Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) logo

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) with strands in accounting, leadership and management

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Diploma

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Manukau campus

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Summary

Are you a student or already in the industry and looking for higher qualifications to build on what you know and improve your career prospects in the world of business? Whatever your circumstances, this diploma will provide you with the knowledge you need to show you are ready for a new challenge. Select from two different strands: Accounting or Leadership and Management.

In the Accounting strand, you will begin building your accounting career by developing practical business skills that employers value. This programme prepares you for entry-level accounting roles and gives you a strong pathway into further business or accounting study. In the Leadership and Management strand, you will build your confidence as a leader and learn how to support, motivate, and guide others. This programme gives you the practical skills to step into supervisory or team leader roles with ease.

Please note: You can only select one strand, either Accounting or Leadership and Management.

Accounting strandIf you enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, and understanding how businesses operate, this programme is an ideal place to begin. You’ll learn the core accounting and business concepts that support decision-making in real workplaces, while building confidence to take on junior roles or continue into advanced study.

You’ll benefit from:

Fast-track your accounting career with a qualification that supports the CA ANZ Accounting Technician pathway. Build professional credibility by becoming eligible for provisional CA ANZ membership after graduating. Learn through real business scenarios that prepare you for day-one performance in accounting support roles. Use industry tools like Xero and gain practical experience with modern accounting software.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this programme, you’ll be able to:

Prepare financial statements and reports Complete balance-day adjustments and accounting systems tasks Apply management accounting techniques to support business decisions Understand New Zealand tax fundamentals Use accounting software and digital tools used in the industry Communicate clearly in business settings Apply ethical standards and professional conduct expected in the workplace

Leadership and Management strandThis programme is designed for people who want to lead teams, support business operations, and strengthen their confidence as emerging leaders. Whether you’re new to the workforce, returning to work, or building on existing experience, this programme gives you practical skills in communication, people management, problem-solving, and project delivery. You’ll learn how to motivate others, manage performance, contribute to business planning, and create positive workplace cultures—preparing you for team leader, supervisor, or coordinator roles, or further study in business.

Highlights

Build practical leadership and people-management skills you can apply immediately in the workplace Learn how to support business operations, manage projects, and enhance team performance Work with experienced lecturers who bring real industry knowledge into the classroom Study in a supportive learning environment with small classes and personalised guidance Develop confidence in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making Prepare for roles such as team leader, supervisor, coordinator, or project assistant

Entry criteria

Domestic applicants

To be admitted to this programme, all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement and meet one of the following requirements:

Achievement of NCEA Level 2 including Or: + 8 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above; and + 14 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above An equivalent of the above; Or Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above with a relevant pathway.

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above; Or Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Webpage.

International applicants

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirements,

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

An equivalent of IELTS (Academic) with minimum band scores of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the preceding two years; or Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Webpage; or

If you do not meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.

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