The aim of the GradDipBIS programme is to provide students with work-ready skills and specific knowledge to effectively use IT tools to support management in making informed business decisions, which will benefit large corporations, SMEs, NGOs, Māori and Pacific businesses and communities. Students will be career changers, and people upskilling to gain advanced skills in data collection and business needs analysis, enterprise systems, information security management, which organisations in Business Information Systems will stand to gain from. This programme will incorporate a focus on the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and biculturalism and how it might apply in a professional context.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems will be able to:
Integrate theoretical and technical knowledge and processes to implement solutions for complex business and technical challenges
Apply effective communication skills, project management tools and techniques in the contexts of projects, collaboration and leadership, to deliver integrated solutions to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply advanced professional, ethical, social, legal, and environmental skills in a business and IT context that uphold the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Aotearoa/New Zealand's bicultural society.
Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, research skills, creativity and strategic thinking techniques to solve problems in a range of technical and business contexts and to support continuous self-improvement.
Analyse stakeholder needs for an information system to support business functions applying ethical considerations, professional codes of conduct and/or standards.
Apply design and decision-making methodologies in the context of information systems in developing systems to meet specified requirements.
Apply appropriate information security concepts, protocols and algorithms to design security controls maintaining integrity of information systems in a business context.

Graduates will be able to apply to pathway into postgraduate study.

Domestic and International applicants must hold a relevant and recognised Degree Level qualification equivalent to at least 360 credits at NZQA Level 7 or equivalent.

Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the General Admission and Entry Requirements may be eligible for special admission. We consider a number of factors when assessing special admissions, such as previous education and training, work experience, and motivation to study. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegated authority, based on supplied evidence. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio.

Due to the technology-rich nature of the Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems (GradDipBIS), those applicants, whose prior degree or professional experience is unrelated to the discipline, will need to complete a diagnostic test to verify their current skills and knowledge. Students who fail the diagnostic test will be required to successfully complete the Programming and Database Fundamentals bridging course prior to enrolling on the GradDipBIS.

English Language Requirements
Students must have the English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. Applications who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic score of 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5; or equivalent. The score must have been achieved in the one test taken in the preceding two years. This is subject to NZQA Rule 18, details of which can be found at:here

International Students
International students must meet the General Admission Criteria (or equivalent), English Language requirements and hold a valid study visa to enrol in this programme.

International students on study visas will not be eligible to enrol in part-time courses.

Device Requirements
Students are informed about technology requirements within the Student Handbook (within the entry regulations) which are:
- Students must have regular access to a reliable internet connection and a data usage plan that will allow them to sign in to the NZSE Student Learning Management System, upload and download files including videos.
- For all delivery of this programme using Microsoft Teams and Canvas LMS, we recommend the use of a laptop or desktop computer that meets the requirements below:
- Windows 10 64-bit (or Mac OS 10.14 Mojave or higher)
- i5 dual core or equivalent/higher processor (e.g., Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5)
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB SSD (512GB SSD or larger recommended)
- Wireless capability (802.11ac or above recommended)
- At least a 14-inch screen or larger
- Built-in webcam, speaker, and microphone (good quality headset with boom Mic recommended)
- An updated anti-malware solution needs to be used at all times.
Students are advised that mobile phones do not meet the requirements for this programme's delivery.

Selection
Applicants will be selected in order of application. All applicants will be interviewed using the NZSE Graduate Diploma Expression of Interest Form (Appendix 14). This may be conducted via MS Teams, Zoom or Skype.