The New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) at IPU New Zealand is designed to give students practical knowledge and skills for working in tourism and travel environments. The programme focuses on delivering and improving visitor experiences and understanding the importance of tourism to New Zealand's economy.

Key benefits include:

• Practical, industry-focused tourism and travel knowledge.
• Study of tourism operations, marketing, events, destinations and cultural tourism.
• Development of communication skills for digital tourism environments.
• A tourism research project.
• Tourism work-experience component.
• Preparation for working in multicultural tourism and travel settings.
• A pathway to further study at Level 6 and Level 7, including potential cross-credit into IPU's Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies.
• IPU provides a multicultural campus environment, small classes and individualised academic support. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains 8 compulsory papers:

1. Tourism and Travel Operations
2. Tourism Marketing
3. Tourism Event Management
4. Tourism Destination Investigation
5. Communication Essential in Digital Tourism
6. Cultural Tourism
7. Tourism Research Project
8. Tourism Work Experience

Disciplines / Specialisations

Specialisations: No.

The Academic Handbook identifies the programme as having compulsory papers and no specialisations.

The main study areas are:

• Tourism and travel operations
• Tourism marketing
• Tourism events
• Tourism destinations
• Digital tourism communication
• Cultural tourism
• Tourism research
• Tourism work experience

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 5 qualification.
• 120 credits.
• 8 compulsory papers.
• 1 year full-time.
• 2 semesters.
• Online and on-campus study options.
• Tourism work-experience component.
• Tourism research project.
• Practical focus on visitor experience.
• Preparation for multicultural tourism and travel environments.
• Progression opportunities to Level 6 and Level 7 study. 

Career Outcomes

Educational outcome:

Graduates may progress to further study in tourism, travel, business or related Level 6 and Level 7 qualifications. IPU specifically identifies potential progression to the Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies, including cross-credit opportunities.

Professional outcome:

IPU states that graduates can work in senior roles such as:

• Tourism operations advisor
• Tour manager
• Business development advisor
• Trade development advisor

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest programme information confirms online and on-campus study options and the Level 5, 120-credit structure.

Important requirements include:

• International applicants need high-school graduation plus an interview.
• English proficiency must meet the specified NZCEL/IELTS/equivalent requirement.
• The programme contains a Tourism Work Experience paper, so students should expect a practical/work-experience component.
• IPU states that international students must organise their own travel and medical insurance and provide proof of insurance before arrival in New Zealand. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand student visa to undertake this programme. IPU states that prospective students must provide an Offer of Place and evidence of payment of the applicable annual fees as part of the visa process.

Under Immigration New Zealand's current Fee Paying Student Visa requirements, applicants must generally:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship/funding arrangement.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate genuine intentions to study.
• Provide evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for it where required.