Programme approval for NZ Diploma in Business

Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) wishing to offer the NZ Diploma in Business (NZDipBus) need to apply to NZQA for programme approval and provider accreditation.

While national prescriptions, rules and procedures are in place, TEOs have some flexibility in the way they structure the delivery of the qualification.

Applications for programme approval must be made in line with the Criteria for programme approval and accreditation. Applicants should also refer to the Guidelines for approval of programmes leading to qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and accreditation of tertiary education providers. (PDF, 393KB)

If a TEO purchases an approved programme leading to the NZDipBus and changes it to meet their requirements, that programme will be regarded as a new programme, and will require programme approval and provider accreditation. For programmes that are unchanged, an accreditation-only application is usually required.

In preparing an application for accreditation of NZDipBus, TEOs must also refer to the information below.

Programme-specific requirements

TEOs will need to include the following in their course application:

• rationale to deliver NZDipBus. This must be consistent with the TEO's Charter, Profile and/or Investment Plan
• delivery plan of the NZDipBus prescriptions
• length of the course. NZDipBus is a 240 credit course
• national external moderation process, to show reporting results for NZDipBus.

The application may also include:

• introductory or background material on the applicant organisation
• reasons for developing the programme
• further information or evidence in support of the application, e.g. Memorandum of Cooperation with any partner organisation, evidence that the local business community and external agencies are consulted over the changes and development, and evidence of external moderation.

NZQA evaluation process

Evaluation by NZQA will consist of a document analysis followed by a visit of a panel, usually comprised of:

• an NZQA advisor
• a representative of the business community
• a representative from another TEO offering the NZDipBus.

The purpose of the panel visit is to confirm that the TEO has met the accreditation requirements, and that the rules and procedures for the NZDipBus will be applied.

Additional information on the panel visit, panel selection and expectations is available from NZQA.

Accreditation outcomes

NZQA may, in accordance with its guidelines:

• accredit the TEO to deliver courses for all prescriptions in the course
• specify the prescriptions that are covered by the accreditation
• not accredit the TEO to deliver courses for any prescriptions.

Monitoring

A TEO that is newly accredited to deliver the NZDipBus may be allocated an NZQA-appointed monitor, who will visit during the first semester and at least once annually until the course is well established, and report on these visits to NZQA. Further information on monitoring processes is available in the NZQA publication Criteria, Requirements and Guidelines for Course Approval and Accreditation  (PDF, 501KB).

Changes to the programme

A TEO wishing to change the structure of the programme (beyond changes by NZQA to prescriptions and/or rules and procedures) must apply to NZQA for a change to the programme. See Changes to approvals and accreditations for more information.

If a TEO is seeking approval to introduce a new delivery site, NZQA will seek assurances regarding the quality of teaching on the existing site(s).

If a TEO is seeking approval to introduce a new delivery site offshore, it is necessary to ensure that the quality and reputation of New Zealand programmes and qualifications are maintained. The TEO must ensure that the course delivered offshore is:

• comparable, and of comparable quality, to the same or similar course delivered in New Zealand
• appropriately tailored to meet the needs of candidates and stakeholders offshore.

Accreditation may be issued subject to specified conditions.

Withdrawal of accreditation

If the TEO does not comply with accreditation policies and criteria, accreditation to offer the programme or any specified paper may be amended or revoked at any time by NZQA.