – PGDipBus

Gain practical business skills that employers are searching for with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Business. You’ll be able to design this qualification to suit your interests and your lifestyle.

Type of qualification

Postgraduate diploma

Level of study

Postgraduate study

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

NZQF level 8

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

1 year full-time (120 credits)
Up to 4 years part-time
Part-time available

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Business – PGDipBus

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus) provides you with an advanced education in business. It consists of taught courses, though you may include a project in an area of interest.

If you have a degree (not necessarily in business) and would like to study business at a postgraduate level this qualification may suit you.

Flexible focus

If you undertake this postgraduate diploma, you may design an academic qualification to meet your own needs and interests.

Multi-disciplinary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business utilises Massey Business School's staff expertise across a broad range of subjects including:

  • international business
  • human resources
  • enterprise development
  • finance
  • marketing.

If you complete the qualification at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Business Studies, Master of Management or Master of Finance. If so, credits you have gained through this postgraduate diploma may be credited towards that qualification. This will depend on the courses you have chosen. See the ‘Courses and specialisations’ section for more information.

A PGDipBus is a good fit if you:

  • wish to try postgraduate study, without a strong research component
  • have an undergraduate business degree, but not necessarily in the subject you wish to major in for your PGDip
  • wish to progress in your career to more senior roles.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Business programme you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum B- grade average in the highest level courses.

You will provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Specialisation in Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant)

Please see specialisation page for entry requirements.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits in one year (60 credits per semester).

If you wish to keep your options open for possible future progression to a master’s programme we strongly recommend you select your courses for the PGDipBus from the relevant master’s subject schedule of courses.

You may progress from the PGDipBus to the Master of Management, Master of Business Studies or Master of Finance on the attainment of a minimum B- grade average in the PGDipBus.

If you require advice on which courses will transfer to the MMgt, MBS or MFin, please book an appointment with an Academic Adviser in MyHub or contact us using the ‘Get advice’ button.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

120 credits

  • Courses from the Schedule – 120 credits

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Schedule A: Endorsements

Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business is available with or without a specialisation.

Schedule B

Course code: 110710 Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting 30 credits

An in-depth study of selected contemporary financial accounting and external reporting issues through a review of the relevant extant literature.

Prerequisites: 110309

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Course code: 110711 Advanced Accounting Theory 30 credits

This course is designed for students who wish to continue their search for truth in accounting at an advanced level. They will be introduced to various conceptual issues espoused in the accounting literature such as the historical development of accounting, the relationship between philosophy of science and accounting, and the theoretical foundation of some of the important issues currently facing accounting as a profession.

Prerequisites: 110309

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Course code: 114702 Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations 30 credits

This course introduces the area of Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations. Specifically, the focus of the course is on the principles and practices associated with organisational behaviour, employment relations, human resources management and development.

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Course code: 114709 Managing the Employment Relationship 30 credits

A general understanding of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management with an emphasis on contemporary theory and practice. This course provides the opportunity for critical reflection and analysis of theories and practices relating to managing the employment relationship in any organisation.

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Course code: 114722 Advanced Organisational Behaviour 30 credits

This course is an examination of applied psychology and sociology in the context of organisations. The content is based on a foundation of theory which students are expected to critically analyse. The course is designed so that students apply the theory to modern organisational situations.

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Course code: 114735 Competitive Advantage and HRM Strategy 30 credits

An examination of how strategic human resource management theory and practice contributes to competitive advantage in business enterprises. Particular reference is made to the environmental factors that influence talent management in New Zealand and globally.

Restrictions: 114725

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Course code: 114761 International Human Resource Management 30 credits

An examination of the management of employees from an international perspective, including comparative HRM, the practice of HRM in multinational firm, and developments in the emerging field of Strategic International Human Resource Management (SIHRM).

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Course code: 115758 Interpersonal Communication at Work 15 credits

An introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication.

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Course code: 115759 Current Issues in Business 15 credits

Comprehensive examination of contemporary business issues providing a contextual platform for further study of business specialisations.

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Course code: 125700 Managerial Finance 30 credits

A study of the theory of finance with an emphasis on managerial decision making.

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required Restrictions: 125330

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Course code: 152700 Organisation and Management 30 credits

A study of the theories of management and their application within organisations.

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Course code: 152702 Advanced Strategic Management 30 credits

An advanced study of the systems and techniques of strategic planning, policy formulation and implementation.

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Course code: 152704 Business and Sustainability 30 credits

An analysis of the relationships between the business community, the natural environment, and social and environmental sustainability. The course examines global debates on social and environmental issues, introduces theories of sustainability, and considers the implications of sustainability for business policy and management.

Restrictions: 115783

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Course code: 152707 Leading and Changing Organisations 30 credits

A study of the practices, methods and frameworks for leading and changing organisations.

Restrictions: 152709, 152705

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Course code: 152725 Building Export and Import Businesses 30 credits

Focuses on the first stage of international expansion by providing an introduction to the knowledge and skills required for managing import and export businesses and conducting international trade.

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Course code: 152726 Growing Multinational Enterprises 30 credits

Focuses on strategies and implementation challenges of foreign direct investment projects.

Prerequisites: 152725 or Appraisal Required

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Course code: 152727 Managing Multinational Enterprises 30 credits

An examination of management challenges commonly faced by firms that have already expanded internationally, addressing four different levels of internal organisational analysis: the individual, the cross-cultural project team, organisational units such as subsidiaries, and the relationship between the multinational organisation and its host country societies.

Prerequisites: 152725 or Appraisal Required

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Course code: 152728 Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility 30 credits

An advanced critique of the concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR), business ethics, stakeholder management, and their implications for the management of business organisations.

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Course code: 152730 Advanced Contemporary Issues in Sustainability 30 credits

Students will critique the business case for sustainability and develop holistic sustainability strategies to address contemporary economic, ethical, environmental, and social concerns for business, including those relating to sustainable supply chain management, sustainable operations management, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and ethical trade.

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Course code: 152731 Innovation and New Ventures 30 credits

A study of the theory and practice of innovation with special reference to the small business sector. The course will examine the dimensions of innovation and entrepreneurship with emphasis on the entrepreneur's contribution to existing organisations and new ventures.

Restrictions: 26441, 52731

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Course code: 152742 Health Systems Management 30 credits

The health care systems of New Zealand and selected nations are compared and critically analysed from a management perspective.

Restrictions: 250742

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Course code: 152743 Health Law and Policy 30 credits

The interrelationship between health law and health policy is examined with an emphasis on practical health care dilemmas.

Restrictions: 250743

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Course code: 152746 Contemporary Issues in Health Service Management 30 credits

Issues relevant to the efficient and effective delivery of health services are identified and examined.

Restrictions: 250746

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Course code: 152747 Local Governance: Context, Structure and Finance 30 credits

An examination of the attributes of public administration and finance, specifically addressing the concerns of local government. These attributes include: the historic position of local government, the scope, scale and role of local government in society, and the funding regime underpinning local government in New Zealand.

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Course code: 152752 Project Management 30 credits

A comprehensive study of the theory and methods employed in project management.

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Course code: 152781 Advanced Research Methods in Business 30 credits

Research approaches to management and organisation theory. Includes reading and designing research in these areas up to the preparation of research proposals.

Restrictions: 156776, 219790

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Course code: 156700 Essentials of Marketing 30 credits

An introduction to the theory and practice of marketing. This course assumes no previous background in marketing.

Restrictions: 156741, 115104, 115116

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Course code: 156742 Advanced Consumer Behaviour 30 credits

A study of the changing nature of consumer behaviour in a dynamic environment. Psychological, sociological and individual factors are investigated with reference to how they affect consumer behaviour. How the study of consumer behaviour is used by academics, practitioners and policymakers is explained.

Prerequisites: 156700 or Appraisal Required Corequisites: 156700

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Course code: 156756 Digital Marketing 30 credits

A study of theories and practical applications of digital marketing tools.

Prerequisites: 156700 or Appraisal Required Restrictions: 156755

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Course code: 156757 Marketing Strategy 30 credits

A study of theories and practical applications of marketing strategy across different contexts.

Prerequisites: 156700 or Appraisal Required Restrictions: 156743

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Course code: 156758 Marketing for Social Change 30 credits

A detailed study of the social marketing approach used to develop activities aimed at changing or maintaining people's behaviour for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. The course examines questions about marketing and society; these issues include a consideration of how ‘socially desirable’ behaviours are marketed; how regulations affect marketing decision making; and how ethical issues can influence marketing decisions.

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Course code: 157701 Health Information Management 30 credits

A study of the management of information and information systems relevant to the planning and delivery of high-quality healthcare.

Restrictions: 157711, 157733, 158759

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Course code: 157748 Advanced Management, Analytics, and Decision Making 30 credits

A comprehensive study of the techniques and issues involved in using data to support organisational decision making.

Restrictions: 157216

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Course code: 157749 Technology Innovation Management 30 credits

Initiate and develop innovative opportunities within the technology sector.

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Course code: 178703 The Theory and Practice of Economics 30 credits

This course is a survey of developments in macroeconomic and microeconomic theory with extension into contemporary issues and practice.

Restrictions: '178.200 & 178.201', or their equivalent(s)

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Course code: 178719 Climate Change Economics and Policy 30 credits

An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.

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Course code: 190703 Management in Aviation Systems 30 credits

A study of the roles, relationships and functions of senior management systems within the aviation industry. The course will examine the obligations and responsibilities of aviation corporations and their executives (moral, ethical and legal) to staff, clients, shareholders, the aviation community and the wider community.

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Course code: 190720 Aviation Strategic Management 30 credits

The application of economic, political regulatory and management knowledge to the planning and development of airline and aviation organisation product outcomes.

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Course code: 219702 Management Communication 30 credits

This course examines the management of internal communication processes within organisations.

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Course code: 219703 Perspectives in Business Communication 30 credits

An exploration of the theory and practice of workplace communication in diverse organisational settings. Theory is linked to practice through the analysis of contemporary case studies.

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Course code: 219704 International and Intercultural Communication 30 credits

This course uses communication theory and research to explore ways of developing cross-cultural effectiveness, with an emphasis on communication in organisational settings.

Restrictions: 219304

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Course code: 219708 Political Communication 30 credits

This course is a critical and theoretical inquiry into the nature of contemporary political communication.

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Course code: 234731 Advanced Sport in the Social Context 30 credits

An advanced examination of the meaning and role(s) of sport and leisure in contemporary society with particular reference to selected topical issues and the implications that these have on the organisation and management of sport.

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Course code: 234732 Advanced Sport Management 30 credits

An examination of contemporary sport and recreation management practice in New Zealand and overseas.

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Course code: 234736 Advanced Sport Coaching 30 credits

This course offers an advanced examination of contemporary issues and topics related to sport coaching.

Restrictions: 152713

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Course code: 251731 Advanced Occupational Health and Safety 30 credits

An examination of current issues in Occupational Safety and Health and issues commonly found in the work environment.

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Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

Sought-after by employers

International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Greater earning potential

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates found that, in New Zealand, earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.

Accreditations and rankings

Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)

Massey’s Bachelor of Communication is the only degree outside the Americas and the Middle East to be recognised by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).

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Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

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