Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

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.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Civil Major is a three year degree comprising of core and elective courses, with a focus on the design and implementation of engineering technology. Choose your electives to specialise in structural, water and water waste, or roading and transportation engineering strands. The BEngTech (Civil) 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'll 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 civil 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.

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.

With this program, you'll study both the theory and practical aspects of interior design, and learn about light and colour, design principles, materials and finishes, lighting, soft furnishings, window treatments, ergonomic principles, New Zealand art and cultural/historical influences in interior design. You'll also learn about architectural communication, building codes, laws and regulations, personal and business presentation, and business management. In addition, you'll develop your freehand drawing and manual drafting abilities, and learn how to use software such as Computer Aided Design and Photoshop.

In your first year of study you will develop knowledge in core business strategies including accounting, business communication, commercial law, business heritage, culture and sustainability, marketing, computing, management and applied research.

In your second and third years the focus is on business transformation and change - you will be able to recognise where and when change is required and how to implement plans and monitor the change process. You will study:

• Organisational Behaviour - Investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structures have on staff behaviour.
• Principles of Leadership - Builds personal capabilities with an understanding of effective leadership concepts and principles.
• Project Management - Learn to create and use project plans using MS Project®.
• Business Transformation and Change - Aligns business strategy, culture and management capability with the need for efficient transitions.
• Strategic Management - Explores organisational effectiveness with well-structured strategic goals, plans and actions.

The Bachelor of Construction is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to work at a high level in the construction industry, as a leader who is able to innovate and contribute to new ways of creating the built environment.

The program starts with an introduction to the knowledge, skills, attributes and academic abilities required of a construction manager or quantity surveyor. You'll gain discipline-specific skills and knowledge, starting with a focus on small domestic buildings then moving on to low-rise and large commercial construction, then heavily serviced, multifaceted projects.

Your year-two project work and assessments will require problem solving, independent research skills and application of cultural approaches and aspects of sustainability. In the third year you'll be required to source and organise technical, project and academic research information, and evaluate, critique and propose well-rationalised solutions.

This programme is designed to enhance your existing knowledge and skills in the construction industry by equipping you with specialised construction management skill sets. It will enable you to perform with a strong sense of responsibility for your own practice and to be capable of effectively collaborating with other construction-related disciplines. During the programme you'll extend your technical, applied and legal knowledge and critically review practice within the construction industry.

You'll also learn how to improve the productivity of construction projects and advise on construction methodology through the life cycle of a project. An industry project will allow you to apply your research and critical thinking skills.

This diploma is designed to enable you to scope, manage and lead projects. It covers business basics including accounting, sales and marketing, human resources and risk management, then focuses on project management.

You'll gain an understanding of project management principles and methods, and what project management tools are available. You'll also learn how to select, apply and support a broad range of current and emerging business technologies to meet a business's needs and how to apply this project management knowledge to real-life scenarios.

You will gain a solid grounding in engineering theory and principles of engineering science including design and drawing, electrical, electronics, networks, protection and programming. Working closely with professional engineers you will apply current and emerging technologies in new situations. Our courses are industry designed and during this program you will develop sound thinking and problem solving skills for work in designing and implementing engineering technology.

It is expected that graduates will attain the educational underpinnings and work ready attributes defined by the Engineering New Zealand Graduate Profile for Engineering Technicians.

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.