Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides an alternative pathway to selected master's degrees when an international applicant does not meet the normal direct-entry requirements.
• Designed specifically for international students.
• Develops English for academic study, research skills, professional communication and personal/professional capabilities.
• Provides preparation for postgraduate-level academic work in a New Zealand university environment.
• The programme is NZQCF Level 7 and is described by University of Waikato College as equivalent to a Graduate Diploma.
• Successful completion can lead to a range of master's programmes at the University of Waikato, subject to the progression requirements of the chosen master's degree.
• Students study at the University of Waikato's Hamilton campus and become familiar with the New Zealand academic environment before beginning their master's degree.
• The programme develops critical thinking, communication, collaboration, cultural competence, professional integrity, self-directed learning and the ability to evaluate and synthesise information.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 120-point DipPP is divided into two trimesters.

First trimester:

• FOUND101 – English for Academic Purposes 1 – 15 points
• FOUND202 – Personal and Professional Capabilities – 15 points
• FOUND300 – New Zealand Context and Society – 15 points
• FOUND304 – Research Methods – 15 points

Total: 60 points.

Second trimester:

• FOUND201 – English for Academic Purposes 2 – 15 points
• FOUND302 – Professional Communication – 15 points
• FOUND303 – Professional Project – 30 points

Total: 60 points.

The programme therefore combines:

• Academic English
• Academic literacy
• Research methodology
• New Zealand context and society
• Personal and professional development
• Professional communication
• Independent and collaborative project work.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The DipPP does not have traditional majors or specialisations. Instead, it functions as a common pre-master's pathway into selected master's programmes.

Current progression options listed by the University include:

• Master of Business and Management
• Master of Digital Business
• Master of Information Technology
• Master of Legal Studies
• Master of Management in Supply Chain Management
• Master of Management in Business Analytics
• Master of Management in Project Management
• Master of Management in Agribusiness
• Master of Management in Marketing
• Master of Nursing Practice
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Environment and Society
• Master of Security and Crime Science
• Master of Data Science
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Business Analytics
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Geographic Information Systems
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Health Analytics
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Mathematics
• Master of Data Science with endorsement in Statistical Modelling.

There are important progression conditions for several of these programmes. For example:

• Master of Information Technology: minimum GPA of 4.5.
• Master of Legal Studies: B average or higher.
• Master of Nursing Practice: B average or higher, including at least B in both English papers, plus additional prerequisites and selection.
• Master of Environment and Society: B average across the Level 300 papers.
• Master of Security and Crime Science: B+ average across Level 300 papers.
• Master of Data Science: B+ average across the Level 300 papers.
• For the standard MBM, Digital Business and several Master of Management pathways, completion requires a pass in each of the seven DipPP papers, normally 50% / C- or higher.

Programme Highlights

• International-student-only programme.
• NZQCF Level 7.
• 120 points.
• Eight-month duration.
• Hamilton campus.
• July and November current intakes.
• Two-trimester structure.
• Seven required papers.
• Academic English and research preparation.
• Professional communication and project experience.
• Designed specifically for progression to selected University of Waikato master's programmes.
• Delivered through University of Waikato College.
• Provides a structured transition into the New Zealand postgraduate academic environment.

Career Outcomes

The DipPP itself is primarily a pathway qualification and is not designed as a standalone professional qualification leading to one specific occupation.

Its main outcome is progression into a University of Waikato master's degree. After completing the master's qualification, career opportunities will depend on the chosen postgraduate discipline.

Examples include:

• Business and management
• Digital business
• Information technology
• Data science and analytics
• Supply chain management
• Project management
• Agribusiness
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Environment and society
• Legal studies
• Security and crime science
• Nursing
• Technology innovation.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current University of Waikato qualification page lists July and November as the DipPP intake periods.
• The qualification remains a 120-point, eight-month Level 7 programme.
• The University regulations require two years of successful full-time tertiary study plus a qualification equivalent to NZQCF Level 6.
• The programme has specific progression requirements for different master's degrees, so successful completion of the DipPP does not mean unconditional entry into every master's listed.
• The Master of Nursing Practice has a selection process for all students and additional prerequisites.
• Master of Information Technology requires a minimum GPA of 4.5 for progression.
• Master of Legal Studies and Master of Nursing Practice require at least a B average for progression.
• Several other pathways require C- / 50% passes in each DipPP paper, while Data Science and Security and Crime Science pathways require stronger B+ performance.
• The current University page lists Master of Security and Crime Science among the progression options, but the University has separately stated that this master's currently has no new enrolments until further notice. Students considering this route should therefore confirm availability before applying.
• Some Data Science endorsement pathways require additional Division approval, particularly certain B-trimester and Artificial Intelligence/Mathematics pathways.
• The programme is delivered by Navitas NZ Limited on behalf of the University of Waikato through University of Waikato College.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study the DipPP in New Zealand.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, can be paid, or are covered by a scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Full medical and travel insurance acceptable to the education provider.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.
• Passport and supporting documentation.