Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management)

Overview

This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to perform diverse HR functions in a variety of contexts and organisations. You’ll gain an understanding and appreciation of HR legislation and current HR practices which will enable you to contribute to the broad functions of HR, including recruitment, on-boarding, talent development, people performance, change leadership and health, safety and wellbeing operations. To complement your technical HR learning, you’ll also study core areas of business including organisational structures and cultures, business functions and environments, and influences for change and innovation.

What will I study

• Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand context
• Business Environments
• Business Functions
• Change and Innovation
• Introduction to Human Resources
• People and Development
• Introduction to Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Change and HR Initiatives

Pathway

The New Zealand Diploma in Business leads to a range of higher level programmes at Ara. You can use it to gain entry (and credit recognition) for the Bachelor of Applied Management which is available in 14 specialisations.

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2459
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Received all year
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2459-HRMG

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $6,543 - $6,727 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• NCEA Level 2 which must include: 8 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above and 14 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Career opportunities

• This programme will equip you with the necessary skills to become a human resource assistant in a large company, or to take on a human resource management responsibilities in a small to medium-sized business. Other opportunities include working as a human resource administrator, a health and safety officer or a payroll officer.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Maths

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.