Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design

at Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus New Zealand

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.

This program will equip you with skills required by the ever-expanding commercial science sector, which encompasses increasingly automated food production, manufacturing and environmental management businesses. Course content is made up of a mix of practical skills that you'll use every day, and theory relating directly to the modern STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) workplace.

The New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science covers science, information literacy, quality management and essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication and ethics. It includes seven compulsory courses plus the opportunity to tailor your programme of study to your own interests with an elective in ICT, human nutrition or sports science. You'll also learn about business imperatives and associated data interpretation and manipulation. The programme's IT component will take you well beyond the basics and into the fundamentals of manufacturing process monitoring and control.

Our qualification equips you with the skills and knowledge in peak demand and builds on your basic accounting skills and provides detailed study in taxation and compliance, as well as advanced financial and management accounting.

You will be capable of identifying opportunities for cost efficiencies, savings and future growth, and helping business leaders understand fiscal risk. In addition, you will also complete work experience on a business project. You will need to have current knowledge of accounting at an introductory level to enrol in this programme.

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.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, this specialization will equip you with sound business skills and knowledge to help you kick-start your new business venture. You’ll examine how to establish and maintain a competitive advantage, and you’ll get to study and work alongside real start-up companies in our innovation hub, Te Ohaka.

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 specializations at no extra cost and requiring no additional time. Alternatively, you can personalize your degree by including up to five elective courses (Level 5 and above, equal to 15 credits each) from any subject area of your choosing.

Bachelor of Music covers all the skills and knowledge you need to be a multi-faceted professional musician. It’s built around collaboration - you’ll learn the foundational skills and apply them in group projects and classes that directly mirror the real world of the music industry. The programme focuses on the practical; even the ‘academic’ subjects are taught in a style that relates directly to the practical application of those subjects. More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. With such a focus on the practical, you’re a musician from day one at Ara.

The degree offers three pathways: Music Creation, Music Performance and Music Production. This choice lets you specialise in the area you’re passionate about, while learning alongside and working with musicians from other pathways. Your third-year capstone project allows you to design your own major project with dedicated specialist tutor support.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Electrical Major is a three year degree comprising of core and elective courses, with a focus on the design and implementation of engineering technology. The BEngTech (Electrical) is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and is recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord. In your first year of study you'll develop core engineering skills in computing, mathematics, management and the engineering sciences, plus some discipline-specific topics. This forms the foundation upon which you will build your degree. Critical thinking, problem solving and innovation will be a key part of your success.

In your second and third years you'll continue to deepen your understanding in electrical engineering and engage in projects to apply your knowledge. A capstone project is run with close ties to industry, with many projects being sponsored by key industry parties. This offers the chance to test your skills against industry standards in a real-world scenario, while building your professional portfolio and developing important industry contacts.

If you have a degree in nursing, meet NCNZ criteria, have employer support and wish to become a registered nurse prescriber, this is a one year full time or up to four year part time programme. It will equip you with advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills. You will spend time in independent study, critical reflection and field work in your place of study or place of work.

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 programme will build on your specialist knowledge and enable you to progress your clinical career, take on management positions or enter into health teaching in your area of practice. The programme is tailored for health managers and health practitioners, specifically registered nurses and other health professionals working for DHBs, PHOs, the fitness industry and sports organisations, as well as social workers, community care workers and allied health practitioners.

This qualification replaces the National Diploma in Construction. If you’ve started but not yet completed the National Diploma, talk to us about cross crediting to the New Zealand Diploma. This two-year program will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in construction management, on both residential and commercial building projects.

It covers the skills required at all stages of building projects, from conception to completion, with an emphasis on building technology, communication and health and safety. Other relevant vocational skills covered include planning, methodology and site management, procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts.