Postgraduate Certificate in Business – PGCertBus

Whether you’re interested in a specific professional development course, or entry to further study, the Postgraduate Certificate in Business offers the flexibility to study in the areas you choose.

Type of qualification

Postgraduate certificate

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

6 months full-time (60 credits)
Up to 2 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 Certificate in Business – PGCertBus

If you are a graduate that wants to study selected courses in business, the Postgraduate Certificate in Business (PGCertBus) may be suitable for you.

Our lecturers are actively researching, bringing the most relevant developments in business theory and practice to your study.

The PGCertBus can be completed in one semester of full-time study or by part-time study over a longer period.

The qualification is generally awarded without endorsement.

After completing the PGCertBus you could move on to a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, or master’s qualifications.

Want to continue to an Executive MBA?

The qualification does offer an endorsement in Business Administration. This endorsement is intended for students who wish to continue on to the Executive MBA, and it has more prescribed courses and entry requirements.

A PGCertBus is a good fit if you:

  • wish to have flexibility in the courses you study
  • would like an introduction to postgraduate study
  • need to complete prerequisite postgraduate courses for another qualification.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

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

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

Entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Business (Business Administration) has different requirements. Please see the Postgraduate Certificate in Business (Business Administration) page for information.

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 some undergraduate and all 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.

More information

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 Certificate in Business

If you study full-time, you’ll take 60 credits in one semester.

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

60 credits

  • Courses from the Schedule – 60 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.

Unendorsed Postgraduate Certificate in Business courses (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
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: 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: 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: 157733 Health Information Systems 15 credits

A study of the existing and potential applications of information systems that can be used to support the delivery and management of healthcare.

Restrictions: 157701

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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: 190701 Human Factors for Professional Aviation 30 credits

An in-depth study of the latest developments in human factors policies and regulations made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with the aim of enhancing the safety, security and reliability of all areas of air transport. Contemporary research and research applications associated with the human factor aspects of aviation complements above study.

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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: 190721 Design and Management of Airports 30 credits

The course will examine the strategic, economic and administrative contexts within which modern airports operate. It will also seek to explore the primary issues that are shaping the development of airports in the current, medium and long terms.

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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: 219712 Advanced News Journalism 30 credits

Students study the theory and practice of gathering and writing news journalism for publication, including generating news-story ideas, gathering the relevant information, writing these news stories, and publishing them in mainstream media outlets. Students critically reflect on their experience, making links to the relevant scholarly literature.

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Course code: 219713 Advanced Audio-Visual Journalism 30 credits

Students study the theory and practice of journalism in various non-print media platforms, including radio, television and multi-media platforms.

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Course code: 219714 Journalism and Society 30 credits

Students study and critically reflect on the role and function of journalism in society. This includes the principles of media law and ethics.

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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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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.

You may enrol in this qualification with the Business Administration specialisation or without a specialisation.

The Business Administration specialisation is intended for students who wish to continue on to the Executive MBA. It has more prescribed courses and entry requirements.

The "Without specialisation" option is intended for students who want to study selected business courses or who want to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Business.  

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.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

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.

Accreditations and rankings

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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Digital Reskill

You have an opportunity in this qualification to develop the digital skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and gain Microsoft certification through Massey's Digital Reskill initiative.

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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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