Bachelor of Applied 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. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists 360 credits. The courses includes:

Your studies will depend upon your chosen major - Accounting, Accounting (CA/CPA Pathways), Operations and Production Management, Project Management, Business Information Systems and Logistics and Supply Chain Management .

Note: Electives offered each semester are subject to change depending on student numbers.

Accounting Major

Currently the specialist third year accounting courses are only delivered from the Palmerston North campus. Accounting major students can choose to travel to Palmerston North to attend the classes there, or can participate through a blended delivery mode from Whanganui. Block courses may be offered each semester if required. The weekly schedule and block course dates will be available at the beginning of each semester.

Some of the following courses are optional and may depend on whether you choose the CA Foundation or ACA Pathway within the Accounting major.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR ONE

Applied Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to record and process a wide range of financial transactions manually, as well as using software. You'll act in accordance with the accounting profession’s Code of Ethics to research and communicate technical financial information for a business entity’s performance.

Business Environments (15 Credits)
Analyse environmental influences on a business entity.

Business Functions (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of core business functions for operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Introduction to Accounting and Taxation (15 Credits)
Apply accounting concepts and standards to prepare financial statements for a business entity and apply tax rules.

Organisations in a New Zealand Context (15 Credits)
Review and analyse business entities from a range of perspectives in a New Zealand context.

Understanding Change (15 Credits)
Learn to contribute to innovation and change in organisations.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR ONE (Choose two)

Administration Services (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to plan, organise, analyse, manage and evaluate administration systems and processes to support management.

Administration Systems, Processes and Projects (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to analyse the effectiveness and efficiencies of administration systems and processes; develop and implement strategies to improve administration systems and processes; plan, co-ordinate, monitor, manage and evaluate projects within a budget to support a business entity.

Analysis of Financial Information (15 Credits)
Learn to calculate, analyse and interpret financial information to inform decision making for a business entity and evaluate debtor risk. 

Budgets for Planning and Control (15 Credits)
Learn to prepare budgets and use budgets to monitor business performance for a business entity and determine internal controls to minimise financial risk for a business entity.

Business Information Management (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to use information to support operations and management; produce support materials for business technology to meet business entity needs and manage business technology to support users to meet business entity needs.

Business Planning (15 Credits)
Learn to formulate a business plan.

Business Technologies (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to research and analyse new and emerging business technologies and apply knowledge of those technologies to support the operations and management within a business entity.

Leadership (15 Credits)
Learn to apply leadership skills to achieve organisational outcomes and change.

Managing Projects (15 Credits)
Learn to effectively manage a project.

Operations Management and Compliance (15 Credits)
Learn to apply techniques to improve operational management and compliance.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Intermediate Financial Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to apply the regulatory and technical aspects of financial accounting and external reporting for companies, and evaluate financial and non-financial information.

Intermediate Management Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to collect, interpret, present and use relevant management accounting information for an organisation to effectively plan, control and make appropriate decisions regarding business operations.

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

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.

Taxation in New Zealand (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of taxation rules to New Zealand taxable entities in a range of situations.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR TWO

Choose three from Level 5, 6 or 7

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Financial Accounting (15 Credits)
Gain a sufficient understanding of New Zealand's financial reporting environment, and sufficient technical skills to prepare complex financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting practice. You'll also gain a wider appreciation of financial reporting to enable you to respond and contribute to the development of the accounting profession.

Advanced Management Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn advanced techniques and gain skills to be able to provide and evaluate accounting information, including its behavioural implications and contribute to organisational success.

Industry Capstone (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry based project/internship of a complex nature.

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

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR THREE

Choose two from Level 5, 6 or 7

Accounting Major (CA/CPA Pathways)

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR ONE
The same as the Accounting Major above.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Business Analytics and Research (15 Credits)
Learn about analytics and research concepts within a business context. The course covers quantitative and qualitative research methods; analysis; data and information presentation; and representation of research data and results.

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

Intermediate Financial Accounting (15 Credits)
Apply the regulatory and technical aspects of financial accounting and external reporting for companies, and evaluate financial and non-financial information.

Intermediate Management Accounting (15 Credits)
Collect, interpret, present and use relevant management accounting information for an organisation to effectively plan, control and make appropriate decisions regarding business operations.

Project Management (15 Credits)

Learn the basic principles and terminology of the profession of project management, and apply this to create project plans.

Taxation in New Zealand (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of taxation rules to New Zealand taxable entities in a range of situations.

The Law of Business Entities (15 Credits)
Learn about business law, including:

• Partnerships
• Companies
• Trading Trusts
• Sole Traders
• Incorporation of companies
• Company shares
• Legal responsibilities of directors, shareholders
• Company meetings
• Business failure/cessation
• Acquisition of an interest in business by merger or amalgamation or acquisition of shares or takeover.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR TWO

Choose one from Level 5, 6 or 7, including a Special Topic Level 6 or 7 course

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Accounting Information Systems (15 Credits)
Learn to design, implement, operate, manage and control accounting information systems. The course will cover spreadsheets, databases, and accounting packages, and evolving technologies. This paper is designed to meet the needs of students contemplating a career in accounting. The course is important for those students intending to become members of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA). Knowledge and skills in information technology and accounting information systems is regarded as essential by professional bodies and employers.

Advanced Financial Accounting (15 Credits)
Gain a theoretical understanding of New Zealand’s financial reporting environment, and learn technical skills used to prepare complex financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting practice.

Advanced Management Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn advanced techniques and skills to be able to provide and evaluate accounting information, including its behavioural implications and contribution to organisational success.

Auditing and Assurance (15 Credits)
Learn the knowledge and skills used in the modern auditing and assurance profession. The course covers:

• Professional ethics
• The legal liability of auditors
• Audit planning – the audit risk model
• Management assertions of transactions and balances
• Auditing and financial reporting fraud
• Test of controls
• Substantive tests
• Audit Sampling
• Analytical procedures
• Completion and communication
• Internal auditing and other assurance services
• Current issues in auditing research

Industry Project for Professional Accounting (45 Credits)
Take part in a hands-on immersion project where you can apply your learning, working on a significant assignment for an organisation.

Professional Practice (15 Credits)
Prepare for transition into an applied business profession. You'll source an industry project/internship.
 

Business Information Systems Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR ONE

Business Environments (15 Credits)
Analyse environmental influences on a business entity.

Business Functions (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of core business functions for operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Organisations in a New Zealand Context (15 Credits)
Review and analyse business entities from a range of perspectives in a New Zealand context.

Systems Analysis Fundamentals (15 Credits)
An introduction to the principles of systems analysis and requirements elicitation techniques.

Understanding Change (15 Credits)
Learn to contribute to innovation and change in organisations.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR ONE (Choose three from below)

Administration Services (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to plan, organise, analyse, manage and evaluate administration systems and processes to support management.

Administration Systems, Processes and Projects (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to analyse the effectiveness and efficiencies of administration systems and processes; develop and implement strategies to improve administration systems and processes; plan, co-ordinate, monitor, manage and evaluate projects within a budget to support a business entity.

Analysis of Financial Information (15 Credits)
Learn to calculate, analyse and interpret financial information to inform decision making for a business entity and evaluate debtor risk.

Applied Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to record and process a wide range of financial transactions manually, as well as using software. You'll act in accordance with the accounting profession’s Code of Ethics to research and communicate technical financial information for a business entity’s performance.

Budgets for Planning and Control (15 Credits)
Learn to prepare budgets and use budgets to monitor business performance for a business entity and determine internal controls to minimise financial risk for a business entity.

Business Information Management (15 Credits)
Learn to use information to support operations and management; produce support materials for business technology to meet business entity needs and manage business technology to support users to meet business entity needs.

Business Planning (15 Credits)
Learn to formulate a business plan.

Business Technologies (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to research and analyse new and emerging business technologies and apply knowledge of those technologies to support the operations and management within a business entity.

Introduction to Accounting and Taxation (15 Credits)
Apply accounting concepts and standards to prepare financial statements for a business entity and apply tax rules.

Leadership (15 Credits)
Learn to apply leadership skills to achieve organisational outcomes and change.

Managing Projects (15 Credits)
Learn to effectively manage a project.

Operations Management and Compliance (15 Credits)
Learn to apply techniques to improve operational management and compliance.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Analysis and Design (15 Credits)
Learn to to analyse the needs of the business, and understand the tools and techniques used to design IT solutions that add value to a business.

Accounting Information Systems (15 Credits)
Learn to design, implement, operate, manage and control accounting information systems. You'll develop practical knowledge, understanding and skills in the use of spreadsheets, databases, and accounting packages, and an appreciation of evolving technologies.

Business Analytics and Research (15 Credits)
Learn to apply analytics and research concepts within a business context.

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.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR TWO

Choose four from Level 5, 6 or 7

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Systems Analysis (15 Credits)
Gain introductory knowledge in tools and techniques used to assess feasibility and present a business case. As part of your studies you'll complete an analysis of a complex information system based on the recommendation from the feasibility phase.

Industry Capstone (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry based project/internship of a complex nature.

Management of Information and Communication Technologies (15 Credits)
Gain an overview of the IT management function. Learn to differentiate between technical and business management, and project management and strategy management for IT. You'll be introducted to various standards, frameworks and models that can be employed for strategic management of the IT function. You'll gain hands on experience related to advanced risk and change management practices through application of case studies.

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

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR Three

Choose two from Level 5, 6 or 7

Operations and Production Management Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR ONE

Business Environments (15 Credits)
Analyse environmental influences on a business entity.

Business Functions (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of core business functions for operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Organisations in a New Zealand Context (15 Credits)
Review and analyse business entities from a range of perspectives in a New Zealand context.

Understanding Change (15 Credits)
Learn to contribute to innovation and change in organisations.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR ONE (Choose four from below)

Administration Services (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to plan, organise, analyse, manage and evaluate administration systems and processes to support management.

Administration Systems, Processes and Projects (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to analyse the effectiveness and efficiencies of administration systems and processes; develop and implement strategies to improve administration systems and processes; plan, co-ordinate, monitor, manage and evaluate projects within a budget to support a business entity.

Analysis of Financial Information (15 Credits)
Learn to calculate, analyse and interpret financial information to inform decision making for a business entity and evaluate debtor risk.

Applied Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to record and process a wide range of financial transactions manually, as well as using software. You'll act in accordance with the accounting profession’s Code of Ethics to research and communicate technical financial information for a business entity’s performance.

Budgets for Planning and Control (15 Credits)
Learn to prepare budgets and use budgets to monitor business performance for a business entity and determine internal controls to minimise financial risk for a business entity.

Business Information Management (15 Credits)
Learn to use information to support operations and management; produce support materials for business technology to meet business entity needs and manage business technology to support users to meet business entity needs.

Business Planning (15 Credits)
Learn to formulate a business plan.

Business Technologies (15 Credits) (online only)
Learn to research and analyse new and emerging business technologies and apply knowledge of those technologies to support the operations and management within a business entity.

Introduction to Accounting and Taxation (15 Credits)
Apply accounting concepts and standards to prepare financial statements for a business entity and apply tax rules.

Leadership (15 Credits)
Learn to apply leadership skills to achieve organisational outcomes and change.

Managing Projects (15 Credits)
Learn to effectively manage a project.

Operations Management and Compliance (15 Credits)
Learn to apply techniques to improve operational management and compliance.

Systems Analysis Fundamentals (15 Credits)
Learn the fundamental principles of systems analysis and systems requirements.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Applied Business Solutions (15 Credits)
Learn to apply business olutions and problem solving concepts for specific case studies.

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

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. During your studies you'll learn about an operation’s contribution to the macro-management environment.

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.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR TWO

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Industry Capstone (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry based project/internship of a complex nature.

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.

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

Resource Integration Management (15 Credits)
Develop 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.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR THREE (Choose two from Level 5, 6 or 7)

Project Management Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR ONE (Same as Operations and Production Management Major above)

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Intermediate Management Accounting (15 Credits)
Learn to collect, interpret, present and use relevant management accounting information for an organisation to effectively plan, control and make appropriate decisions regarding business operations.

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

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. During your studies you'll learn about an operation’s contribution to the macro-management environment.

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.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR TWO (Choose four from Level 5, 6 or 7)

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Project Management (15 Credits)
Learn the principles of the project management body of knowledge and cover the content of the Project Management Institute and is application and evaulation to the workplace.

Industry Capstone (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry based project/internship of a complex nature.

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

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.

ELECTIVE COURSES - YEAR THREE (Choose two from Level 5, 6 or 7)

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Major

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance
OR
equivalent academic achievement, such as:

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) - Level 4 
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) - Level 4 
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) - Level 4

International students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet New Zealand University Entrance requirements. Places are available to international students on a full fee basis. 

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 6.0 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. 

Double Major
A double major may be completed when a student completes the courses for another major as the 5 courses for their elective. In this instance, the Co-operative Education Project must cover both disciplines represented by the majors. The degree title will have both the majors included after it eg Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting and Business Information Systems).

Non-major
It's possible to graduate from UCOL's Bachelor of Applied Management with non-major. In this instance you have the ability to pull together a cohesive group of courses with a relevant outcome focus for yourself. This might be specific to a particular industry requirement or an area you wish to focus on. Prior approval is required for this.

Electives
The 75 elective credits of the Bachelor of Applied Management are a principal feature of its design. They allow students to complement the core courses specific to the degree, and compulsory courses in a major, with courses of their choice thus allowing time to further enhance their future career or personal goals.

The availability of a particular elective course is subject to an appropriate number of students enrolling in that course.

The Co-operative Education Project
The Co-operative Education Project is the capstone of the Bachelor of Applied Management, which students complete in their final stage of study. Set in a workplace context, students will spend 400 hours undertaking an industry project to develop an understanding of the workplace.

Studying Bachelor of Applied Management online**

A variety of business courses are available online via eCampus NZ.

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).