Advance your career in the hospitality and tourism industry with the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 6). This industry-focused programme helps students develop advanced management skills and the confidence to lead hospitality and service businesses in today’s fast-changing global environment.
Students gain practical knowledge in business strategy, financial management, sales and marketing, leadership, operations management, customer experience, and team development. The programme combines real-world learning with industry knowledge, helping students build strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
Graduates are well prepared for supervisory and management roles across hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism businesses, events, retail, customer service, and many other people-focused industries both in New Zealand and internationally.
One year full-time
Part-time study is also available
2026 Intake 4: 14 September to 11 July
2026 Intake 5: 23 November to 19 September
2027 Intake 1: 01 March to 28 November
2027 Intake 2: 10 May to 05 March
2027 Intake 3: 19 July to 05 May
2027 Intake 4: 27 September to 14 July
2027 Intake 5: 06 December to 22 September
This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.
International Fees can be found here
Become a future leader in the hospitality and tourism industry with the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 6). This advanced diploma is designed to help students develop the practical management, leadership, and business skills needed to succeed in today’s hospitality environment.
Students learn how to manage different areas of a hospitality business, including customer service, business strategy, financial management, sales and marketing, operations, and team leadership. The programme focuses on real-world learning and helps students build confidence in making business decisions, solving problems, and leading teams effectively.
Throughout the programme, students will learn how to:
Manage and develop hospitality staff to create positive customer experiencesUse communication, consultation, negotiation, and reporting skills to build strong workplace relationshipsApply financial management techniques to improve productivity, profitability, and business performanceAnalyse business challenges and develop strategic solutions in response to changes within the hospitality industryPlan future business strategies involving marketing, product development, financial planning, and continuous improvement
This diploma prepares graduates for management roles with minimal supervision across hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, bars, catering, tourism businesses, events, retail, customer service, and other people-focused industries both in New Zealand and internationally.
MAN636 Leadership & HR in Action
This paper develops students’ understanding of leadership and human resource management within modern organisations. Students explore leadership styles, teamwork, communication, motivation, workplace culture, and HR practices, while building practical skills required to manage and lead people effectively in hospitality, tourism, retail, and other service industries.
ACT610 Finance
This paper introduces students to financial management concepts and practices used within businesses. Students learn how to analyse financial information, prepare budgets, make financial decisions, and understand the role of finance in improving business performance and profitability.
MKT677 Digital Marketing
This paper explores the fast-changing world of digital marketing and online communication. Students learn how businesses use social media, digital platforms, online advertising, branding, and content strategies to engage customers and promote products and services in today’s digital environment.
HTM608 Entrepreneurship
This paper develops students’ entrepreneurial thinking and business development skills. Students learn how to identify business opportunities, develop innovative ideas, create business plans, and understand the key factors involved in starting and managing a successful business venture.
HTM601 Contemporary Tourism
This paper expands students’ knowledge of tourism and hospitality theories through practical industry examples. Students explore important topics such as ecotourism, sustainability, authenticity, visitor experiences, and the relationship between tourism systems and their social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts.
MKT675 Marketing Management
This paper develops students’ understanding of strategic marketing management in contemporary business environments. Students learn how to analyse markets, understand consumer behaviour, develop marketing strategies, and apply marketing concepts to improve business performance and customer engagement.
MAN632 Operations Management
This paper focuses on the management of business operations and processes within service and hospitality environments. Students learn how to improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction through effective planning, resource management, and operational decision-making.
MAN638 Facilities Management
This paper introduces students to the management of facilities and physical assets within hospitality and service organisations. Students learn about maintenance planning, sustainability, health and safety, space utilisation, and the importance of managing facilities effectively to support business operations and customer experiences.
Graduates of this qualification will be well prepared for management and leadership opportunities across a wide range of hospitality and service industries. They will develop the confidence, practical skills, and industry knowledge needed to work independently and effectively in management roles with minimal supervision.
Career opportunities may include hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, bars, tourism businesses, events, accommodation providers, retail, customer service, and other people-focused industries both in New Zealand and internationally.
The qualification helps develop professional standards and management capabilities that are highly valued within the hospitality industry, giving employers and customers confidence in graduates’ ability to deliver high-quality service, effective leadership, and positive customer experiences across different hospitality environments.
Entry requirements
School leavers
To apply, you’ll need to:
Mature applicants
If you’re 20 or older when you enrol, you may be considered if you can demonstrate your ability to succeed in the programme.
Your previous study, experience, personal commitment and readiness to complete the programme will be considered as part of your application.
You may also meet the entry requirements if you have successfully completed the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5).
In exceptional circumstances, mature applicants who don’t meet the standard entry requirements may also be considered if they have successfully completed an approved course or programme that demonstrates they are prepared for study at the required academic level.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, or your previous education was not taught in English, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
You can meet this requirement through one of the following:
English language test requirements
English language test scores must be achieved in a single test within the two years before enrolment.
To successfully complete the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 6), students are required to achieve a minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the programme schedule.
The qualification is normally completed full-time over one year or part-time over two years, providing flexibility for students balancing study, work, and personal commitments.
The programme combines practical learning with industry-focused knowledge, helping students build advanced skills in hospitality management, leadership, operations, customer service, sales and marketing, and business strategy.
Please note that domestic students are expected to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance in scheduled classes and activities to remain eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme. International students are required to maintain 100% attendance unless approved leave or exceptional circumstances apply, in line with visa and programme requirements.
This qualification provides a strong pathway into the third year of SIT’s Bachelor of Hotel Management. Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 6) can achieve a Level 7 degree qualification by completing just one additional year of study.
The final year of the Bachelor programme includes one semester of on-campus study in Invercargill, followed by one semester of internship placement, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable real-world industry experience in a location of their choice.
This pathway allows students to continue building their leadership, management, and professional skills while gaining practical experience that can open doors to exciting career opportunities within hospitality, tourism, events, retail, customer service, and other service-focused industries both in New Zealand and internationally.