University of Waikato

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Business builds core skills in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and quantitative methods in the first year, then moves into more specialised and applied papers in subsequent years. Students typically complete a combination of compulsory foundation papers and major-specific courses, with options to take minors or electives from other faculties.

• Year 1 – introductory courses in accounting and finance, micro- and macro-economics, business law, statistics/quantitative methods, and academic skills for business.
• Years 2–3 – advanced papers in your chosen major (examples include Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Economics, International Business, Tourism and Supply Chain Management), elective options, and applied subjects such as business analytics, strategic management and ethics.
• Capstone and practical learning – many students undertake a final-year capstone, consultancy project, internship or work-integrated unit to apply theory to real business problems.
• Flexibility – the programme allows for cross-disciplinary study, minor subjects, and opportunities to study abroad with partner institutions.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Business generally requires University Entrance as set by New Zealand secondary education standards (for example, sufficient NCEA Level 3 credits including literacy and numeracy). Specific majors may specify prerequisite subjects or recommended preparation (for example, mathematics or statistics for finance or economics majors).

• School leavers: university entrance including required literacy and numeracy; check major-specific prerequisites such as mathematics.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary school qualifications such as A-levels, International Baccalaureate or recognised overseas certificates; proof of English language competence may be required.
• Mature or non-traditional applicants: may be considered on the basis of work experience, prior learning or diploma qualifications—contact the admissions office for pathway advice.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Business go into a wide range of roles across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. The degree is designed to provide practical skills employers seek and a foundation for professional specialisations.

• Common graduate roles: junior accountant or finance analyst, marketing coordinator, HR advisor, business analyst, management trainee, supply chain analyst, tourism and hospitality roles, and project officer positions.
• Professional pathways: accounting graduates often progress to professional accounting qualifications and memberships, while finance, marketing and management graduates may pursue industry certifications or postgraduate study.
• Further study: graduates frequently continue to honours, postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees to deepen specialist knowledge or to prepare for research and senior management roles.

Why study at University of Waikato

The University of Waikato offers a business education emphasising practical skills, employer engagement and applied learning. Students benefit from a campus environment with close links to regional and national businesses, opportunities for internships and project work, and access to academic staff active in applied business research.

• Strong local business connections and opportunities for work-integrated learning and industry projects.
• Flexibility to combine majors, minors and electives, and options to study overseas through partner agreements.
• Support services for students, including career advice, mentoring and skills development workshops to prepare for employment or postgraduate study.