Graduate Diploma in Laboratory Technology

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.

During the course of this one-year programme you'll acquire the skills to confidently plan and produce a broad range of meat, poultry, fish and larder dishes, employing advanced preparation, cookery and presentation techniques. You'll also learn effective methods for planning and monitoring workflow, strategies for managing staff and operations to meet performance targets, and how to plan, develop and design dishes and menus. To meet Health and Safety requirements, applicants must be physically able to undertake the practical components of the programme in an industry emulated environment.

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.

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.

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.

During this three year programme you will study theory, participate in practical sessions and undertaken work placements in your chosen specialisation of sport and exercise science. Your studies will allow you to evaluate, facilitate and/or enhance sport and exercise performance in a wide range of contexts using current scientific principles and technologies.

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.

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.

Applied visual art aims to develop the student as an independent art practitioner or designer. Core skills taught include design strategies, drawing, printmaking and sculptural skills in a range of materials. 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.