Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time.

This programme consist of 120 credits. The courses includes:

Level 6 courses

Accounting Information Systems
Learn contemporary accounting information systems and develop competencies in using relevant software applications such as spreadsheets, drawing programmes, databases, report writing and accounting packages.

Business Analytics and Research
Learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative research methods, use common business analytics and research tools, and demonstrate professional representation of business analytics and research data.

Analysis and Design
Learn how to analyse the needs of a business and introduce tools and techniques that add value.

Level 7 courses

Management of Information and Communication Technologies
Learn about the strategic importance of information and information technology management within organisations. Familiarise yourself with frameworks for strategic analysis of an organisation's use of IT and the ways in which the organisation can benefit from the use of IT in the future.

Advanced Project Management
Learn the principles of project management and apply these to evaluating processes, scoping projects, analysing project performance and success, and human resource management. You'll develop the skills to analyse any issues that arise and evaluate applicable solutions.

Industry Project A & B
An applied research project involving a work placement at an organisation to which theoretical learning and self-reflection is applied.

A bachelor's degree in any field excluding Business Information Systems OR
Level 6 or 7 Diploma and relevant work and/or life experience (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) or Evidence of equivalent practical, professional or educational experience e.g. 3 - 5 years full time work experience [relevant to business studies].

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

As UCOL becomes Te Pūkenga on 1 January 2023, learners enrolling in a programme that is likely to continue into semester 1 2023 or starting in semester 1 2023 will become Te Pūkenga learners. They will receive their qualification from Te Pūkenga on completion.

It is recommended that the applicants for this programme have some background and knowledge in Information Technology. A conversation with the programme manager before enrolling is highly recommended.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).