Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time.

This programme consist of 120 credits. The courses includes:

Level 6 courses

Project Management (15 Credits)
Learn the basic principles and terminology of the profession of project management, and apply this to create project plans. You'll also be given a brief introduction to using project management.

Operations Management (15 Credits)
Gain an understanding of the concepts and analytical methods that contribute to the systematic direction and control of the processes that transform inputs into completed goods and services. Operations Management focuses on the management of people and resources through systematic management and feedback. You'll gain an introductory knowledge and experience of an operation's contribution to the macro-management environment.

Introduction to Finance* (15 Credits)
Learn to apply financial management knowledge and skills to a small or medium size business for decision-making purposes.

Level 7 courses

Product Development (15 Credits)
Examine the requirements for the effective management of the cross-functional activities in new product and service development, and critically evaluate appropriate tools and methods for achieving the best outcomes.

Resource Integration Management (15 Credits)
Develop the skills, knowledge and expertise in the related disciplines of supply chain management, business facility layout/modification, and engineering economics, to ensure resource integration occurs at various levels for business operation, technical management, project management and production of goods or services.

Professional Practice (15 Credits)
Preparation for transition into an applied business profession. You'll also source an industry project/internship and produce appropriate documentation.

Industry Project/Internship (30 Credits)
An applied research project involving a work placement at an organisation to which theoretical learning and self-reflection is applied.

* The courses with an asterisk are electives of which you need to choose one.

A Bachelor's degree in any field excluding Operations and Production Management.
OR
Level 6 or 7 Diploma and relevant work and/or life experience (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) or Evidence of equivalent practical, professional or educational experience e.g. 3 - 5 years full time work experience [relevant to business studies].

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency. 

As UCOL becomes Te Pūkenga on 1 January 2023, learners enrolling in a programme that is likely to continue into semester 1 2023 or starting in semester 1 2023 will become Te Pūkenga learners. They will receive their qualification from Te Pūkenga on completion.

Additional qualification
If you complete one additional course, Advanced Project Management and choose Introduction to Finance as your elective option, you will graduate with two graduate diplomas - the Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management and the Graduate Diploma in Project Management, provided that your industry project reflects both fields of study.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).