About the programme
The Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University offering postgraduate business study that broadens career prospects. It carries 60 credits and takes half a year of full-time study, usually a single semester.
The university sees commerce as central to the wellbeing of societies, quality of life and the success of people, businesses and communities. The certificate is flexible and can be used in four ways. First, it opens up all postgraduate courses from the Master of Commerce (Agricultural) and the Master of Commerce and Management, letting students build a programme around a theme such as business management, economics, finance, marketing or supply chain management and logistics. Second, it can serve as a pathway to the Master of Management in Agribusiness or the Master of Fintech and Investment Management. Third, it can lead to the Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) or the Master of Business (Finance). Fourth, it can be taken as a standalone qualification.
The Master of Business pathway is fully prescribed: five courses with no electives, covering managerial economics, accounting and finance, business management, marketing, and research for managers. Other routes allow many course combinations, and the university strongly recommends getting course advice.
The programme is offered on campus and online. Student visa holders must enrol in face-to-face study, and the online version is not available to international students already in New Zealand. It suits graduates of a relevant bachelor's degree who want deeper business knowledge or a first step towards a master's.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B- average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- Courses from the Master of Commerce (Agricultural) and Master of Commerce and Management schedules
- Possible themes: business management, economics, finance, marketing, supply chain management and logistics
- COMM 601 Principles of Managerial Economics
- COMM 602 Principles of Accounting and Finance
- COMM 603 Principles of Business Management
- COMM 604 Principles of Marketing
- COMM 605 Research for Managers
Careers after graduation
- Pathway to the Master of Management in Agribusiness or Master of Fintech and Investment Management
- Pathway to the Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) or Master of Business (Finance)
- Broader career opportunities in modern business
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification alone
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website