Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management

Logistics and supply chain management is a dynamic industry - responding capably, and with creativity and innovation, to emerging challenges faced by all New Zealanders. NMIT is one of the few institutes in the country to offer a postgraduate qualification in this fast-moving and strategic subject area. Logistics and supply chain management is well aligned in support of Nelson’s vibrant export markets, making this a great location from which to further your career. 

By selecting this major, graduates will specialise in management in logistics and supply chain management. 

Major requirements

Learners take advanced management courses, research courses, and logistics and supply chain elective courses.* 

Aquaculture in New Zealand is riding a wave – with the NZ Government setting a goal of the industry generating over $3 billion revenue by 2035. This dynamic industry’s continued expansion relies on the development of qualified, passionate professionals. The major of aquaculture management will equip you with an understanding of this highly lucrative industry, and the principles and practices of operations strategy in this industry’s context. 

By selecting this major, graduates will specialise in management of aquaculture operations. Please note this major does not include research courses. 

Major requirements 

Learners take aquaculture courses and advanced management courses. 

* Major is subject to availability 

Business analytics is a process of transforming business data into insights to inform decision-making. Mathematics, information technology, and business domain knowledge are emerging disciplines here. 

In the increasingly competitive business environment, timely information gives organisations the edge. By selecting this major, graduates will specialise in business analytics in applied management, offering employers technical and management skills. 

Major requirements 

Learners take advanced management, research, and business analytics courses. 

Research considerations 

Our Business Analytics major contains two discipline areas, and the type of research you complete during your programme of study will depend on which entry pathway you choose (see entry requirements). Throughout your research journey, you will be supported by experienced research supervisors who will advise you on research design. 

Pathway 1 

Learners complete research in Data Management and Information Chains. This field will examine business analytics management, perceptions, and the operational side from an applied management lens. It is suited for confident managers and leaders. 

Pathway 2 

Learners complete research in Analytical Models and Data Analysis Techniques. This field applies complex business analytics methods to new business problems to create better business information. This pathway is suited for experienced and confident learners with data analysis and transformation using complex data, mathematics, and techniques. 

If you have experience or a qualification in a healthcare-related career, this major is designed to take you to the next level in management. Through this major, you will learn about global healthcare systems, trends and issues, with a particular focus on New Zealand. You will have the opportunity to appraise and critique the management and leadership approaches in the healthcare sector, equipping you with the knowledge to make a positive impact in healthcare organizations in New Zealand or abroad. 

Major requirements 

Learners take advanced management courses, research courses, and healthcare management courses. 

This programme of study will allow you to customise your Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Management to give you a specialised skill set unique to your chosen career path. Building upon your qualifications and experience, you can select any courses* from all major disciplines as electives (listed below). 

A Multidisciplinary Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Management gives you the academic freedom to complete a course based postgraduate diploma or explore a research based postgraduate diploma that will support your career aspirations. By selecting this major graduates will offer employers effective and impactful management and leadership skills.  

Learners take advanced management courses, elective courses, and research courses (not required if course based PG diploma pathway selected) across the programme. Please note that this major name is not listed on the final award. 

Elective courses from any of the majors

Choosing your electives  

We pride ourselves on the applied nature of our programmes, with teamwork and peer learning being key to embedding the transferable skills you will learn with us.  

To offer our learners the best study experience, we occasionally need to consolidate some of our elective courses to ensure we have a suitable number of learners in a class. This may result in some of our elective courses being offered more sporadically. 

We encourage you to talk to us early about the electives you plan to take so we can develop a study plan with you. 

Our advanced management courses at level 8 will give you versatility in navigating dynamic roles and business environments and prepare you for your applied management research. These courses are compulsory for all majors. 

If you are completing a research based Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management we have a supported pathway to achieve your research starting in your first semester with RES801. 

If you have selected a major in Healthcare Management, Business Analytics, or Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you will complete a small-scale research project in MGT811 (a multidisciplinary major can select MGT811 as an elective) in Semester 2 of the programme.  

If you choose to continue on to the Master’s programme in a third and final semester, you will create your Master Thesis in RES904 based on your research at MGT811. Throughout the research journey, learners are supported by experienced research supervisors and academic staff. 

There are two entry pathways into the Business Analytics major, each leading to one of the two research areas. Below is a description of the entry requirements.

We encourage all applicants with the right skills, education, and experience to apply for the major. We may interview applicants as part of the application process.

Applicants must have

Relevant computer skills

Proficiency in computer use, including navigation and file management skills utilising Microsoft OneDrive (e.g., storing and editing files across multiple devices, version control, synchronisation, and sharing). Confidence in using Microsoft Word essential automation, e.g., text formatting using styles, leveraging dynamic table of contents, captions, and cross-references. Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, e.g., absolute, relative, structured referencing, formula syntax, and chart design tools.

Mathematics and statistics fundamentals

A foundational understanding of core arithmetic operations (including exponentiation, extraction of roots, and logarithm), algebra (variables, functions), and statistical concepts (random variables, probability).

An understanding of business concepts

Knowledge of basic business terminology and concepts, such as financial performance, strategy generation and evaluation, business functions, and management practices.

Academic requirements 

• A Bachelor’s degree

OR

• Relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience.

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for postgraduate tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate)

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification listed as an acceptable alternative by NZQA English Proficiency Outcomes(external link).

• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.0 in each band),

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

Interview

Applicants may be interviewed to assess their suitability for the programme.

Our Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Management is completed over two semesters and requires the completion of 120 credits of approved courses.  

All majors complete the four advanced management courses, then depending on your selected major you will complete electives and research courses. Please see the major sections for major requirements. 

We have a dedicated Programme Support Team that will support you in selecting the right study plan to complete your Postgradaute Diploma. Learners can continue to the Master of Applied Management on completion with another 4 months full time study. Speak to our Programme Support Team about your options. 

This programme is delivered following the 17-week semester model. Each semester, learners complete up to 60 credits of courses (please note that 60 credits per semester is required to be a full-time learner).

You will need to have a laptop or desktop (a laptop is preferred because it is easier to bring to campus) and your preferred method for taking notes in class. You will also require regular access to the internet for self-study activities in addition to the student Wi-Fi on campus.

Every course has a dedicated Moodle page, our education online platform, where learners can access resources and assessment instruction, submit assessments, and communicate with their tutor via forums. Learners also have access to Office365 and the NMIT library catalogue (print, ebooks, research databases).

As a Master’s learner, you will be required to use APA7 referencing, navigate research databases, and academic writing. Our Library Learner Services regularly run workshops throughout the programme to support learners in developing and refining these skills in preparation for the thesis.

Learners will also be required to read widely in academic texts and articles to complete assessments and support their research. Our Library Learner Services can help learners develop research reading techniques to efficiently read large volumes of academic texts.

A graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Management will be well prepared to contribute to the effectiveness of an organisation through the application of in depth advanced specialised knowledge, skills, problem-solving ability, critical awareness and research capability with particular focus on a chosen discipline from elective options.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Apply advanced knowledge of management issues and design solutions for a contemporary environment or a range of environments.
• Employ innovative management approaches and leadership in complex contexts.
• Apply advanced knowledge of management to problem solving in chosen field of enquiry or professional practice including Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, Aquaculture Management, Healthcare Management, Business Analytics
• Engage in rigorous analysis and critical thinking about complex management issues in chosen field of enquiry or professional practice including Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, Aquaculture Management, Healthcare Management, Business Analytics.

Evidence of previous study or extensive work experience can be used to apply for recognition of academic credit (RAC), also known as Recognition of prior Learning (RPL) or Cross credit (CC) potentially allowing you to skip courses which you can show you hold the required skills and knowledge for already. 

If you think you may be eligible for Recognition of Academic Credit (RAC), contact us about making an appointment to discuss this with our Student Learning Advisor. It is useful to bring along documentation such as: 

• Previous academic transcripts 
• Course Descriptors or Syllabus including Learning Outcomes 
• Curriculum vitae and work history 

The Student Learning Advisor will help you assess your eligibility for Recognition of Academic Credit, and advise you on what further evidence you may need to provide and fees. It is recommended the RAC processes is started a minimum of eight weeks prior to the course start date to ensure time for assessment and processing. 

Find out more about the NMIT Policies and Procedures around Recognition of Academic Credit.