Why Study Bachelor of Business with Honours

The Bachelor of Business with Honours (BBus(Hons)) at the University of Waikato is a one-year advanced business qualification designed for students who have already completed a relevant bachelor's degree. It provides deeper knowledge in a chosen business discipline while developing research, critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. The programme is delivered through Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School in Hamilton and is particularly suitable for students planning to advance their professional career or continue into further postgraduate or research study.

• Level of study: Bachelors Honours / postgraduate-level study
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Credits: 120 points
• Campus: Hamilton
• School: Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School
• Mode: On-campus study in Hamilton; the current course page does not list an online or blended delivery option.
• Intakes shown on the qualification page: Trimester A – March and Trimester B – July. However, students should note the latest programme regulation stating that there is no new intake into this subject in 2026.

Key Benefits

The programme combines advanced taught study with independent research, allowing students to build specialist expertise rather than studying general business topics. It is intended to strengthen both professional and academic capabilities.

• Advanced knowledge and critical-thinking skills in a selected business discipline.
• Up to 90 points of advanced taught papers.
• At least 30 points of research, including a research dissertation.
• Development of research, analysis, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to evaluate research, business commentary and policy.
• Stronger communication skills for presenting research-based arguments and recommendations.
• Opportunity to progress into the Master of Business, with the University's regulations allowing the 120 points of BBus(Hons) study to transfer into the 180-point Master of Business, subject to the applicable requirements.

Program Structure

Students normally complete 120 points at Level 500 or above over a minimum period of one year.

• At least 60 points must be taken within the selected business subject.
• At least 30 points must be in research as prescribed by the relevant subject regulations.
• Up to 30 points may be taken from outside the main field of the degree.
• The programme combines advanced coursework with a research component/dissertation.
• Admission normally requires completion of a Bachelor of Business from the University of Waikato with at least a B grade average across 300-level papers, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Academic Board.
• Students must also satisfy the relevant prerequisites for graduate study in their selected subject. Exceptional admission may be considered based on academic merit and relevant experience, with qualifying study potentially required.

Discipline / Specialisation

The Bachelor of Business with Honours currently lists the following specialist subjects:

• Accounting
• Agribusiness
• Digital Business
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Tourism and Hospitality Management

Students normally build their honours study around an area in which they have previously specialised during their undergraduate business degree.

Programme Highlights

The programme is designed to take students beyond undergraduate-level business knowledge and closer to advanced professional practice and research.

• 120-point, one-year honours qualification.
• Advanced 500-level or above study.
• Research dissertation component of at least 30 points.
• Specialist business-focused study rather than a broad general-business curriculum.
• Research-informed decision-making and problem solving.
• Skills applicable to organisational, business and social issues.
• Students can potentially continue to a Master of Business after completing the honours degree.
• Waikato Management School is internationally recognised, and the University of Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027; the University also places among the world's top 350 universities for Business & Management Studies.

For international students, the current indicative tuition fee displayed for this qualification is NZD $41,762 per year. University fees are estimates and can change; additional costs such as the Student Services Levy and international student insurance may also apply.

Scholarship opportunities can include the Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship, which is open to eligible new international undergraduate and taught-postgraduate students and can provide up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition fees. An India-specific version is also available for eligible students from India.

Career Outcomes

The honours qualification can strengthen career prospects in specialist business, management, finance, marketing, consulting, research and related areas. The combination of advanced subject knowledge, research capability and analytical skills can support roles such as:

• Business analyst
• Business development professional
• Financial or investment professional
• Marketing professional
• Human resources professional
• Supply chain professional
• Strategic management professional
• Economics-related roles
• Public relations professional
• Management or consulting roles
• Research and policy-related positions
• Academic/research pathways

Graduate examples from the University include Bachelor of Business with Honours alumni progressing into senior marketing, banking, finance, business and leadership positions.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students studying this programme in New Zealand generally need a valid New Zealand student visa, with the University of Waikato named as their place of study.

• Students normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa for this type of programme.
• Students must provide an Offer of Place from the University.
• Tuition fees generally need to be paid as required for the visa/enrolment process.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds is required; the University currently states a minimum of NZD $20,000 per year for living costs.
• Students must maintain appropriate medical and travel insurance for the required period.
• Students must remain enrolled appropriately, attend classes and make satisfactory academic progress in accordance with visa conditions.
• A student visa is not automatically guaranteed simply because a student has received an offer from the University.
• Students may be eligible for post-study work rights depending on their qualification, visa conditions and the immigration rules applicable when they graduate.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current update for prospective students is that the University of Waikato's Bachelor of Business with Honours regulations state: "There will be no new intake into this subject in 2026." Therefore, although the qualification webpage still displays the standard March and July trimester information, students seeking a new 2026 intake should not assume that applications are currently available.

• The programme requires a relevant bachelor's degree and normally at least a B average across 300-level papers.
• International applicants must also meet the University's applicable English-language requirements where required.
• At least 30 points of research are compulsory.
• Students must meet prerequisites for their selected specialist subject.
• The University may consider exceptional applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirement, subject to Academic Board approval and possible qualifying study.
• Tuition fees are indicative and may change.
• For international students, visa, insurance, tuition-payment and living-fund requirements must be satisfied before/for enrolment.
• Students should confirm the next available intake directly with the University because the current regulation specifically excludes a new 2026 intake.