Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides a structured pathway into Massey's Master of Management.
• Designed for students who do not meet the direct academic entry requirements for the master's programme.
• Provides preparation in postgraduate academic language, critical thinking, communication and intercultural competence.
• Develops knowledge and practical skills in management and related business disciplines.
• Students can choose between Management and Marketing pathways.
• Successful completion with the required grades guarantees admission to the Master of Management in the student's chosen major.
• 60 of the 120 Graduate Diploma credits can be cross-credited toward the Master of Management.
• This reduces the remaining Master of Management study to eight months.
• Develops the ability to work independently and in teams, undertake research, apply analytical tools and communicate effectively in postgraduate contexts. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Graduate Diplomas contain six courses and 120 credits.

Common courses for both Graduate Diploma (Management) and Graduate Diploma (Marketing):

• 115321 Academic Language for Postgraduate Study — 15 credits
• 115322 Critical and Contextual Thinking for Postgraduate Study — 15 credits
• 115323 Advanced Communication for Postgraduate Studies — 15 credits
• 115324 Intercultural Competence — 15 credits
• 152716 Business Management and Professional Skills — 30 credits

Graduate Diploma (Marketing) elective:

• 156700 Essentials of Marketing — 30 credits

Graduate Diploma (Management) electives:

• 152700 Organisation and Management — 30 credits
• 114702 Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations — 30 credits
• 152725 Building Export and Import Businesses — 30 credits
• 152704 Business and Sustainability — 30 credits

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are two Graduate Diploma qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma (Management)
• Graduate Diploma (Marketing)

Within the two qualifications, students can focus on five Master of Management subject areas:

• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Sustainability

The published elective mapping is:

Graduate Diploma (Marketing):

• Marketing Essentials of Marketing

Graduate Diploma (Management):

• Management Organisation and Management
• Human Resource Management Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations
• International Business Building Export and Import Businesses
• Sustainability Business and Sustainability.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 7.
• 120 credits.
• Six courses.
• Standard duration of 8 months.
• Three intakes per year.
• Auckland campus.
• Two qualification pathways: Management and Marketing.
• Five possible subject areas across the pathway: HR Management, International Business, Management, Marketing and Sustainability.
• 60 credits can be cross-credited into the Master of Management.
• Successful completion with the required grades guarantees admission to the Master of Management in the chosen major.
• Designed to develop postgraduate academic and professional skills before entering master's study.

Career Outcomes

The Graduate Diploma is primarily a pathway qualification rather than a standalone professional qualification designed around a single occupation.

Its immediate academic outcome is progression into the Master of Management. The subsequent master's qualification can provide preparation for management and business careers in areas associated with the student's selected subject area, including:

• Management
• Marketing
• Human resource management
• International business
• Sustainability

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current update for international students is the change to New Zealand post-study work rules announced by Immigration New Zealand on 10 September 2026.

From 16 November 2026, eligibility for a Post-Study Work Visa is being extended to graduates who:

• complete an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma;
• study full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification;
• remain enrolled in the qualification for the full duration, meaning cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning does not count toward this eligibility; and
• hold a bachelor's degree completed in New Zealand or overseas, with no time limit on when the bachelor's degree was awarded.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa or another appropriate New Zealand student visa for this full-time programme.

Immigration New Zealand's current Fee Paying Student Visa requirements include:

• an offer of place from an approved education provider;
• sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship;
• sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor;
• acceptable medical/travel insurance;
• meeting applicable health and character requirements;
• meeting the other visa requirements applicable to the individual applicant.