Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies – GradDipBusStuds
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies is useful if you wish to keep up with professional developments in your field and are short of time. Or you may have found yourself working in a different field of business to that in which you hold a qualification.
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree. This is an undergraduate diploma, designed for those who do not have a degree in the subject you wish to pursue. You need to be a university graduate to enrol in this qualification.
Flexibility
This is a flexible qualification, with no core or compulsory subjects. You can tailor your study to your interests or needs.
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies is designed to be completed part-time over at least two years or up to eight years. It may be possible to complete the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in one year of full-time study if you do not choose an endorsement.
Further study
If successful in this qualification you may be able to progress to a postgraduate business qualification.
A GradDipBusStuds is a good fit if you:
- would like to change from the major of your first degree to study a different business subject
- want to update your knowledge with the latest developments in your field.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, or
- have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
If you are applying for admission with equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience you will need to provide a current CV containing details of academic and work history.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies is designed to be completed part-time over at least two years. It may be possible to complete the qualification in one year of full-time study if you do not choose a specialisation.
You will normally study part-time (30 credits) per semester for four semesters. You may be able to take some courses in summer school.
No more than 45 credits at 200-level may be included. The remainder (75 credits) are at 300-level. 700-level Business courses may be included in the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Without specialisation) if you qualify for postgraduate study.
Prerequisite courses
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The GradDipBusStuds schedule includes some courses which have specific 100-level courses required as prerequisites which must be passed before enrolling in a 200-level course. Meeting prerequisite requirements may require you to study courses in addition to those specified for the GradDipBusStuds.
Please note: No 100-level credits can be included in the GradDipBusStuds. Any 100-level prerequisite course that you need to pass before you start the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies should be taken under the Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate.
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
Either: Without specialisation
- Courses from the Schedule – 120 credits
Or: Specialisation
- Courses from one specialisation – 90‑120 credits
- Elective(s) from the Schedule – Up to 30 credits
Not more than 45 credits at 200 level
At least 75 credits at 300 level or above
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 for the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
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 or without a specialisation.
Graduate Diploma in Business Studies without specialisation
For a complete list of courses available for this option see the link to 'read the official rules and regulations for this qualification' in the Entry requirements tab.
Accounting
Keen for a career in accountancy? By studying Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) you can change the direction of your career.
Human Resource Management
Keen for a career in human resource management? By studying Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Human Resource Management) you can change the direction of your career.
Personal Financial Planning
Keen for a career in financial planning? By studying Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning) you can change the direction of your career.
Without Specialisation
Keen to change the direction of your career? Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Schedule for the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies without endorsement (Choose 120 credits from)
Courses from the following prefixes, of which at least 75 credits must be at 300 level or above:
110 Accounting; 114 Human Resource Management; 115 College of Business; 125 Finance; 127 Property Studies; 152 Management; 153 Dispute Resolution;155 Business Law; 156 Marketing; 157 Information Systems; 178 Economics; 219 Communication and Journalism;
290 Retail; 295 Business
Before you start
Ensure you have met the pre-requisite requirements of the 200-level courses that you will start with, either from prior study at Massey or another tertiary institution.
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- 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
For those already working in the field, the diploma will give you additional skills and bring you up-to-date on theory and practice. It may also be useful if you have found yourself in a role outside of your key area of specialty and wish to up-skill.
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.
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.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #1 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz