COURSES
Diploma in Digital Marketing (Level 6)
Strategy-driven, AI-powered, Industry-ready
Marketing today lives online, and skilled digital marketers are in demand across every industry.
That’s why the Diploma in Digital Marketing has been developed with industry experts to build the skills you need to work in digital marketing, grow a business, or start your own freelance agency.
The course covers everything from content and social media marketing, SEO (search engine optimisation), SEM (search engine marketing), and data analysis, digital design and web assets, and of course, AI and future technologies that are reshaping the marketing industry.
We teach live and online in our virtual lectures and studios, so you’ll get the most updated industry information and ensure your Diploma keeps up with industry trends and platform updates.
You’ll also join a connected community of future creators, strategists, and analysts who are shaping the future of marketing across New Zealand.
Diploma in Digital Marketing (Level 6)
This course connects you directly with the Digital Marketing industry. You’ll learn from professionals who share real campaign insights and tools used in the field every day.
Each of the 5 courses in the Diploma builds practical experience you can apply straight away. You’ll start with the foundations of digital marketing and design thinking, creating campaigns and visuals that connect with real audiences.
Build on this with AI tools, automation, and data-driven marketing strategies to plan campaigns across platforms such as Google and Meta.
You’ll then develop a range of creative content, ad campaigns, landing pages, and email strategies that work together to engage audiences. Finish with a capstone project where you design and present a full campaign for a real or simulated client, graduating with a professional portfolio that shows your digital marketing capability.
- The programme has been co-created with Digital Marketing specialists, so you’ll earn a recognised industry qualification.
- The programme is taught by industry practitioners, meaning your course content is current and relevant.
- You’ll be able to design and implement digital marketing strategies across a range of platforms, including Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), TikTok Tok and more.
- You’ll learn how to think creatively, manage projects, and present with impact, building the confidence and skills to stand out in today’s fast-changing Digital Marketing industry.
- Gain New Zealand’s only accredited Diploma qualification in Digital Marketing. On graduation, you’ll receive the NZIE Diploma in Digital Marketing (Level 6), which leads to the NZ Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 6).
The Diploma in Digital Marketing is an action-oriented course with a new approach to online learning.
It’s built around Learning Pods, weekly studio sessions, and hands-on problem solving. So you build real skills on top of your knowledge base.
A dedicated learning platform to support you throughout the journey. Your weekly study will include:
- Learning Pods – short, focused modules covering tools, skills, or industry insights
- Lectures –guided sessions that explain core marketing ideas and frameworks
- Studios – collaborative sessions where you apply your learning to real digital marketing challenges
Our Virtual Campus also gives you access to the Learning Hub, a space designed to support you with online study, announcements, and messaging tools to stay connected with tutors and classmates.
For more than ten years, NZIE’s Digital Marketing School has supported students to build new skills, grow their businesses, and begin freelancing ventures.
Hear from our CEO, Rob Marks, as he explains why NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing remains one of the strongest ways to future-proof your career.
Even in a challenging job market, 86 percent of our graduates are employed, freelancing, or applying their skills to power their own businesses. The Diploma is NZQA-accredited, delivered fully online, and takes only one year full-time (40 weeks plus holidays).
Study from anywhere in New Zealand and gain industry-recognised skills in less time than a traditional degree.
*based on The Hays Salary Guide 25/26
Digital marketing offers flexibility and a wide range of options. Many graduates use their skills to grow their own business or brand, while others move into roles with agencies or in-house marketing teams. The mix of creative, analytical, and technical skills means you can shape a career that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Common roles include:
Digital Marketing Coordinator / Specialist, Content Creator, Social Media Marketing Coordinator, Digital Performance Marketing Specialist, SEO Specialist, Email Marketing Specialist, and more.
Here’s a summary of the content delivered across the 5 courses in the Diploma:
Digital Marketing Principles and Practice
A foundational course introducing concepts and theories behind digital marketing, and how to apply them in real business settings. Learn the value of KPIs and data-driven decision making.
Content Marketing and Media
Learn how to make content resonate through authentic storytelling and design. Build effective content strategies and learn how to automate and optimise content planning.
Digital Design
Apply design skills using Affinity and Canva. Learn how to create a range of brand assets such as brand visuals, ads, and social media videos.
Websites
Get behind the scenes of websites by taking a look at the web ecosystem, helpful plugins, the principles of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), as well as web messaging. Design interactive landing pages ready for your next campaign.
AI Marketing and Automation
Explore how AI interacts with Digital Marketing by learning about generative search, quality prompt design, building agents, and AI’s ethical implementations.
Email Marketing
Learn segmentation, email trends, and campaign automation. Explore the balance between strategy, data, and ethics.
Social Media Marketing
Understand how to navigate Social Media. Learn how to build communities, manage content across different platforms, and implement social media strategies to meet campaign goals.
SEO and SEM
Learn SEO fundamentals (including how AI is transforming the SEO landscape). You’ll also learn how to develop Google Ads campaign strategies with the option to become Google Ads certified (foundation + advanced).
Data Analysis and Reporting
Dive into Digital Marketing analytics. Gain insight from data by utilising AI to drive improvements in strategy. With the option to become Google Analytics certified (foundation + advanced).
Professional Soft Skills
Alongside Digital Marketing, you’ll build practical soft skills in areas such as Design Thinking, Presentations and Project Management, so you’re ready to lead, collaborate, and stay ahead as AI and future technology reshape the industry.
2026 Course Tuition Fees: $9824
Student loan available through Study Link. Check if you are eligible here.
Course Related Costs:
| Item | Cost $ (approximate) |
| Chat GPT | $410 |
| Canva | $200 |
| Optional Course Costs | |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | $600 |
| Microsoft Office | $150 |
Canva is billed in Australian Dollars, meaning the end price is variable.
Chat GPT is billed in US Dollars, meaning the end price is variable.
Fees-Free Scheme
If you are a first-time tertiary learner, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study, up to $12,000.
Practical and interactive learning
Our diploma is built around real projects, studio sessions and a capstone experience. You will graduate with a portfolio of work that shows employers what you can do.
Taught by industry experts
Learn from tutors who have hands-on experience in digital marketing, design, and strategy. They bring current industry practice into every class.
Career-focused support
Our Student Success Team provides academic, cultural, and well-being support. You will also receive career advice and guidance to help you connect with opportunities in the industry.

Key information for students
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NZIE is accredited and approved by:
New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA)
This is a government department that sets the standards for courses and quality. https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/. NZIE is a Category 1 Provider. You can find the last EER report here.
Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
This government department funds institutes to accept local domestic students. This means that New Zealanders can study at NZIE and also access the Student Loan and Allowance scheme to support them through their studies. https://www.tec.govt.nz/