Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Business (PGDipBus) is a 120-point postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced business knowledge and professional skills in a relatively short timeframe.
• No previous university-level background specifically in business is required, provided the applicant meets the published academic entry standard.
• Students can build knowledge across core business areas, economics and finance.
• The qualification is designed to develop the skills and competencies needed for relevant positions in the private and public sectors.
• It provides pathways into several UC master's programmes, including:
  • Master of Business Management
  • Master of Business Information Systems
  • Master of Financial Analysis
  • Master of Marketing
  • Master of Professional Accounting
• UC Business School has triple-crown accreditation from AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS; UC states that only around 1% of business schools worldwide hold all three accreditations.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The PGDipBus consists of 120 points of postgraduate business study.

Students complete eight courses selected from:

• Core business courses.
• 600-level Economics courses below ECON680.
• 600-level Finance courses below FINC680.

Depending on the student's approved selection, subject areas can include:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Business information systems
• Business strategy
• Professional accounting
• Financial analysis
• Applied finance and economics

Disciplines/Specialisations

The PGDipBus does not have formally named majors or specialisations on its qualification page.

Instead, students can shape their study through course selection across areas such as:

• Business management
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Marketing
• Business information systems

This flexibility is particularly useful for students intending to progress into one of UC's specialist master's programmes.

For example:

• A finance/economics-oriented selection can support progression toward the Master of Financial Analysis or Master of Applied Finance and Economics.
• A management-oriented selection can support progression toward the Master of Business Management.
• Marketing-related study can support progression toward the Master of Marketing.
• Accounting-related study can support progression toward the Master of Professional Accounting.
• Business information systems courses can support progression toward the Master of Business Information Systems.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point postgraduate diploma.
• 1 year full-time.
• Up to 4 years part-time.
• February and July intakes.
• No previous business degree is specifically required.
• B- GPA in 300-level courses is the current published academic standard.
• Eight courses make up the 120 points.
• Flexible course selection across business, economics and finance.
• Strong pathway into UC Business School master's programmes.
• UC Business School holds AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS accreditation.
• Suitable for students wanting a shorter postgraduate business qualification before progressing to a master's.
• UC's current Business postgraduate offering emphasises applied learning, industry connections and career development.

Career Outcomes

The PGDipBus is designed to provide skills and competencies relevant to business positions in the private and public sectors.

Depending on the courses selected, potential career directions can include:

• Business analyst
• Business development roles
• Management roles
• Marketing roles
• Financial analysis
• Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Business information systems
• Consulting
• Commercial and public-sector business roles

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• UC's current programme page lists February and July intakes.
• The current international tuition estimate for 2027 is NZ$39,600 for 120 points.
• The programme currently requires at least a B- GPA in 300-level courses or equivalent.
• The programme is approval-based; satisfying the academic benchmark does not by itself remove UC's approval requirement.
• The qualification is flexible rather than having one mandatory fixed list of eight courses.
• Course availability can change by academic year, so the 2026 course list should not automatically be treated as the 2027 course list.
• International applicants should submit transcripts, graduation evidence, grading scales and translations where applicable.
• UC's current international Business information describes the Business Taught Master's environment as hands-on and career focused, with industry projects, seminars, internships and other applied opportunities across its business programmes.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the PGDipBus on campus in New Zealand will normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Declare acceptable health and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate genuine intentions to study.
• Be able to demonstrate arrangements/funds for leaving New Zealand at the end of the stay.