Bachelor of Applied Management
This programme will focus your learning around industry experience. During your third year you will complete an internship which will place you within a real business where you’ll complete a research project as part of your time with the organisation.
Domestic
Work-based through Capable NZ
July
About the programme
Gain a business degree based in real-world knowledge. As organisations are constantly changing, real-life learning is more relevant than ever.
This programme has industry experiences at its centre with case studies and workplace-based or focused assignments. The practical learning doesn’t stop there as you’ll also complete an internship during your third year. This internship will place you within a real-world business where you’ll need to complete a research project as part of your time with the organisation.
Through this hands-on learning experience, you’ll develop the understanding and skills to work in a range of management environments at operational and strategic levels – not to mention the great industry and business connections you’ll also make!
You can either create a personalised degree by choosing from a range of elective options or choose to fully-focus on an area that interests you most such as Human Resources, Event Management, or Sales and Marketing. New elective papers include Contemporary Communication, and Design Thinking.
Apply now and become a work-ready and future-ready business professional ready to take on the world!
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. We offer part-time study options - talk to us about what would suit you best.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
International
Auckland
April
July
October
About the programme
Gain a business degree based in real-world knowledge. As organisations are constantly changing, real-life learning is more relevant than ever.
This programme has industry experiences at its centre with case studies and workplace-based or focused assignments. The practical learning doesn’t stop there as you’ll also complete an internship during your third year. This internship will place you within a real-world business where you’ll need to complete a research project as part of your time with the organisation.
Through this hands-on learning experience, you’ll develop the understanding and skills to work in a range of management environments at operational and strategic levels – not to mention the great industry and business connections you’ll also make!
At our Dunedin Campus, you can either create a personalised degree by choosing from a range of elective options or choose to fully-focus on an area that interests you most such as Human Resources, Event Management or Sales and Marketing. New elective papers include Contemporary Communication, and Design Thinking.
Our Auckland International Campus offers papers in areas such as Entrepreneurship, Consumer Behaviour and Leadership in Action. Both campuses embrace our commitment to sustainability with a sustainability perspective embedded across all courses.
Apply now and become a work-ready and future-ready business professional ready to take on the world!
Start dates
At our Dunedin Campus, you can start this programme in February or July. Our Auckland International Campus offers intakes in February, April, July and October.
What You Study
Dunedin-based programme
This programme is for domestic or international students. It's all about practical learning so you can really understand the world of business and hit the ground running when you graduate. During your degree, you’ll do case studies, workplace-based or focused assignments, and an internship where you’ll complete a large research project into a real-world organisation.
When the world allows it again, you’ll also have the opportunity to study for one or two semesters at one of our partner universities overseas (including in the USA, Germany and Hong Kong).
Focus in an area that interests you!
The great thing about this degree is that you can choose to focus on an area that interests you (or develop a study pathway with the Programme Leader). We offer the below specialty areas (although not all are available every year):
Accounting
This qualification has Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) accreditation and is ideal if you want to embark on a career in accounting as a Chartered Accountant or Associated Chartered Accountant. If you want to study this focus area, you’ll need to apply for our Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) qualification.
Read about our Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) here
Event Management
This fast-paced industry requires vibrant, organised and dedicated people and there is a growing demand for qualified event management practitioners both here and overseas. Careers exist in event planning and management, conference management, sponsorship and fundraising, and the hospitality and entertainment industries.
Human Resource Management
With a strong applied human resources focus, this programme is ideal if you wish to specialise and find start an HR career. This practical approach is coupled with exploration of human resource practices and issues (both current and future-focused), applicable to a wide range of roles and organisations.
Sales and Marketing
Marketing and selling products and services in today's competitive business environment requires a sophisticated and unique skill set. A sales and marketing degree specialisation allows you to acquire the expertise to work in a variety of career fields such as sales, advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations.
Strategic Management
Ideal if you wish to develop a portable set of management experiences applicable to a wide range of industries, this major has an applied approach focusing on the strategic nature of business management.
Tourism Management
Developed to meet the current needs of the tourism industry locally, nationally and internationally, you will be equipped with the skills to work at a supervisory or management level, or to operate your own business.
What will the three years look like?
During your first year, you’ll complete core courses/papers about business fundamentals. During your second and third year, you can choose to focus on an area of interest or create a personalised degree from a range of elective options. Your internship will happen during your third year.
First year |
Second year |
Third year |
---|---|---|
Complete all core papers (all 15 credits)
Then complete: All Leadership & Management papers (all 15 credits)
OR All Accounting papers (all 15 credits)
|
|
|
Electives | |
---|---|
Level 6 | Level 7 |
|
|
*Electives still subject to final approval.
Auckland-based programme
This programme is for international students only.
It's all about practical learning so you can really understand the world of business and hit the ground running when you enter the workforce.
During your degree, you’ll:
- learn by looking at case studies, completing workplace assignments and a major research project
- receive help with part-time job placement during your studies and with job placement when you graduate
- complete a 300-hour internship, gaining hands-on experience and developing important industry and business connections.
What will the three years look like?
During your first year, you’ll complete core Level 5 courses about business fundamentals before completing more advanced business courses during your second and third year. You’ll complete an internship during your third year.
For more detail about what you'll learn, visit our Auckland campus website.
Further study options
We offer a range of postgraduate business programmes which will enable you to deepen your knowledge.
In both Dunedin and Auckland (for domestic and international students), we offer:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management (Business Management)
- Master of Applied Management (Business Management)
In Auckland only (for international students), we offer:
Workload
Your workload
Dunedin programme (for domestic and international students)
In your first year, course work will require approximately 24 hours of both directed and self-directed study per week. As you progress through the qualification, directed study hours are reduced as your study becomes much more self-directed.
Auckland programme (for international students only)
You will be expected to spend about 38 hours per week (or 300 hours per study block) on your course work. This includes both scheduled class time and self-directed study. Some of these hours may be spent in a workplace gaining hands-on experience and developing important industry and business connections.
Internship
For both the Dunedin and Auckland-based programmes, you’ll complete an internship during your third year.
Our Dunedin programme is for domestic and international students. Our Auckland programme is for international students only.
You’ll be placed in a real-world business and will need to complete a research project to answer a question or solve an issue that the business have. This is an amazing way to get authentic experience and to make some important business connections before you even graduate.
Dunedin programme internship
You’ll do a 300-hour internship as part of the Dunedin programme. We’ll help place you in an organisation and then check in with you regularly to make sure that you’re doing ok. We’ll also help you establish your research question and make sure that you’re sorting all your research documents, including ethical approval. You’ll be assigned an Otago Polytechnic staff member who’ll provide advice and support throughout your internship.
Our students have been placed in organisations such as Dunedin Venues Management Limited, Polson Higgs, Otago Rugby, Emmerson’s Brewery, Cancer Society, New Zealand PGA, Thai Airways, Southern District Health Board, Petri Dish, Innovate HQ, Green Island Community Association, St Clair Golf Course, Tuapeka Gold, Otakau Presbyterian Support, Audit NZ, Naylor Love, and Larnach Castle.
Auckland programme internship
You’ll do a 300-hour internship placement as part of the Auckland programme during your third year. This internship will be within a local organisation and our students have been placed in companies such as Bridgestone and Heinz. We’ll help you with CV guidance and interview/industry preparation before you start your internship. And you’ll be supported during your placement and will have a workplace supervisor and an academic supervisor to help guide your progress.
Entry
Entry requirements
If you are under 20
You must have:
- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
If you are over 20
You must supply evidence of industry experience and/or alternative qualifications such as the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5).
International students
You will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level entry requirements. Click here for equivalent academic entry requirements by country.
English Language Requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
What if I don't meet the entry requirements?
No problem! We offer several different pathways into our business degree so you can get the requirements you need for entry.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Pathway to business
Location: Dunedin Campus or Auckland International Campus
Duration: 17 weeks
Start: February and July (Dunedin); August and October 2021, and February, April, July and October 2022
Entry: Open entry
IELTS: 5.5 (no band score lower than 5.0)
This programme will teach you what is needed for diploma – and degree-level study. You’ll develop your academic reading and writing skills and an understanding of the research processes. You’ll also build your computer skills, learn how to better manage your time and gain confidence by exploring your own personal learning style. Graduates will get guaranteed entry into the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) and Bachelor of Applied Management.
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4)
Location: Dunedin or online (through eCampus NZ)
Duration: 17 weeks on campus; 20 weeks online
Start: February and July on campus; Monthly online
Entry: Open entry
IELTS: 5.5 (no band score lower than 5.0)
Designed to give you an overview and understanding of administration procedures, this programme will help you make an office run smoothly and efficiently. Courses include The Business Workplace, Professional Administrator, Financial and Data Management, and Executive Business Administration. Pathway into the Bachelor of Applied Management.
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5)
Location: Dunedin Campus and Auckland International Campus
Duration: 32 weeks
Start: February and July
Entry: (Under 20) Minimum NCEA Level 2 including 10 UE Literacy credits (but we prefer that you have NCEA Level 3); (Over 20) Equivalent life/work experience or qualification
IELTS: 5.5 (no band score lower than 5.0)
Focus on the skills you need to work effectively and successfully in a range of operational roles in business with this industry-relevant qualification. Amongst other things, you’ll learn how to lead others to implement activities that result in high productivity, manage projects within scope, resources and time, and develop a positive workplace culture. Graduates are eligible to enter the second year of the Bachelor of Applied Management.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Dunedin programme (domestic and international students)
You’ll need to purchase some textbooks during this programme and cover any costs associated with field trips.
Auckland programme (international students only)
Each course has a textbook recommended as a resource. Some may need to be purchased, other resources are available online.
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.