New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting) or (Leadership and Management)
Develop work-ready knowledge and skills that can be applied in a range of operational business contexts before choosing to focus on either Accounting or Leadership & Management.
Domestic
Work-based through Capable NZ
July
About the programme
This industry-relevant diploma focuses on the skills you need to work effectively in a range of operational roles. It is designed to give you the skills and competencies that are attractive to employers and required for future professional accountants.
You'll gain the abilities and knowledge to make you a valued employee who can contribute to an organisation from day one, or continue studying towards higher levels of learning and development.
Graduates of this qualification are eligible to enter the second year of our Bachelor of Applied Management, and you could also move into other relevant industry or professional qualifications at Level 6 or above.
Open Polytechnic/Te Pūkenga also offers this programme fully online. See the Accounting focus here and the Leadership and Management focus here.
Want your existing skills recognised?
Leadership and Management focus
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.
Our assessment of prior learning centre offers a six-month full-time / one-year part-time work-based learning option.
International
July
About the programme
This industry-relevant diploma focuses on the skills you need to work effectively in a range of operational roles. It is designed to give you the skills and competencies that are attractive to employers and required for future professional accountants.
You'll gain the abilities and knowledge to make you a valued employee who can contribute to an organisation from day one, or continue studying towards higher levels of learning and development.
Graduates of this qualification are eligible to enter the second year of our Bachelor of Applied Management, and you could also move into other relevant industry or professional qualifications at Level 6 or above.
Studying online
This course is offered online by Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
- Online programme for Accounting focus
- Online programme for Leadership and Management focus
What You Study
Courses
This programme teaches you to think conceptually and to adapt to change. It's designed to allow you to:
- Analyse the operational impact of internal and external environments on a business entity to inform decision-making.
- Apply broad knowledge of the principles and current practices of operations, accounting, marketing/sales, human resources, and risk management, to support the performance of a business entity.
- Contribute operationally to innovation and organisational change in a business entity.
- Develop and maintain operational business relationships with stakeholders to support the performance of a business entity.
- Apply knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi to analyse how the resulting bicultural partnership can be applied to operational business activities and relationships.
- Apply professional and ethical practices with integrity, in accordance with the operational environmental, social and cultural requirements of the context, and apply personal and interpersonal skills to contribute to the achievement of business operational objectives.
Course structure
You will begin by completing four core papers. These are followed by a further four papers in your chosen focus area.
Your focus does not need to be chosen until the third block of study. In total, eight papers are studied and each is worth 15 credits (120 in total).
Learners starting in July will begin with either Leadership & Management or Accounting, then study the core courses the following February.
| Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business Functions | 15 |
| Business Environments | 15 |
| Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context | 15 |
| Change and Innovation | 15 |
| Leadership & Management Courses | |
| Business Planning | 15 |
| Organisational Management and Compliance | 15 |
| Introduction to Leadership | 15 |
| Managing Projects | 15 |
| Accounting Courses | |
| Analysis of Financial Information | 15 |
| Applied Accounting | 15 |
| Introduction to Accounting and Taxation | 15 |
| Budgets for Planning and Control | 15 |
| Total | 120 |
Leadership and Management focus
All business organisations need highly capable and competent members of a team who demonstrate the potential to lead staff, ensure targets align with strategic objectives, manage projects, and contribute to business planning to achieve high performance and productivity.
You will learn how to lead others to implement activities that lead to high productivity, manage projects within scope, resources and time, and develop a positive workplace culture and team engagement.
Graduates of the Leadership and Management strand will have the skills and knowledge to work or gain employment at an operational level within New Zealand businesses.
Accounting focus
People with accountancy skills and qualifications are in constant demand for their ability to plan and record the financial performance of every kind of venture.
Among other things you will learn how to prepare budgets, evaluate business performance, determine internal controls to minimise financial risk, and analyse and interpret financial information to inform decision-making.
Graduates of the Accounting strand will have the skills and knowledge to be employed in a variety of business entities in accounting roles such as Accounting Technician, Accounts Receivable/Payable Officer, Payroll Officer, or Finance Administrator. Graduates may also be able to contribute to community groups in volunteer accounting functions.
Please note: All courses mentioned in this schedule are compulsory. This is a tentative schedule of courses; the School of Business reserves the right to change the occurrence of a course.
Workload
Your workload
You will spend approximately 12 hours per week in a face-to-face learning environment. In addition, you should expect to spend another 25 hours per week in activities directed by your lecturer and/or in independent study.
Entry
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 2 including 10 UE literacy credits; however, it is preferred that applicants have achieved NCEA Level 3.
- Those over 20 must have equivalent life/work experience or qualifications.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (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.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
Our bridging to business programme (New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation Level 4) offers a great pathway into this diploma.
If you're keen to study accounting, our New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4) offers an alternative path.
Want your existing skills recognised?
Leadership and Management focus
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.
Our assessment of prior learning centre offers a six-month full-time / one-year part-time work-based learning option.
Accounting focus
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
You'll need to buy some text books and there may be some costs associated with possible field trips.
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.
Tuition 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.
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
