Why Study / Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems (PGDipBIS) combines business knowledge with Information Systems/ICT skills. UC positions the programme for graduates who want specialist postgraduate ICT and business capabilities without restricting themselves exclusively to either business or technology.

Key benefits include:

• Combines business and Information Systems knowledge.
• Develops both "business-savvy" and "tech-savvy" capabilities.
• Suitable for graduates from different undergraduate backgrounds.
• Builds skills relevant to business analysis and business-process improvement.
• Develops understanding of technological solutions for organisational problems.
• Provides preparation for entry-level Information Systems roles.
• Can support progression into more advanced IT-management roles.
• Can lead into UC's Master of Business Information Systems.
• UC Business School holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation; UC states that only around 1% of business schools worldwide hold all three accreditations.
• Students benefit from Christchurch's technology/business environment, which UC describes as the "Silicon Plains" of New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGDipBIS consists of 120 points made up of eight 15-point courses.

The programme contains both:

• Business Information Systems components
• Business components.

Relevant study areas include:

• Business Information Systems
• Information Systems management
• Business analysis
• Business processes
• Information and communications technology
• Business intelligence
• Technology-enabled organisational improvement
• Systems and technology decision-making.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors or minors in the PGDipBIS. The current regulations explicitly state that there are no majors or minors for this qualification.

The qualification's central discipline is Business Information Systems, with interdisciplinary study connecting:

• Business
• Information Systems
• ICT
• Business analysis
• Business processes
• Business intelligence
• Technology management.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point postgraduate qualification.
• One-year full-time duration.
• Up to four years part-time.
• February and July intakes.
• Eight 15-point courses.
• Combines business and Information Systems.
• No requirement for a specific undergraduate Information Systems major.
• Up to 30 points may be substituted with approved relevant postgraduate study.
• Business School triple accreditation through AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.
• Strong connection to Christchurch's technology and business environment.
• Pathway into the Master of Business Information Systems.

Career Outcomes

UC states that graduates can develop the skills, knowledge and competencies needed for entry-level Information Systems-related positions.

Potential roles include:

• Business Analyst
• Business Process Analyst
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Information Systems-related roles
• IT Consultant
• IT Project Manager
• IT Manager.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 PGDipBIS regulations came into force on 1 January 2026. The diploma was first offered in 2016.

Important current regulatory points include:

• 120 points are required.
• There are no majors or minors.
• Up to 30 points may be substituted with approved equivalent-level courses from another relevant subject.
• Maximum completion period: 48 months.
• The student's programme requires approval from the Executive Dean of Business or delegate.
• A student is withdrawn if they fail more than 30 points.
• The qualification may be awarded with Merit or Distinction under the University's general regulations.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student intending to live and study in New Zealand, the normal immigration route is the Fee Paying Student Visa, assuming all Immigration New Zealand requirements are met.

Key requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from UC.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health requirements.
• Meeting character requirements where applicable.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of plans/funds for leaving New Zealand at the end of the stay.