About the programme
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an NZQF Level 7 qualification at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) that adds a management specialisation in one year of full-time study (120 credits) for people who already hold a degree or bring substantial business experience.
Because it sits at the level of the final year of a business degree, students go straight into advanced material. The programme combines five compulsory courses — research methods, organisational behaviour, strategic management, project management and a capstone business project — with two electives. Elective areas include international business, human resource management, logistics and supply chain, marketing, operations and leadership.
The capstone, BUS750 Advanced Business Project, is a research project supervised by experienced advisors. Across the programme students learn to analyse numerical and qualitative evidence critically, adapt their decision-making approach to the situation and propose solutions that add value for an organisation, while operating legally, ethically, sustainably and with cultural awareness.
Teaching takes place on the Nelson/Marlborough campus over two 17-week semesters; four courses per semester counts as full-time. Each course typically involves two two-hour sessions a week on weekdays plus around six hours of independent study. Part-time study is available, and prior study or extensive work experience can be recognised so that students skip courses they have already mastered.
The diploma suits people aiming for promotion, those who want broader management skills, career changers and anyone planning to become self-employed.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in any field
- Alternative entry may be approved for applicants who can show the skills needed for tertiary study gained through study, work or life experience
- If English is not your first language: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, from a single test and valid for two years
- Confident use of digital tools, and access to them, is strongly recommended
What you study
- Research Methods — compulsory
- Organisational Behaviour — compulsory
- Strategic Management — compulsory
- Project Management — compulsory
- Advanced Business Project (30 credits) — compulsory
- International Business — elective
- Human Resource Management / Advanced Human Resource Management — elective
- Logistics and Supply Chain — elective
- Marketing Management / Strategic Marketing Management — elective
- Principles of Leadership — elective
Careers after graduation
- Business consultant
- Project manager
- Branch manager
- Event coordinator
- Training coordinator
- Management roles in public and private organisations, including production, general and project management
- Further study at postgraduate (Level 8) or master's (Level 9) level
Post-study work visa
Up to 1 year under the rules effective 16 November 2026 (with a bachelor degree and other conditions)
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 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website