Massey University

What you'll study

The Diploma in Business Studies provides a broad grounding in key business functions and the practical skills employers expect. Typical subjects include introductory accounting and financial literacy, principles of marketing, organisational behaviour and management, business law and ethics, micro- and macro-economics for business, quantitative methods (basic statistics and business mathematics), and information systems for business. The programme emphasises applied tasks such as case studies, business reporting, team projects and workplace communication.

Students usually follow a taught programme combining core compulsory papers with a small selection of electives that allow limited specialisation in areas such as digital marketing, small business management or customer service. Learning is delivered through lectures, workshops, group work and online components, with assessment methods that commonly include assignments, presentations, exams and practical projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to have completed secondary school qualifications equivalent to New Zealand secondary leaving credentials, or a recognised international qualification. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are considered through Massey’s alternative entry pathways. International applicants who are not native English speakers must meet Massey’s English language requirements through recognised tests or by demonstrating equivalent study in English.

Specific entry criteria (for example, minimum academic grades or evidence of prior study) and information about credit for prior learning or transfer from other institutions are confirmed by Massey’s enrolment advisers and can vary by campus and mode of study.

Career prospects

The Diploma in Business Studies prepares graduates for entry-level roles across a range of sectors. Typical positions include administrative assistant, junior marketing or sales support, customer service coordinator, accounts clerk or operations support roles in SMEs and larger organisations. Many graduates use the diploma as a stepping stone to a bachelor degree in business, management, accounting or a related field, which opens further professional and managerial career pathways.

Because the programme focuses on practical workplace skills, graduates are often attractive to employers seeking staff with sound business literacy, basic financial understanding and effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Why study at Massey University

Massey University is known for combining applied learning with research-informed teaching and offers flexible study options across campuses and online, which benefits students balancing work and study. The business programmes emphasise real-world application, industry-relevant projects and access to student support services such as academic assistance, career development and internship advice. Massey also provides clear progression routes into higher-level business qualifications, enabling diploma graduates to continue toward bachelor-level study with recognised credit where appropriate.

Students at Massey gain exposure to practical tools and contemporary business practices, and can draw on the university’s employer networks and career services to explore employment and further study opportunities after completing the diploma.