New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management (Level 5)

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work or gain employment in a management or supervisory role in a range of primary industries.

Applicants for this programme should be a minimum of 16 years of age, demonstrate a keen interest in primary industry business management, and have:

• 48 credits at NCEA Level 2, including 12 credits in English or Māori, OR
• A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above, or equivalent.

Important note: All applicants should have current employment or involvement in a primary industry business and be in a position to access financial and production performance information about the specific agribusiness.

Discretionary Admission

Any ākonga who do not meet the above academic criteria may be eligible for consideration for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the focus is on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended 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 are required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

International applicants should contact the SIT International team for advice.

Suggested study path/combinations

The number of credits selected for study will depend on work, family, and other commitments. The recommended maximum number of credits per intake, in consideration of working hours, are

• Working 37 + hours per week = enrol in a maximum of 30 credits per intake
• Working 20 – 37 hours per week = enrol in a maximum of 45 credits per intake
• Working fewer than 20 hours per week = may be able to enrol in a maximum of 60 credits per intake (full-time study).

This is a guide only and will differ from student to student due to individual circumstances. It is recommended that you complete study in alternate intakes (e.g. 1 & 3, or 2 & 4).

It is advisable to complete the courses in the order they are listed on the website. NSCI5508 Primary Industry Strategic Analysis and Reporting has pre-requisites, so this should be the last course undertaken.

Part-time study:

Students studying part-time have a maximum of four years to complete the qualification.

Full-time study: This is completing all courses (120 credits) over two intakes, however, this is not advised due to the work-integrated nature of the programme. Full-time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Operation Manager's discretion.

Additional information

• As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period. Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet)
• All courses selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs)
• Online enrolments are on a year-by-year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students. There is no automatic enrolment rollover.

Assessments for this programme typically include written reports, and discussion board postings. There are no exams for this programme.

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 and you will have access to this from the Intake start date. However, once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment.

Facilitator Assistance - During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to facilitators, who endeavour to respond to all emails within 48 hours (weekdays 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 2nd 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.

You can view and download a copy of your Academic Transcript any time from the MySIT page (under My Courses). Please note that it may take up to 6 weeks from the end of an intake for grades to show here.

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)
• Year one papers must be completed before commencing year two papers and year two papers must be completed before commencing year three papers
• 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.
• I have completed and will attach a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
• 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 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. 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 and outlined on the previous page.

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.

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 Primary Industry Business Management (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 Primary Industry Business Management (Level 5)
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management (Level 5) full-time over one year or part-time over a maximum of four years.

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

Graduates of this qualification may progress to relevant qualifications at Level 6 or above in business management.

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

• 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.

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