Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing)

The Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing) is a one-year program that provides students with a sound understanding of marketing. This program is ideal for those who already have a degree in another field of study or significant business experience and want a formal qualification in marketing.

Programme Overview

This program provides a solid base of knowledge around brand management, digital marketing, advertising, business analytics, and consumer behavior. Students will learn how to help an organization achieve its marketing goals using strategies and applied digital marketing.

Highlights

• Industry-Based Learning (IBL) – students are offered the opportunity to gain work experience in a real organization in the second semester of study.
• Relevant within a variety of organizations, including profit, not-for-profit, and public sector organizations, with a focus on small to medium enterprises.
• Customized based on the student's own experience, incorporating industry certifications where applicable.
• A mix of on-campus classes, online support, and self-directed study.
• Small class structure.
• Options for further business study: this program is a good preparation for Unitec's Master of Business or another postgraduate business program.

Career Options

• Digital strategist
• Marketing consultant
• Marketing manager

Annual Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $7,600 (approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy).
• International students: $26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits).

Semester Dates

• Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
• Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

Academic Requirements

• A recognized degree, a professional qualification in a relevant discipline, or the ability to demonstrate competencies equivalent to the above.
• A minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing).
• Meet one of the English entry requirements:
  • A minimum of 12 credits at NCEA Level 2 English.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students webpage.

International Students

Academic Requirements

• Be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirements.
• Meet the English entry requirements:
  • Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): 50 with no score lower than 50.
  • University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing).
  • Provide evidence that they have the English language proficiency required for the program as demonstrated through evidence of one of the kinds described in NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students webpage.

Courses and Timetables

The program includes compulsory and elective courses. For detailed information on courses, including timetables, please refer to the specific course webpage.

Compulsory Courses

• Business Functions (BSNS5003)
• Marketing Management (BSNS6100)
• Digital Marketing (BSNS6363)
• Advanced Marketing (BSNS7100)
• Business Analytics (BSNS7162)
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) (BSNS7575)

Elective Courses

• Internship Based Learning (BSNS7015)
• Google Certified (Web-based Advertising and Analytics) (BSNS7110)
• Organisational Strategies (BSNS7340)
• Social Media Marketing (BSNS7474)