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Pakihi

Business

Equip yourself with the skills needed to help businesses thrive.

The business world can lead you in many directions. From general management roles through to specialties like accounting, human resources, sales and marketing, change management and business transformation. Whatever enterprise you find yourself involved with, either in New Zealand or overseas, our School of Business has a range of business and business administration programmes from foundation studies right through to graduate diplomas.

When you study business at Ara you will enjoy:

  • Work-focused programmes with our tutors and highly regarded local companies sharing their knowledge and experience, within and beyond campus.

  • Research opportunities that will boost your learning experience with chances to research and develop practical solutions of real value to business, industry and communities.

Our business facilities are located at our City campus in Christchurch, and at our Ashburton and Timaru campuses.

NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.

With campus-wide Wi-Fi, computer suites housing the latest software, and online access to hundreds of international journals, industry magazines and newspapers, you can be sure of always having access to relevant, up to date information. You can also be confident that your learning is taking place in one of the most technologically advanced tertiary institutions in the country with contemporary lecture theatres, work-stations and tutorial rooms.

As a student you’ll also have access to:

  • Prestigious business software systems
  • Publishing services and our on-site printery
  • 3D prototyping tools
  • Fast internet connection
  • Technology helpdesk

Along with valuable work experience and intern opportunities, our relationships with industry mean we can respond quickly to marketplace demands. This ensures you graduate with exactly the skills employers tell us they need. Ara graduates are popular with employers because they have a reputation for being highly skilled, industry-ready and keen to contribute their creative energy and ideas from day one.

Our Bachelor of Applied Management students complete an industry project or internship during their studies. These are designed to provide you with the opportunity to experience the complexities of 'real world' working environments. You’ll also be required to complete a research project based on your specialisation (major) with an internship provider.

Our Graduate Diploma students complete an industry project as part of their qualification. An internship or industry project can be valuable for future use and can even lead to job offers.

If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.

As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.

Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.

Related programmes & courses

Bachelor of Applied Management

Gain specialist skills to make your mark in business.

FULL-TIME - 3 Years
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Gain the specialist skills and knowledge needed to innovate in the business world.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

Graduate Diploma in Event Management

Develop a high degree of event management finesse and nurture your talent for an exciting career in a dynamic industry.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Business

Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Sales

Gain theory and practical experience in the art of generating sales in today's competitive marketplace.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management

Use your strong organisational skills and advance your appreciation of the procedures required to ensure production functions at optimum levels.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

Business Accelerator (Entrepreneurship)

Master the art of entrepreneurship – from vision to venture.

12 Weeks
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting)

Study the latest accounting practices and principles and prepare to launch your career in business.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management)

Specialise in human resource management by combining your people skills with business knowledge

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business

New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management)

Acquire the skills to manage staff and workflows effectively.

PART-TIME - 19 Weeks
Business

New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3)

Gain skills to become a competent business administrator.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: July
Madras Street
Business