Course details

Summary

Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

A graduate diploma is a more in-depth version of a graduate certificate, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one year (two semesters) of full-time study.

To complete the qualifications, students need to gain 120 points at 100 level (first year papers) or above, including at least 80 points at 300 level (third year papers) or above, in the graduate diploma subjects.

Marketing

Marketing is all about satisfying customer needs and it'll open the doors to a huge range of careers from advertising and brand management through to strategic planning and product development.

Marketing is far more than just selling or advertising – ultimately, it is marketing that decides what products and services an organisation will offer, to which customers, at what price, using which channels. It covers everything from strategic planning through to content, photography, video production, digital advertising, data analytics and event management.

In first year you'll take part in a Marketing Tradeshow where you'll put theory into practice. In this fun assignment, you'll work in a team to develop an innovative idea for a new product or service based around a theme, such as tourism, board games, chocolate or sports. Your team will conduct customer research and plan a full marketing mix strategy, including product / packaging design, promotion, price and place of distribution. You'll be encouraged to dress up in costumes on the night, with prizes awarded for best stand, best costumes, and best overall product.

You'll also have the opportunity to study specialist areas of marketing such as digital marketing, sports and event marketing, relationship marketing, professional selling, creativity and innovation, brand management, and international marketing. Learn more about Marketing by visiting the department's website.

At Waikato, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make new friends with a similar interests. You’ll could get involved with the Marketing Division of Waikato Management School Students' Association (WMSSA) which is a student-led club that is very active in organising events, such as inviting professional guest speakers to come and talk to students on campus.

If you’re creative, insightful, interested in the latest social trends and technology, and you enjoy meeting new people, then marketing may be the subject for you.

Career opportunities

• Advertising account executive
• Marketing manager / director
• Brand manager
• Buyer / purchasing manager
• Content marketing writer
• Digital marketing specialist
• Events manager
• Marketing information analyst
• Market researcher

Entry criteria

A qualification considered equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree with a B average.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.