Bachelor of Business Studies
Study Options
Full-time, Part-time
Length
3 years
Level
Level 7
Real life, real learning, real business
If you are starting your business career and you want a degree then this Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) is just right for you. Alternatively, you might not yet know what direction you want to take your career but know you want a degree; in this case a business degree is a good option to develop your generic skills that could be used in a wide variety of careers.
Our philosophy is that business is a practical subject and that is how we teach it so don’t be surprised when you are asked to solve problems in the real business world.
There are lots of business degrees and content is often quite similar, our point of difference is that we offer a practical approach together with a supportive learning environment and lots of practical hands-on experience.
Outline
Full-time learners take four 15 credit courses per semester, part-time learners can take one to three courses per semester and may choose to study only part of the year.
There are two majors: management; and marketing. It is also possible to take a double major in management and marketing. Within each major there is a wide choice of courses available to meet your needs.
The programme distinguishes itself from many other business degrees by being more practically orientated with a work-based placement.
You can expect a supportive environment with small classes and positive, experienced staff.
A further advantage is readily available one-to-one advice on course selection targeted towards your career.
Management
- Management
- Human resources management
- Operations management
- Entrepreneurship/starting your own business
Marketing
- Marketing communication
- Branding
- Marketing research
Work integrated learning
The workplace component of the BBS degree involves:
- Activities in the majority of courses such as external speakers and site visits.
- Specific courses such as Business Planning also include extensive collaboration with local organisations.
- The capstone of the EIT | Te Pūkenga BBS is the work-based business project or internship. All majors have the option of a 30 credit work integrated learning project or 45 credit business internship, subject to the Programme Coordinator’s approval.
Your future career and study opportunities
Management Major
Typical opportunities after graduation include the areas of: human resources; operations management; or developing your own business. You will work initially in roles such as team leader, functional manager or management trainee, progressing to more senior positions with experience. A good generic option.
Marketing Major
Typical opportunities after graduation include work as a marketing manager, sales manager, account manager or product manager and progressing to more senior positions with experience.
Further your study with a postgraduate qualification on offer across the Te Pūkenga network.

Mahima graduated from EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale with a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Management.
Entry
Entry requirements
A personal interview is available as part of the application process.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Standard entry
- University Entrance
Provisional entry*
- Applicants who do not meet the criteria above, but present evidence of ability to succeed (e.g. maturity, life experience, work experience, other study); or
- Those who narrowly fail to meet the entry criteria above.
* Please note: this normally requires an interview and entry to subsequent study is conditional on satisfactory academic progress in the first year.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you are required to have attained an acceptable level of English language fluency. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including successful study in English, approved scores on TOEFL or IELTS (6.0 Academic) tests, completion of accepted international equivalents, or completion of a EIT | Te Pūkenga language assessment. In addition, applicants are required to show evidence of good school records.
Entry with credit
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at any other tertiary institution, life or work experiences and workplace training can also be considered. If you think you qualify, you can apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
- RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.
- There is a fee for RPL.
- A maximum combined total of CC and RPL credits allowed is 240 credits.
- Advanced Entry into either Year Two or Three may also be possible if you have extensive study elsewhere at degree level. Applicants will still need to meet pre-requisite requirements.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like to be considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. An original transcript or notice of results from the institute at which you previously studied (or verified copies) will be required for all applications.
For information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact Roni Hastings, the Programme Administrator, on 06 830 1202.
International entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must meet degree standard entry requirements. Approved bridging programmes include the New Zealand Diploma in Business.
English language entry requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. English Language fluency can be verified by achievement of one of the following within the last two years:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic)
- IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
- International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply)
Entry with credit
You may apply for Cross Credit based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications already taken. You would apply for Cross Credit if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like to be considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
Cross Credit cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. An original transcript or notice of results from the institute at which you previously studied (or verified copies) and an official statement indicating the content of the course you wish to cross credit will be required for all applications.
For information and enquiries about Cross Credit please contact international@eit.ac.nz.
Dates
There are two entry dates per year:
- February
- July

Kate Henderson has come a long way since she won a Year 13 Scholarship to study at EIT’s School of Business.
Graduate profile
Isaac Hughes completed his Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT Tairāwhiti, Gisborne. Isaac is now working as an auditor at Coates & Associates in Gisborne.
Isaac has great plans for his future but for now is enjoying the sun, sand and surf living in Gisborne.
Academic learning services
Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.
We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.
Find out more:
Scholarships
EIT | Te Pūkenga offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels. Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study. Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.
You can find a list of EIT | Te Pūkenga scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally. Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT | Te Pūkenga or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT | Te Pūkenga to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.