New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science

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.

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.

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.

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.

The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) will equip you to provide high quality, practice-based education and care in early childhood settings, and/or to pathway into higher level study leading to a teaching qualification.

Taught by supportive tutors in a practical learning environment, it covers the early childhood education curriculum (Te Wh?riki) and the role of play in child learning and development; effective written and oral communication; and the use of te reo Maori. It also explores bicultural infant and toddler care and education strategies to create high quality, safe and inclusive learning environments. You’ll develop, reflect, and receive feedback on skills in observation, assessment and planning for teaching young children.

This program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to be effective strategic management professional. capable of working in a range of business environments. It covers applied business management, leadership, strategic planning, finance, and marketing.

This flexible degree will prepare you to succeed in business by equipping you with widely applicable, real-world knowledge and skills. You’ll develop your ability to think critically and strategically and gain valuable skills in your chosen specialty.

In your first year, you’ll develop a depth of business knowledge and skills required for any commercial context. This includes skills in management, leadership, accounting, marketing, HR, law, economics, and sustainability, as well as knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Titiri o Waitangi.

In your second year, you'll then choose a specialization to suit your desired pathway. You can also choose a second specialization, five elective courses or go on a student exchange program.

Your final year of studies involves more complex critical and strategic thinking skills. You’ll undertake a co-operative education project for a local business which will include a work placement. During this placement, you’ll apply skills learned in your chosen specialization to complete a research-informed project that solves a business problem.

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.

Specializations include: Accounting (including CA Pathway), Business Information Systems, Event Management, Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Marketing and Sales, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Operations, Supply Chain Logistics, Strategic Management, Transformation, and Change.

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 diploma is designed to enable you to apply your leadership and management skills to contribute to the achievements of a business or organisation. It covers business basics including accounting, sales and marketing, human resources and risk management, then focuses on leadership and management aspects of business. This focus will give you the knowledge and skills to be able to plan and manage projects, manage workflow and productivity, improve performance and processes, address sustainability issues, solve problems, take responsibility for key decision making, encourage innovation and recruit, lead and manage staff.

This comprehensive, hands-on programme covers project management, operations management and e-commerce in relation to supply chain logistics. You'll learn from industry experts how to identify important phases of supply chain and logistical management from internal and external perspectives; evaluate and critique existing operations; identify supply chain and logistical issues; and create effective and sustainable management solutions.

You'll also gain a practical understanding of e-commerce and its role in business; develop concepts and analytical methods for managing people and resources; explore the basic principles and terminology of project management; and appraise project plans using MSProject.