Previous formal management qualifications are not required. The programme is designed for new and aspiring managers, including employed learners who want to formalise their skills and people preparing for future leadership roles. You may be asked to attend an interview.
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) - Leadership and Management
Develop the practical business, leadership and management skills to lead people, improve operations and contribute to organisational performance. Learn through applied business scenarios and flexible study in Auckland.
- On campus
- Online
Next intake: 26 October 2026
About the programme
Build the skills to lead people and improve business performance.
This Level 5 diploma develops broad operational business knowledge and practical leadership capability. You will learn how business functions work together and how informed decisions, strong relationships and effective management practices contribute to organisational performance.
After completing three core business modules, you will specialise in Leadership and Management. You will develop the skills to lead people, support business planning, manage activities and projects, strengthen workplace culture and monitor compliance.
Leadership learning grounded in real business contexts
Apply your learning through workplace activities or realistic business scenarios that reflect the requirements and practicalities of operating in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Entry requirements
For new and aspiring managers ready to build formal leadership capability.
This programme is suitable for learners who want to develop or formalise their business, leadership and management skills. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview as part of the enrolment process.
- 1
International applicants must be 18 years or older.
- 2
International applicants must meet the English-language proficiency requirements for Level 5 programmes under the current NZQA programme approval rules. Accepted evidence may include IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0, or an approved equivalent.
- 3
International learners may study through the approved campus-based or online learning pathways.
How it works
What makes this programme effective?
Applied business learning
Use authentic workplace activities, case studies and realistic scenarios to connect business theory with practical decision-making.
Leadership specialisation
Build focused capability in leading people, managing business activities, supporting change and improving operational performance.
Flexible study pathways
Choose an approved campus, online or work-based pathway designed to support different employment and personal commitments.
Supported progression
Receive tutor guidance, progress monitoring and access to learner-support services throughout the programme.
The programme
Build business knowledge and leadership capability across five modules.
Complete three core modules worth 60 credits, followed by the 60-credit Leadership and Management strand. All five modules must be successfully completed to achieve the qualification through this strand.
Apply broad business knowledge across operations, accounting, marketing and sales, human resources and risk management. Develop effective stakeholder relationships and professional, ethical and culturally appropriate business practice.
Contribute to innovation and organisational change through communication, relationship management, problem-solving and informed decision-making. Identify learning and performance needs that support change.
Analyse how internal and external environmental factors affect business operations and decision-making. Explore how Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural partnership principles inform business activities and relationships.
Lead people and planned change, contribute to business planning, strengthen workplace culture and team engagement, apply positive influence and negotiation techniques, and monitor compliance requirements.
Manage business systems, processes and resources to improve operational performance. Provide insights for planning and decision-making, and manage projects within agreed scope, resources and timeframes.
Graduate Capabilities
Operational insight
Analyse business environments, identify operational issues and use evidence to support sound decisions and continuous improvement.
People leadership
Lead others through planned activities and change while supporting a positive, diverse and engaged workplace culture.
Business management
Contribute to planning and manage systems, processes, resources and projects to support operational objectives.
Ethical and bicultural practice
Apply professional and inclusive practice and consider Te Tiriti o Waitangi within business activities and stakeholder relationships.
Your pathway
Prepare for operational leadership roles and further business study.
Career pathway
Graduates may progress into operational leadership and management roles, depending on their previous experience and the requirements of the employer.
Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Sales, and Project Management [Ref: 2459-3], achieved through the Leadership and Management strand.
Potential roles
Possible roles may include Team Leader, Supervisor, Department Manager, Operations Coordinator, Office or Business Manager, or other operational management positions.
Further study
The qualification may lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) [Ref: 2460] or other relevant business and professional qualifications at Level 6 or above, subject to the receiving provider’s entry requirements.
Questions
Business Leadership and Management Level 5 FAQs
Do I need management experience to enrol?
How long does the programme take?
Full-time study takes 40 teaching weeks, or 48 weeks including scheduled breaks. Approved part-time pathways may take 60-80 teaching weeks, or 82-96 weeks including breaks.
Can I study online?
Yes. The programme has approved campus-based, online and work-based pathways. Availability may depend on your location, visa conditions and the intake offered.
How many hours should I study each week?
Full-time campus and online learners should allow approximately 30 hours each week, including about 20 hours of guided learning and 10 hours of self-directed study.
What will I learn?
You will study operational business objectives, innovation and organisational change, internal and external business influences, people leadership and the management of business activities.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is competency-based and may include written or digital work, projects, case studies, simulations, applied activities, observations and portfolios of evidence.
What qualification will I receive?
After successfully completing all 120 credits, you will receive the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) [Ref: 2459-3] through the Leadership and Management strand.
What can I do after completing the programme?
You may pursue operational leadership or management opportunities or progress to relevant Level 6 business study, subject to employment and provider entry requirements.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Your work rights depend on the conditions of your student visa. Check your eVisa and current Immigration New Zealand requirements before starting work.
How do I apply?
Register your interest and a member of our team will contact you about the application process, required documents and the next available intake.