Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Business (PGCertBus) is an applied business qualification designed to develop practical business knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to employers.
• It is suitable for graduates from any academic discipline; previous Commerce or Business study is not required.
• It can add business knowledge to an existing academic or professional background, making it particularly relevant for students seeking to move into business or commercial roles.
• The programme develops knowledge of current business and management concepts, analytical and critical-thinking skills, and the ability to communicate academic and professional information effectively.
• It provides a relatively short postgraduate qualification that can be used as a pathway into longer business postgraduate programmes.
• UC Business School currently holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, commonly referred to as triple-crown accreditation. UC states that only about 1% of business schools worldwide have achieved all three.
• The qualification can complement an undergraduate degree from a non-business discipline with business knowledge and practical skills.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGCertBus requires four courses totalling 60 points.

The courses are selected from the core knowledge courses used within UC's business postgraduate programmes. The approved course pools are drawn from:

• Master of Business Management
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Business Information Systems
• Master of Marketing
• Master of Financial Analysis
• Master of Business Management-related schedules specified in the regulations.

The current UC programme page describes the learning outcomes as including:

• current theoretical concepts in business and management;
• business frameworks;
• industry practice;
• logical, analytical and critical thinking;
• interpretation of academic and professional literature;
• synthesis of research and professional information;
• written and oral communication of business information and research findings.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors or endorsements in the Postgraduate Certificate in Business.

However, the approved course pools allow students to develop knowledge connected with areas such as:

• Business management
• Marketing
• Financial analysis
• Professional accounting
• Business information systems
• Management and related business disciplines

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• Six months full-time or up to two years part-time.
• February and July intakes.
• Four courses required.
• Business courses can be selected from approved postgraduate business course schedules.
• Suitable for graduates from any discipline.
• No prior Commerce qualification is required.
• Develops business, analytical, communication and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Can act as a pathway to further postgraduate business study.
• UC Business School has AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation.

Career Outcomes

The PGCertBus is intended to provide general business capabilities that can be applied across a range of industries.

UC states that graduates can use the skills developed through the certificate for relevant positions in both the private and public sectors. The programme also aims to give graduates confidence to evaluate existing commercial practices and contribute to new and innovative business strategies.

Potential career areas can include:

• Business operations
• Management support
• Business development
• Marketing
• Finance-related business roles
• Business analysis
• Administration and commercial roles
• Public-sector business positions
• Strategy-related roles

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.

Important current regulatory points include:

• Total requirement: 60 points.
• Maximum qualification time limit: 24 months.
• The student's programme requires approval by the Executive Dean of Business or delegate.
• A maximum of 15 points may be transferred from another uncompleted qualification, subject to approval.
• Students may be withdrawn if they fail more than 30 points.
• The certificate is not awarded with Honours, Merit or Distinction.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa when paying international tuition fees for an eligible UC programme.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• costs from NZD $850;
• can allow a stay of up to four years;
• requires an Offer of Place from an approved education provider;
• requires evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an acceptable scholarship;
• requires evidence of sufficient living funds;
• requires acceptable insurance;
• requires applicants to meet other health, character and genuine-intention requirements.