New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) - SIT2LRN Distance Learning

It is recommended that you complete the papers in the order listed below, and you must enrol in HTM101 in your first intake.

HTM101 Tourism and Hospitality Studies I (15 credits)
This paper introduces students to concepts, theories and practical examples of the tourism and hospitality industry. This paper provides an awareness of the diverse and dynamic approaches to tourist and hospitality markets.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main concepts which characterise tourism and apply these to range of issues relevant to tourism and hospitality.
2. Explain foundation ideas about the hospitality industry, including its links and overlaps with tourism.
3. Identify the various types of tourists and factors which shape their behaviour.
4. Define the roles and functions of “place” in whole tourism systems; and show a broad awareness of the patterns and trends in tourism locally and globally.
5. Describe the various sectors that make up the tourism industry.

HTM103 Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Marketing (15 credits)
This paper aims to introduce students to the concept and functions of marketing within the tourism and hospitality industry. Students will develop an understanding of marketing and its importance to the tourism and hospitality industries. Students will acquire a working knowledge of fundamental marketing concepts relevant to contemporary tourism and hospitality organisations.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Define the marketing concept and its contribution to performance within tourism and hospitality organisations.
2. Compare and contrast the differences between marketing physical goods and services.
3. Identify and analyse the factors within the external and internal environment that may affect an organisation’s ability to serve its customers.
4. Describe the consumer, tourist, and business markets, including customer needs and wants, and understand buyer behaviour in relation to marketing activities.
5. Describe the process of developing a marketing plan.
6. Explain the role of marketing research and marketing information systems.
7. Apply the concepts of market segmentation, targeting and positioning.
8. Recommend and justify marketing strategies to meet marketing objectives for a chosen tourism and/or hospitality product.

HTM104 Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Management (15 credits)
This subject introduces students to concepts, theories and practical examples of organisations and the fundamentals of managing these organisations within tourism industries. This paper will provide an awareness of tourism businesses and form a knowledge-base which students may draw on as they progress through their academic career.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Identify factors shaping organisations within the tourism and hospitality industries.
2. Define organisations and describe factors impacting on their operation.
3. Compare and contrast organisational structures and design.
4. Compare management practices in terms of management theories, past and present.
5. Identify a variety of roles and their competencies for tourism and hospitality managers.

HTM106 Financial Analysis for Tourism and Hospitality (15 credits)

To introduce students to accounting practices that underpin financial information that is used in management planning, control and decision making processes integral to achieving hotel and tourism organisational objectives.

To offer students an understanding of the ‘language of business’- essential for those who wish to participate in these processes. 

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Read, understand, and interpret major financial reports for management and external users, including the major parts of a company’s annual report.
2. Understand and use the basic accounting language used in the English speaking countries and explain accounting information in words.
3. Demonstrate analytical thinking, as well as an ability to work with and to present basic financial data.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic accounting practices.

HTM107 Hotel Operations (15 credits)
This paper is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the basic functions of the Front Office and Housekeeping departments within a hotel. The students will gain an understanding of the importance of the guest service encounter and the attainment of quality in both the tangible hotel product and the intangible hotel product.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship and impact of both the internal and external environments on Front Office Management.
2. Identify and describe the staff and their roles within Rooms Division and the Housekeeping Department.
3. Explain the pro-active approach to managing and providing quality customer service.
4. Describe the significance of “Sales and Service” associated with hotel management.
5. Discuss the importance of developing a service orientated organisation.
6. Compare and contrast various systems of operation within the hotel environment.
7. Implement strategies for revenue maximisation and guest satisfaction.

HTM108 Tourism and Hospitality Sales and Promotion (15 credits)
To develop an understanding that a strategic marketing perspective is crucial to the success of hospitality and tourism operations.

To build on the strategic marketing concepts and to examine many of the practical issues involved in carrying out the marketing plan, particularly as they relate to the designing of services and the communications mix.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Evaluate the new product development process.
2. Explain the benefits of quality customer service.
3. Specify the pricing approaches that hospitality and tourism organisations can use.
4. Describe the methods used to manage capacity and demand.
5. Identify major channels of distribution available to hospitality and tourism organisations.
6. Identify and understand the components of an integrated communications mix.
7. Identify and implement appropriate promotional techniques which meet the objectives of tourism and hospitality organisations.
8. Explain the role of public relations in the context of hospitality and tourism organisations.
9. Explain the roles of sales within the tourism and hospitality industry.
10. Identify emerging promotional techniques resulting from technological developments.
11. Recognise the ethical considerations involved in marketing.

MGT101 Introduction to Human Resource Management (15 credits)
This paper provides students with an overview of human resource management specific to the New Zealand Environment.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Discuss human resource management and its place in organisations in New Zealand.
2. Outline the main functions of human resourcemanagement in the New Zealand context.
3. Discuss the impact of key legislation on human resource management practice in New Zealand.
4. Explain human resource requirements and potential sources for personnel.
5. Analyse employment obligations and responsibilities within a particular context.
6. Assess staff development needs and policies.
7. Apply human resource management options to a specific situation.

MGT105 Business Communications (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an overview of applied communication techniques within the business context of working within teams or groups.

On successful completion of this paper, you will be able to:

1. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of working within teams/groups with reference to relevant business communications theory.
2. Analyse team/group processes and their effect on team/group functions.
3. Discuss the social and cultural aspects ofcommunication within teams.
4. Compare and contrast strategies to manage conflictwithin a team/group.
5. Identify theoretical approaches for team building andprovide examples of a relevant team building approach in a selected context.
6. Develop goals and team/group processes to achieve objectives and justify the approach with reference to business communication theories and models.

The Zero Fees Scheme applies to this course, so there are no tuition fees as long as you are a New Zealand citizen, resident/permanent resident (residing in NZ), BUT there is a student direct material cost per credit of study undertaken, plus a non-refundable administration cost of $50.00 for each application processed, and the required textbook/s listed below. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain your Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.

Zero Fees Scheme – applies to NZ citizens and residents/permanent residents (residing in NZ). 2019 Cost (NZ$) $7.00 per credit + admin cost of $50.00 per application (e.g. $700.00 for 100 credit course) - includes GST

International Students $100.00 per credit.

Payment must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice.

Withdrawals & Transfers

• Early withdrawals within the first week of the intake starting are entitled to a full refund of the Student Direct Material Costs but not the non-refundable administration cost of $50.
• Withdrawals have to be requested within 75% of the intake, withdrawals after the early withdrawal date are not eligible for a refund.
• Transfer requests have to be within the first two weeks of the intake starting and will incur a $50 transfer fee. Transfers can only occur to a subsequence intake within the same calendar year.

All SIT2LRN courses are approved by Studylink. Any queries regarding Studylink allowances, loans, and terms and conditions should be made directly to Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz.

Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to work as operators in the hotel, tourism, and travel industries. Roles may include tourism operations advisers, tourism business development coordinators, trade development advisers.

School Leavers

Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years of age, have completed a minimum of four years secondary education, and have attained a minimum of NCEA Level 3:

• 60 credits at Level 3 or above, plus 20 credits from Level 2 or above, and Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy requirements
• Literacy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified assessment standards – available through a range of subjects and English for Academic Purposes unit standards 22750 and 22751 (minimum total of 10 credits), or package of three literacy unit standards (26622, 26624, 26625 – all three required), and
• Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified achievement standards through a range of subjects, or package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)

Mature Applicants

Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 3 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the tourism or related sector for two or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate.  Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or one of the following tests of English language competence in accordance with the NZQA rules below:

• IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) – Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet- based test (iBT) – Score of 46 (with a writing score of 20)
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations – FCE, or FCE for schools, with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
• NZCEL – Level 4 with the Academic endorsement
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PToE (Academic score of 42)
• City and Guilds IESOL – B2 Communicator with a score of 42

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

1. Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements or
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America or
3. Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or
4. Have achieved one of the English Language competence tests  specified  above 

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2^nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

Progress reports are sent out 6-8 weeks after the end of each intake.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

• I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
• I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
• I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under Application Criteria)
• I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under Course Content).
• I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
• I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
• I know my intended payment method
• If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
• New students – I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
• New students – I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates).  These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
• I understand that all examinations will be completed on-line on Blackboard at a Kip McGrath centre or pre-authorised venue under agreed supervision. If a Kip McGrath venue is not accessible then individual arrangements must be made with SIT2LRN at least one month prior to the date of the exam. I understand that exams are scheduled within the last week of each intake and it is my responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to be available as the dates are strictly non-negotiable. Specific dates for each paper will be indicated on Blackboard at the start of the intake.
• I have computer access, an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay and a non-refundable administration fee. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

• A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
• An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call 
   0800 748 257 for further options.
3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

• Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
• If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
• If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
• Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required andoutlined on the previous page.

1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents. Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
2. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

• You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
• Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
• Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

• A minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5).
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) full-time over one year or part-time over four years.

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

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

• Assignments
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Reports
• Tests/Examinations

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 at least 3 working days prior to the assessment due date.

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

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study