Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education

at Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus New Zealand

More and more businesses are adopting networked tech solutions (eg cloud-based, Internet of Things) to produce significant efficiency gains. However, with these gains comes greater exposure to risks around the confidentiality of business data and intelligence. As a result, cyber security professionals are increasingly in demand.

The New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity is one of the leading programs of its kind in the country. It covers topics such as infrastructure, the basics of cybersecurity, methodology specifics, tools, technologies (such as cryptography), technical cybersecurity management, governance, and standards.

In addition, the course will develop your critical technical and analytical skills and enhance your attention to detail. You’ll learn via classroom tutorials, online discussions and a work-integrated learning project which may involve an industry placement.

Human resource management requires a combination of knowledge and people skills. This programme will give you an understanding of both as you cover everything from employment relations and human resource management to communication and organisational behaviour management.

It covers business basics such as communication, human resources, business law, organisational culture, economics, risk management and problem solving, then focuses on human resource aspects of business.

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.

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 Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Mechanical 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 (Mechanical) 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 mechanical 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.

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 two-year programme will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work as a quantity surveyor, on both residential and commercial building projects. It covers means measurement, estimating and cost planning, as well as procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts. Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme for full-time students.

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.

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 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.