Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems

at Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus New Zealand

Core skills taught include design strategies, graphics, branding and communication, typography, art direction, drawing and illustration. In addition, students will choose three courses from a range of electives, which will enable them to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.

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

In the 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.

You will focus on your accounting specialisation in the second and third years, with study preparing you for an accounting position. Core subjects include:

• Intermediate Financial Accounting - details the regulatory and technical aspects of accounting as well as external reporting and evaluating techniques.
• Intermediate Management Accounting - covers the processes and information required for effective planning, control and decision making.
• Taxation in New Zealand - applies knowledge of taxation rules and compliance.
• Advanced Financial Accounting - prepares financial statements to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting practice.
• Advanced Management Accounting - examines sourcing and evaluating accounting information related to organisational success.

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.

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.

This highly practical program will equip you with the skills and theory necessary to become a radio professional. We develop your understanding of the changing media environment, your practical research skills and prepare you for a first-time position in radio or online. You'll study production and performance while operating a commercial radio station, broadcasting throughout the Canterbury region.

Our program has been strongly influenced by industry groups such as NZME, Mediaworks and The Radio Broadcasters Association. Our 24-week industry internship provides you with a highly effective link between the theoretical and practical aspects of broadcasting, and gives you a working understanding of the industry demands of working in a deadline-driven environment.

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.

This program will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to enter the architectural field as a technician working on domestic and commercial building projects. You'll learn how to produce working drawings and documentation for small and medium scale projects that meet with the requirements of New Zealand legislation, codes of practice and New Zealand and Australian standards. The emphasis is on building technology, sound construction detailing and communication.

The program includes professional practice, administration of contracts and theoretical knowledge for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme, Design 2.

The Master of Sustainable Practice is designed for individuals who seek to lead innovative problem solving in sustainable practice. Across the range of core, project and applied research components, you'll gain advanced interdisciplinary skills and knowledge that will enable you to: critically evaluate and apply concepts of sustainable practice; work independently and collaboratively; and become a change-maker contributing to sustainable practice. You'll also develop and apply advanced understandings of the theories, driving forces and worldviews related to sustainable practice within the context of your discipline-specific knowledge.

The programme facilitates collaboration and innovation and applies an interdisciplinary framework to address complex sustainability problems. Upon completion of the programme you will be able to: advocate for, and lead change towards, more sustainable practices; apply high level research skills to plan and conduct independent inquiry projects related to sustainability in professional contexts; and be an independent learner who can utilise and undertake research to formulate solutions to sustainability issues.

In our graduate diploma you will learn methods for profiling key information on the internet and consider the value of social media for internal and external communications. Other areas of study include applied computing, advanced business analysis essentials, and the latest techniques for management of information and communication technologies. We also connect you with our industry partners to put this knowledge to use in the real world on a relevant project.

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.