Graduate Diploma in Applied Management

Graduate Diploma in Applied Management

Graduate Diploma in Applied Management

If you are a working professional and want to move up to a leadership and management role, study the Graduate Diploma in Applied Management to help your career progression. You’ll learn strategic, analytical and problem-solving business skills with a focus on management.

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

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Key Details
SIT Online
Qualification:
Graduate Diploma
Level:
7
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time 

Up to four years part-time 

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2027 Intake 1: 09 February to 04 June - Applications Close 26 January 2027

2027 Intake 2: 15 March to 09 July - Applications Close 01 March 2027

2027 Intake 3: 21 June to 15 October - Applications Close 07 June 2027

2027 Intake 4: 26 July to 19 November - Applications Close 12 July 2027
Fees:

Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct Material Cost: $8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

 

     

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

 

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Management will help students/learners to critically analyse strategic issues facing organisations, develop and implement appropriate policies in the areas of operations and general management, and understand costing and financial management processes.

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Management is to provide students who already have a degree, or extensive applicable experience, with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in Applied Management, which can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area. 

The programme offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with an emphasis on the development of soft skills for management (such as communication, presentation, interpersonal and problem-solving skills), in addition to the development of specific business knowledge.

Compulsory Courses

MGT609 Change Management (15 credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of change management and the managing of the change process within an organisational context, supported by an understanding of leadership theory and solvency analysis in relation to management in organisations.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Debate current schools of thought that contribute to change management in organisations.
  • Examine methods for managing the change process in an organisation.
  • Analyse the relationship of leadership theory in organisational management.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of organisational change theory in a business environment.

MGT702 Research Methodology (15 credits)

This course will introduce students to the knowledge and skills required to undertake academic research.  It will cover research skills, research methodologies, gathering and presenting primary and secondary information and data, ethical considerations, and the literature review process.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Select a suitable topic on which to base a research project, or similar piece of written work, and identify any possible ethical issues.
  • Source and critically analyse suitable secondary research from a variety of sources both online and in hard copy and select a methodology for gathering primary data.
  • Understand the requirements of a ‘literature review’ and how to construct this using an appropriate referencing style.
  • Write a proposal to complete a research project, or similar, outlining how all the key elements will be met within a specified timeframe.

MGT703 Strategic Management (15 credits)

This course provides students with an insight into how to think strategically in order to gain strategic advantage and to add value to an organisation. Students apply strategic management principles to simulated and actual business situations to develop their critical thinking skills.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate theories that have influenced approaches to strategic management.
  • Analyse an organisation’s internal and external environment.
  • Critically evaluate strategic options for specific organisations.
  • Assess factors that influence the effectiveness of strategy implementation and evaluate strategic performance of organisations.

MGT709 Relationships, Influence and Leadership (15 credits)

This course presents insights to enable students to recognise their role in influencing decision makers and understand how to use influence tactics.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Analyse and evaluate a range of perspectives on leadership relevant to different management levels within organisational and situational contexts leadership.
  • Evaluate the influence of a range of factors on leadership
  • Apply leadership contemporary knowledge and skills to the management of change.
  • Critically evaluate their current leadership abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and create their own leadership development plan.

MGT710 Advanced Human Resource Management (15 credits)

Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which Human Resource Management supports an organisation in achieving its strategic goals.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Criticially assess demographic trends in Aotearoa/New Zealand's workforce and the implications for organisations and the Human Resource function.
  • Evaluate the influence of a range of factors on leadership
  • Evaluate current approaches to employee professional development and assess how they support an organisation in meeting its strategic objectives.
  • Critique current schools of thought in the area of reward and discuss the link between business strategy and reward.

MGT736 Managing Business with Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

This course introduces students to the strategic use of artificial intelligence in business and explores how AI can improve performance, support innovation, and be used responsibly to create a competitive advantage.

The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge to integrate and apply project management skills and methodologies in a real-world organisational setting.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

  • Analyse a real-world management issue or management opportunity within an organisational context.
  • Design a management initiative or solution in response to an identified issue or opportunity.
  • Prepare a comprehensive report that critically evaluates the proposed approach, potential challenges, and lessons learned to inform future practice.

MGT738 Applied Management Capstone Project (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge to integrate and apply project management skills and methodologies in a real-world organisational setting.

On successful completion of this course the learner will be able to:

  • Analyse a real-world management issue or management opportunity within an organisational context.
  • Design a management initiative or solution in response to an identified issue or opportunity.
  • Prepare a comprehensive report that critically evaluates the proposed approach, potential challenges, and lessons learned to inform future practice.

Students must complete one of the following three elective courses:

MGT603 Operations Management (15 credits)

The aim of this paper is to give students an understanding of the concepts, tools and methods used by organisations, and operation managers, to effectively manage organisational resources and supply chains to meet the needs of internal and external customers.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Critically examine the primary role and functions of operations management within the organisational and external environments.
  • Examine the management of resources within business organisations or entities.
  • Evaluate the principles of supply chain management and the strategic importance of supply chain design and integration.
  • Explain and apply principles and practices of process management and assess its importance in the contexts of operations and supply chain.

MGT608 Organisational Behaviour (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a strong background and understanding of organisational and motivational theories and the application of these in the development of internal and external environmental analyses for an organisation.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Analyse the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisations in terms of key factors that influence organisational behaviour.
  • Assess the potential effects of organisational-level factors on organisational behaviour.
  • Critically evaluate the potential effects of important developments in the external environment on organisational behaviour.
  • Analyse organisational behavioural issues in the context of organisational behaviour theories, models and concepts.

MGT611 Health and Safety in Employment (15 credits)

This paper presents students with an overview of health and safety in employment situations and the development of strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of work-related injury and illness. 

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify sources and analyse health, safety, and wellbeing information within a specific organisation.
  • Locate and examine key health and safety legislation.
  • Analyse progamme strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of work-related injury and illness within a specific organisation.
  • Develop and apply engagement strategies to communicate health, safety and wellbeing information to stakeholders (internal and external) at all levels of a specific organisation.

Click here for detailed assessment information

Students who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Management will gain employment in organisations where they will critically analyse strategic issues, develop and implement appropriate policies in the areas of operations and general management, and understand costing and financial management processes.  They will solve problems, both independently, and as part of a team.

General Admission: To be admitted to this programme all applicants must have obtained an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Special Admission: Mature applicants aged at least 20 years who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply if they have at least three years’ work experience relevant to the area of study and have successfully completed a minimum of 40 credits of study at Level 6.

Special admission applicants must supply their curriculum vitae to demonstrate their relevant work experience and provide evidence of their academic achievements. 

In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme. 

The Programme Manager will use this information to assess the applicant’s level of preparedness for study at this level and whether the applicant is likely to successfully complete the qualification.

Meeting the application criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the programme.

English Language Requirements

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Students webpage.

Domestic applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of:  

  • 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 
    • 5 credits in reading 
    • 5 credits in writing 

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using either:

  • an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules; or
  • successful completion of Level 4 study in English

Studying online at SIT

Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.

Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.

Staying in contact with your Facilitator

During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.

Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.

This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.

Results and transcripts

After each intake, check your results through MySIT.

Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.

 

Study load

Full-time study 

For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:

  • 12–15 weeks: minimum 36 credits
  • 16–19 weeks: minimum 48 credits
  • 20 weeks: minimum 60 credits

Part-time study*

If you plan to study part time, consider your work, family and other commitments when choosing your study load.

As a guide, we recommend:

  • Working 37+ hours per week: up to 30 credits per intake
  • Working 20–37 hours per week: up to 45 credits per intake
  • Working fewer than 20 hours per week: up to 60 credits per intake

These are guidelines only. The right study load will depend on your individual circumstances.

*Your eligibility and maximum duration you have to complete your qualification part-time is subject to change, enquire to confirm.

How much study time should I allow?

As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.

Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.

Important enrolment information

  • All papers selected for an intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is approved. 
  • Online enrolment is completed year by year, and you can apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.
  • You are responsible for enrolling for further study. Enrolment does not automatically roll over to the next year.

Cross credits and previous study

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

Before you apply

Please read the Information on this page before starting your application. 
Your application will be assessed based on the information and supporting documents you provide.

Missing information or documents may delay your application.

Application checklist (once you click “Enrol”)

Before submitting your application, check that:

  • You have read the Programme Information on this page.
  • You meet the programme admission requirements.
  • You meet any entry requirements for the individual paper(s) you want to study.
  • You have selected your preferred intake(s), avoiding overlapping intakes.
  • You know how you intend to pay for your study.
  • If your organisation or employer is paying, you have an approved purchase order ready to attach. If they do not pay your fees, these will become your responsibility.
  • If applying for cross credit, you have completed the required cross credit form.
  • You have access to a computer, internet connection and software for creating electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

For Level 3 programmes: You will be required by the Tertiary Education Commission to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of your studies.

New students

You will also need to:

  • Provide an active NSN in the name you are enrolling under. If you do not know your NSN, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
  • If you do not have an active NSN, provide verified identification in the name you are enrolling under.
  • If you are a New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident, provide proof of residency.
  • Provide supporting academic documentation, such as your NZQA Record of Achievement, academic transcripts or certificates. These documents do not need to be verified.
  • If you do not have academic documentation, provide a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience.
  • Attach any other supporting documents required for the programme.

Zero Fees Scheme | What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

Under the Zero Fees Scheme, SIT does not charge tuition fees. You will still need to pay the applicable Student Direct Material Cost and a non-refundable administration fee.

The Student Direct Material Cost provides access to Blackboard®, SIT's online learning environment, and student support services throughout your study.

Who qualifies?

The Zero Fees Scheme is available to:

  • New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification.
  • Australian citizens, New Zealand Residents and Permanent Residents who will be living in New Zealand for the duration of their enrolment.

If you are not eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, call 0800 748 257 to discuss your options.

Submit your application

Complete the online application and attach all required supporting documentation.

Before submitting, check that the information you have provided is complete and accurate. Missing information or documentation may delay the processing of your application.

Any additional documentation can be emailed to sitonline@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  1. Application received
    You will receive an automatic email confirming that SIT has received your application. Processing may take up to three weeks. We will contact you sooner if we require additional documentation.
  2. Offer and invoice
    If your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional offer of acceptance, an invoice and payment instructions.
  3. Enrolment confirmed
    Once payment has been received, or you have selected an approved payment method such as Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order, you will receive an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet.
  4. Get ready to study
    Closer to the start of your intake, you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter with the information, tools and guidance you need to begin your studies.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme and be eligible for the awarding of the qualification Graduate Diploma in Applied Management, they must have completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments, successfully completed assessment requirements for all papers, and achieved a total of 120 credits as specified in the programme schedule. The timeframe for completion of this programme is four years. 

Please note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

Assessments for this programme may include, but are not limited to:

  • Tests
  • Assignments
  • Case studies
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Discussion activities

All requirements for assessment must be submitted by the advised time and date. Late assignments will not be accepted unless an extension has been requested by the student/learner and granted by the facilitator, in writing, before the due date.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

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