Price
Domestic learners
$3,250* per 15 point course
International learners
$5,238* per 15 point course
*Price shown is an approximate average of the total programme fee. Individual course prices will vary. Fees outlined are based on the 2026 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Qualification
PGDIPBAd
120 points
Duration tooltip: Duration is subject to course availability
1.5 years part-time
Entry times
13 July 2026
February 2027
July 2027
2028
Overview
*The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is subject to regulatory approval from Universities New Zealand, expected in April.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is a practical, fully online programme designed for professionals ready to step into leadership or management roles. Whether you’re progressing in your current organisation or preparing for your next move, you’ll build the core business knowledge needed to lead with confidence across any industry.
Through flexible nine-week courses, you'll develop your capability in strategy, finance, marketing, operations and organisational leadership. You'll strengthen your ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and respond to complex challenges — applying what you learn directly to real-world contexts.
Designed to fit around full-time work, you'll gain the skills to take on your next career move, and be ready to lead innovation and drive impact in dynamic, high-potential fields.
This online postgraduate diploma also serves as a direct pathway to the online MBA with a specialisation in Health, Technology or Sport, making it the perfect first step to advance your leadership career.
Internationally accredited qualification
Learn from the best - Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School is proud to be among the one per cent of business schools in the world with triple crown accreditation including accreditations from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. A UC qualification in Business will give you core business skills that can take you anywhere in the world.
Keep learning to gain your MBA
Grow as you go — take your learning further by crediting your courses towards an online MBA with a specialisation in Health, Technology or Sport.
Requirements
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, you must have completed at least three years of practical, professional, or scholarly work experience of an appropriate kind, as approved by the Amo Matua, Umanga | Executive Dean of Business or delegate.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Continue learning with an online MBA with a specialisation in Health, Technology or Sport
To credit your business administration courses towards an online MBA with a specialisation in Health, Technology or Sport, you must not fail any courses within the PGDIPBAd programme.
Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our business academic team to make sure that your academic and/or professional background meets the entry criteria for this Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration online. Unfortunately our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here.
Structure
The UC Online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration can be studied part-time over 1.5 years, subject to course availability. Your online PGDIPBAd must be completed within 4 years.
Time commitment
Unless otherwise stated, Tuihono UC | UC Online learners study across terms, rather than semesters. We have four terms per year which consist of nine-weeks of study (including a one-week study break), followed by a two-week period of marking and feedback.
Part-time learners complete one 15-point business administration course every term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assessments. Our online learning is flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments.
Upcoming term dates
Our current learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our period of marking and feedback).
2026 dates:
- 13 July - 13 September 2026
- Study break: 10 – 16 August 2026
- 28 September - 29 November 2026
- Study break: 26 October - 1 November 2026
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
Broaden
Get started with a series of targeted business and management courses to develop your core business and leadership capabilities.
Among other key skills, you'll explore best practices for strategic decision making, the legal and financial processes you need to be aware of, and how to utilise consumer data for innovation.
Courses taken: Financial Literacy and Strategic Decision Making (MBAS601), Consumer Insight, Marketing and Business Intelligence (MBAS602), Strategy, Innnovation and Organisational Agility (MBAS604), Economics, Law and Public Policy in Practice (MBAS605), Leading Self and Empowering Others (MBAS606); Business Agility and Sustainability (MBAS607); Treaty Partnership: Strategy, Leadership, and Responsibility (MBAS608); and Applied Resesarch Methods (MBAS620).
Specialise
Gain specialised knowledge through one 15-point elective course of your choice from our online MBAs in Health, Technology or Sport.
Courses options: full elective course options will be confirmed with enrolled learners.
Graduate
Congratuations! You're ready to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
Keep learning: expand your skillset by crediting your courses towards the online MBA in Health, Technology or Sport. This pathway is open to learners who have not failed any of their PGDIPBAd courses.
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates of this Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration online will gain the core business acumen needed to lead innovation and drive impact in dynamic, high-potential fields.
Throughout the programme, you’ll build advanced management and leadership skills, and gain the confidence and capability to lead, whether you're seeking to step into management, or building on your exisiting skills.
At the end of your postgraduate diploma, you also have the option to credit your courses towards an online MBA in Health, Technology or Sport, to open wider career options within a specialist area.
What you'll study
As part of your online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, you'll study eight online business administration courses, and one 15-point elective course from our online MBA programmes with specialisations in Health, Technology or Sport. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration online is flexible, allowing you to grow and learn while you work.
Description
This course provides a robust understanding of financial and accounting principles from a diverse leadership perspective, including Indigenous and Māori perspectives. It covers financial reporting, cost analysis, capital budgeting, risk, and financing strategies, with a strong focus on using financial data to support strategic decisions. This course will provide students with an understanding of the primary commercial activities of a manager in a company, hapū, or iwi business.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Interpret and evaluate financial reports to assess organisational performance and inform strategic decision-making.
- Apply cost analysis, budgeting, and cost-volume-profit techniques to support planning and operational efficiency.
- Evaluate capital budgeting methods and financial modelling techniques to justify long-term investment and financing decisions.
- Critically analyse financial and non-financial data through multiple stakeholder perspectives, including ethical, cultural, and sustainability considerations.
- Demonstrate financial leadership by integrating financial insights with strategic goals to influence organisational outcomes.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of financial literacy and decision making.
Description
This course blends contemporary marketing thinking with business analytics. Learners will explore market research, consumer behaviour, segmentation, and campaign strategy, paired with business analytics tools that inform data-driven marketing and operational decisions.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Analyse consumer behaviour using psychological, cultural, and contextual frameworks to inform targeted and inclusive marketing strategies.
- Design and conduct market research using qualitative and quantitative methods to generate customer insights that support strategic decision-making.
- Utilise marketing analytics tools and software to process, visualise, and interpret data for business and marketing intelligence.
- Evaluate and apply digital marketing strategies, platforms, and metrics to enhance customer engagement and measure campaign performance.
- Integrate ethical, cultural, and societal considerations into data-driven marketing decisions within a digitally transforming business landscape.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of marketing, consumer intelligence, and decision-making.
Description
This course explores how organisations design and adapt strategies to drive innovation and respond to disruption. Students will engage with frameworks for entrepreneurial thinking, organisational design, and strategic innovation execution. Emphasis is placed on building agile, scalable, and future-ready organisations capable of balancing stability with change. The course also introduces lean methodologies, business model innovation, and implementation strategies relevant across both start-up and established enterprise contexts.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Evaluate strategic frameworks for innovation and organisational agility and apply them to respond effectively to disruption in dynamic environments.
- Design and implement innovative, scalable business models that integrate lean principles, entrepreneurial thinking, and strategic alignment.
- Assess the organisational capabilities and operational structures needed to balance stability with continuous innovation and change.
- Apply systems thinking and collaborative problem-solving approaches to develop agile strategies that create sustainable competitive advantage.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of strategic innovation and organisational agility.
Description
This course equips students with a practical understanding of the economic, legal and regulatory environments in which organisations operate. It examines the role of public policy in shaping market conditions, explores the fundamentals of business law and compliance, and considers the strategic implications of governance, regulation and state market interactions. Emphasis is placed on real world application, with case studies drawn from both public and private sectors to support ethical and informed decision making, including treaty partnership examples.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Evaluate the economic, legal, and regulatory environments affecting organisations and analyse their impact on strategic business decision-making.
- Apply key principles of business law and regulatory compliance to solve complex organisational challenges within diverse market and governance contexts.
- Assess the role of public policy and governance frameworks in shaping market conditions, organisational behaviour, and ethical business practices.
- Integrate economic reasoning and legal understanding to formulate informed, ethical, and sustainable business strategies in national and global contexts.
- Interpret and communicate complex legal and policy issues effectively using relevant terminology and real-world case studies from both public and private sectors.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of economic, legal, and policy influences.
Description
This course focuses on the human dimensions of leadership, including emotional intelligence, influence, coaching, diversity, and team culture. Emphasis is placed on reflective leadership practice and developing personal leadership identity and impact.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically reflect on their personal leadership identity, values and mindset to develop a purpose-driven leadership practice.
- Evaluate the role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in enhancing leadership effectiveness and interpersonal influence.
- Apply coaching frameworks and feedback strategies to empower others and support individual and team development.
- Design inclusive leadership approaches that promote psychological safety, belonging and cultural awareness in diverse team environments.
- Develop and implement personal strategies to build resilience, manage well-being, and sustain leadership performance in complex environments.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of reflective leadership and empowerment.
Description
This course develops advanced cultural competence and leadership capabilities through the lens of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural foundation and its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Students will critically engage with frameworks of biculturalism, partnership, and intercultural leadership to navigate organisational and societal contexts with confidence and integrity. Emphasis is placed on understanding Te Tiriti as a living document that informs ethical business practice, strategic engagement, and inclusive decision-making in a multicultural and globalised environment.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the historical and contemporary significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in shaping business and leadership practices in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Apply intercultural leadership frameworks to lead effectively within bicultural and multicultural organisational environments.
- Demonstrate cultural competence by designing strategies for meaningful engagement with Māori as Treaty partners in business contexts.
- Integrate Treaty principles into ethical decision-making and organisational strategy.
- Utilise relevant indigenous literature, case examples and real-world practice, to demonstrate an understanding of indigenous perspectives on leadership, partnership, and responsibility.
Description
This course equips students to adapt quickly to shifting social, environmental, and economic expectations from businesses. The course will cover the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, the Circular Economy, and sustainability within a treaty partnership and global context. Drawing on current research this course provides students with the business tools, models, strategies, and frameworks to meet sustainability targets and commitments, and to adapt rapidly to changing government regulations, supply chain and consumer expectations, and provide avenues for differentiation. The course utilises empirical evidence to show how sustainability and business agility is not just an ‘add-on’ or a ‘nice to have’. Rather, students will see how these perspectives are integral to not only the profitability of any organisation but also its survival.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Describe and apply the core concepts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and sustainable business practices.
- Demonstrate creativity and innovation to provide useful recommendations for businesses to adapt to complex global environments.
- Utilise sustainability and business agility research, business tools, models, strategies, and frameworks to ensure sustainability is embedded throughout the organisation.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of sustainable business.
Description
This course draws on key research methods, methodologies and approaches to prepare learners to complete your specialised applied research project. The course provides an overview of core business research methods likely needed to complete a specialised applied research project. The culmination of this course is a research proposal that can be used as a basis to begin your specialised applied research project.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to:
- Critically engage with ethical issues in business research.
- Contrast the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods for research use in business.
- Formulate a researchable question considering the specialised context and problem under investigation.
- Appropriately communicate a research approach that meets the proposed research question.
- Draw on relevant literature, case material and real-world examples, including Kaupapa Māori work, work that speaks to Pacific initiatives, or other culturally relevant cases to build a deeper understanding of research methods and their use in business.
As part of your online PGDIPBAd, you'll choose one 15-point specialised course from our MBA in Health, Technology or Sport.
For course or timing advice, please contact our Enrolment Support Team.
Testimonials
Curious about what studying online is really like? Here's what recent learners thought of our other online business and management courses.
Ella
Professional Project Management
“Very well run, excellent resources and really great communication from the course supervisors. Interesting topics.”
Ben
Master of Organisational Psychology
"There was a great mix of content and assessments and it was great to be able to interact with others on the course content in the Sync sessions."
Tony
Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership
“I am really enjoying this certificate and material, new concepts that I can put into practice which I am excited about."
Dean
Professional Project Management
“I had a blast learning about Professional Project Management online. It introduced me to project methodology and concepts that I will use in my job straight away. The course was easy to follow, well structured and contained more information than I anticipated, not to mention many really useful templates."
Anne
Master of Organisational Psychology
"It was all really interesting and showcased how pivotal the recruitment and selection process is (far more than I thought). Synchronous sessions provide a great opportunity to have interaction and hear others speak about their experiences. I can not recommend the tutors enough, their availability, helpfulness and patience has been fantastic."
Stay updated
If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question, please sign up for updates about our online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration below.
Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.
FAQ
This Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration online is designed for professionals with at least three years experience who are keen to develop their leadership capability.
It is particularly suited to emerging leaders stepping into management roles, professionals seeking to strengthen strategic and business capability, or learners wanting to take an online MBA in Health, Technology or Sport who do not meet the entry requirements.
If you're an experienced manager looking to step into senior management or c-suite roles, we recommend exploring the renowned UC MBA.
People who successfully complete all online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration without failing a course can apply to credit their courses towards an online MBA in Health, Technology or Sport, giving you a more flexible entry into the online MBA programmes.
Please note: the online PGDIPBAd cannot be credited towards the UC MBA.
The average cost of tuition fees per 15-point course based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $3,250* incl GST
- for international learners is $5,238* plus GST if applicable.
*Please note: your 15-point elective course may charged at a different rate, depending on your choice of course.
Total programme investment for 120-point programme based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $26,003* incl GST
- for international learners is $41,900* plus GST if applicable.
Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2026 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $2.06 per academic point in 2026. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration online, which you can learn more about here.
We always recommend chatting to your employer about financial or study-time support, as your professional development benefits them, too! Additionally, the UC Online Industry: Employer-Assistance Scholarship may be of interest.
Scholarships
Each year we offer a range of Tuihono UC | UC Online scholarships. We also encourage learners to check out other University of Canterbury scholarships they may be eligible for. A range of other organisations also fund scholarships nz, which you can explore:
- Scholarships in New Zealand (studyspy.ac.nz)
- Scholarships | Universities New Zealand - Te Pōkai Tara (universitiesnz.ac.nz)
- If you’re an international learner, you may find the Study with New Zealand website helpful for advice about international scholarships nz.
Online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact our enrolment support team for course information, technical help and enrolment support.
Applications for this online programme are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website – please sign up for updates to stay in the loop about when applications open.
If you are a domestic learner, the below process will apply. If you are an international learner, the application process is slightly different, and we recommend getting in touch with our enrolment team at info@uconline.ac.nz to answer any questions.
For domestic learners, your application will be assessed by our academic team to make sure you meet all entrance criteria (including academic and english language requirements). We may be in touch to ask you further questions about your experience, or to request additional supporting documentation. If your application is accepted, you will be sent an 'Offer of Place' to let you know your enrolment has been conditionally approved.
Following this, we will generate an ‘Enrolment Agreement’ outlining your courses, fees and student agreement, which you need to sign and accept. Your enrolment is only complete when the fees outlined in this agreement are paid in full (view payment options), at which point you’ll become ‘Fully Enrolled’ and receive a ‘Welcome to Tuihono UC | UC Online’ email with details of your next steps to start learning. If you have any questions during the enrolment process, please get in touch with our team via info@uconline.ac.nz.
Yes, our online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is a real university qualification.
Successful learners will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, and be eligible to attend graduation! You can either receive your testamur (qualification certificate) on-stage, or elect to receive your certificate in the mail.
This online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration can be completed in 1.5 years of part-time study (subject to course availability), and must be finished within 4 years.
Please view full requirements for full details and pathway options to enter our online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.
An on-campus Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration or Postgraduate Diploma in Business is available through the University of Canterbury. You may also be interested in UC's other on-campus postgraduate business qualifications.
We are also developing our online offerings – if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list.
Our flexible online business administration courses are structured to support part-time study alongsidework, whānau, and community commitments.
Learners typically study one 15-point course per term. There are four nine-week terms each year, which include a one-week study break.
We recommend setting aside 18.5 hours for each study week. This includes live sessions, interactive online course work, and assessments.
Timings for synchronous (live online) sessions will be confirmed with enrolled learners, but we anticipate approximately 3 hours of live sessions in each study week, typically scheduled on weeknight evenings.
Yes. While the programme is delivered fully online, synchronous (scheduled live online sessions) help you connect and network with your cohort and course facilitators, who support your learning.
Timings for these live sessions will be confirmed with enrolled learners, but we anticipate up to three hours of live sessions per study week, typically scheduled during weeknight evenings in discussion with learners.
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