Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5)

Overview

This Level 5 diploma will equip you with skills and knowledge for a wide range of roles within the hospitality industry, including trainee manager, supervisor or team leader.

What will I study

You'll learn about leadership principles, how to build and maintain positive staff relationships, and how to monitor and maintain operating procedures and compliance requirements. Key areas covered include the importance of excellent customer service and how to work in collaborative, team-based environments within restaurant, bar, barista, hotel reception and accommodation contexts.

In addition, you'll gain a sound understanding of local and international tourism and the essential contribution tourists make to the hospitality industry. You'll undertake a practical work placement which will give you the opportunity to set personal and professional development goals.

A mix of delivery will be used, including class sessions, workshops, collaborative projects, industry visits, field trips, guest speakers and online learning. Throughout the programme your training will involve authentic situations and take place in real-life environments such as our on-campus restaurant, café, bar and barista training room, and our hotel reception and hotel suite.

Pathway

This qualification can lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Level 6 and the Bachelor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2539
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: 20 January for February start
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Course-related costs advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2539-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,850 - $8,770 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
• 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

Core courses

• Food and Beverage Operations: DHFB503, 30 credits
• Hotel Operations: DHHO504, 15 credits
• Industry Practicum: DHIP506, 15 credits
• Restaurant Operations: DHRM502, 30 credits
• Hospitality Service Quality: DHSQ505, 15 credits
• Introduction to International Tourism: DHTH501, 15 credits

Career opportunities

On completion of this qualification you'll have the skills and confidence to work as a junior or trainee manager, supervisor or team leader across a range of areas within hospitality.

Study pathways

This qualification can lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Level 6 and the Bachelor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Food technology

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

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