The aim of each Graduate Diploma is to produce high quality graduates who have a sound understanding of the dynamic and changing environment in which managers operate in New Zealand and internationally, that will enable them to apply that knowledge at both organisational and strategic levels in a range of industries. On reaching the workplace, graduates will have current specialised knowledge and be able to integrate into their workplace environment quickly, having already spent time through their course of study in a work context applying the knowledge and skills of the curriculum.

On successful completion of this qualification students will have the ability to:
Apply specialised technical knowledge and skills to a specific business field, along with abilities for adapting and/or generalising these to other business fields;
Employ creative skills and apply them in an organised approach to problem solving;
Display well-developed critical thinking capabilities, including analysing, evaluating and critically reflecting on information, decisions and behaviour. These abilities also enable strategic thinking and adaptability in a constantly changing global environment;
Recognise, adopt and where necessary, instil in others the proper ethical dimensions inherent in business decision making having particular regard for issues of social responsibility and sustainable practice;
Exercise self-direction and adopt independent working practices, and an ability to foster these in others;
Accept responsibility for the quality of their own work outcomes, and where applicable, for the quality of others' work outcomes;
Apply independent learning skills that encourage the regular accessing of new knowledge and information;
Use effective written communication and well-developed inter-personal skills, and an ability to foster these in others;
Work effectively in group situations, as a leader or a follower, as appropriate;
Adapt to, and work effectively in diverse cultural contexts and work environments, encouraging others to do likewise;
Use technology and communication systems effectively; and
Understand the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi to applied management in New Zealand/Aotearoa.
Effectively plan and manage a wide range of private and public events using advanced event logistics
Develop and apply creative and effective business plans, marketing plans, marketing strategies, public relations and communication strategies to develop and manage events
Be effective in sourcing sponsorship and developing fundraising strategies and techniques

The Graduate Diplomas prepare students to undertake post graduate study in their specialist fields or in general business or business management for example a Master in Business Administration.

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any field except that of the Graduate Diploma to be studied, or demonstrate existing knowledge or experience at bachelor degree level, subject to Pathway Manager approval. - Applicants for whom English is not their first language much achieve an IELTS Academic score of no less than 6.0 (no bands lower than5.5) or hold an equivalent score from a recognised alternative English Proficiency Test. - All applicants may be required to undertake an internal NorthTec English language placement test to confirm their current level of English proficiency. This will include writing and speaking components.