Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design

at Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus New Zealand

IT industry partners have significant input into the structure and content of this programme to ensure that what is being taught continually meets industry needs. The first year covers a broad range of ICT topics that will provide you with a solid base of knowledge in software engineering (programming), hardware and networking, website development, IT tools and concepts and mathematics skills relevant to IT. In years two and three you'll choose one of three specialist pathways: Information Systems, Networking and Infrastructure or Software Development. During this time you'll develop in-depth knowledge of your chosen area through a range of compulsory and elective courses.

You'll also develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, team work, project management, time management, self-reliance and communication skills. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and work-readiness, so wherever possible, theory is integrated and applied to practical tasks. Many courses include group activities or group projects, as the ability to work as part of a team is strongly valued by employers.

This programme looks in-depth at a wide range of retail-related areas, with a focus on strategic decision making around the resources used to develop and sustain a high performing retail business. Areas covered include ownership models, channel management, human capital, technology use and adoption, customer experience and merchandising.

You'll learn how to critically evaluate management and marketing concepts in a range of retailing environments; identify and analyse opportunities for improvement; and create strategies for building and sustaining a retail enterprise.

In this vibrant and exciting industry, this specialisation will prepare you in all aspects of event logistics, planning and management. Whether you have career ambitions to run international conferences, sports tournaments or music or arts festivals, our experience tutors will help you develop real-life, hands-on skills. You’ll also get to work on an actual local event to consolidate your learnings.

Flexibility has been built into this degree, allowing you to not only to study part-time, full-time and/or in the evenings, but to choose two specialisations at no extra cost and requiring no additional time.

Throughout the course of this programme, core competencies of project management, e-commerce, operations management and supply chain logistics are integrated to address, identify and resolve present day supply chain issues.

Quantitative techniques covered will lay the foundation for sound decision making and problem solving in resolving operational issues, while qualitative content will explore the best methods for planning, organising and strategy formulation aspects from the managerial perspective.

If you have a degree in nursing or a health-related area and you'd like to extend your knowledge and skills for advanced practice in the health sector this online postgraduate diploma is an interdisciplinary programme for qualified health professionals and health service managers. It will equip you with advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills.

This program is designed to enable you to perform the vital role that accounting plays across all facets of the business. You'll investigate business software options, study up-to-date accounting principles and practices, and learn about risk management, ethics, legislation, economic dynamics, supply and demand, sustainable management and strategies for operational efficiency. HR, sales and marketing, innovation and communication are also covered.

You'll also gain a thorough grounding in financial and management accounting with options to specialise in taxation, business financing, or other aspects of the commercial world that interest you most.

This programme aims to develop you as an independent animator/film maker or concept artist. Core skills taught include design strategies, digital drawing, 3D modelling and animation, videography, sound design, post-production, motion graphics and concept art. In addition, you'll choose three courses from a range of electives, which will enable you to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.

As well as studio courses, you'll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects. These include both professional and contextual studies, which will give you developed communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices, insights into contemporary professional ethics and some business skills.

This programme has been designed to ensure that when you graduate you'll have the knowledge and skills needed for this dynamic industry, and that you can be a flexible, future-focused, creative leader who can adapt to changing circumstances. Your studies will cover: hospitality and tourism trends; marketing strategies for local and international hospitality and tourism contexts; financial management strategies; business analysis for hospitality and tourism; communication; self-management; problem solving; teamwork and planning. In addition, you'll explore New Zealand's heritage and indigenous culture, and gain an understanding of sustainability issues relating to tourism, such as its impact on the environment.

One of the most important resources in an organisation is its people. This specialisation will develop your management skills and knowledge in people and culture. During your studies you’ll analyse organisational staff behaviour and its impact on business, and learn about wellbeing leadership, health and safety and the latest employment legislation. In your final year you’ll explore advanced HR strategy and contemporary issues in human resource management.

This degree programme aims to give you tools to become an independent designer or garment producer. You'll learn key skills in design strategy, drawing, garment construction and pattern making. You'll also get to choose two courses from a wide range of electives that will help you to develop specialist skills that suit your goals. As well as studio courses, you'll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects, including both professional and contextual studies, which will give you great communication skills, knowledge of a range of creative practices, and basic business skills.