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Foundation Studies

Our foundation programmes are the stepping stones to further study or to a new career.

They can enable you to meet the entry requirements for more advanced study, or help you to learn something new, just because you want to. Classroom and online delivery options are available so you can choose whatever works best for your learning style and commitments.

You might take a foundation course if:

  • You don’t meet the entry criteria for a particular programme of study
  • You’re returning to study after time away from formal education
  • You’re seeking to change career or study direction
  • You’re an international student and/or permanent resident and English is your second language, and you don’t meet the English entry criteria for a programme of study
About foundation programmes

Upon successful completion of an assessed foundation programme you’ll be awarded a qualification. This will enable you to meet the academic requirements for most diplomas and degrees at Ara.

Non-assessed foundation courses help you to develop skills in subjects like computing, reading, writing and maths. You can learn for personal development and enjoyment, or to help you decide what you’d like to do next. You’re not awarded a qualification at the end of a non-assessed course as there’s no testing.

Please note: Completing a foundation programme does not guarantee you automatic entry into other programmes as places may be limited or other criteria may apply.

Please note: places are limited on these courses and funding may be exhausted throughout the year. We’re experiencing high volumes of demand for foundation education, and we’ll do our best to support and transition learners where possible.

Drop into campus or call us to:

  • Find out where to start your study
  • Find out what support is available
  • Get help deciding on a course to suit you
  • Find out what skills and knowledge are required before you start
  • Get advice and answers to your study questions

At Ara the skills, knowledge and understanding you've gained through previous study and experience can be credited towards your chosen qualification. Instead of enrolling, you'll be able to have your prior learning assessed through our Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL).

Programmes

Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners with optional strand in Skills for Working

Gain skills to assist you to be a productive citizen of Aotearoa.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year
Language and Education

Certificate in Foundation Skills - Career and Education

Prepare for further study or employment with confidence and direction.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: October
Madras Street
Language and Education

Trades Primer

Sample a range of trades and find your future career path.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
MULTIPLE
Trades

Study and Career Preparation - Architectural Studies and Construction pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in construction.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Architecture and Construction Management

Study and Career Preparation - Engineering Pre-Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in engineering

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Engineering

Study and Career Preparation - Health Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study for health pathways

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
MULTIPLE
Health

Study and Career Preparation - Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in sport science, nutrition or health promotion.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Sport science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Study and Career Preparation - Study Opportunities Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills and entry requirements needed for Level 4 study.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Sport science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Study and Career Preparation - Support Work and Social Work Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills and entry required for higher level study in support work and then social work

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Social Work and Human Services

Study and Career Preparation - Animal Science/Veterinary Nursing Pathway, Level 3

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in animal science.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
Starts: February
Madras Street
Animal and Laboratory Science

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)

Gain computing skills for a wide range of employment opportunities.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Digital Technologies

Study and Career Preparation - Broadcasting and Applied Media Pathway, Level 4

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in broadcast media and journalism.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks
New Zealand Broadcasting School

Study and Career Preparation - Business and ICT Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher-level studies in business or IT.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Business Digital Technologies

Study and Career Preparation - Architectural Studies and Construction Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher-level study in construction and architectural studies.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Architecture and Construction Management

Study and Career Preparation - Engineering Diploma Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher level study in engineering.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Engineering

Study and Career Preparation - Engineering Degree Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher level study in engineering.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Engineering

Study and Career Preparation - Medical Imaging and Applied Science Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher-level study in medical imaging, sport science or applied science.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
MULTIPLE
Health

Study and Career Preparation - Pre-Health Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher level study in health and science.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
MULTIPLE
Sport science, Nutrition and Health Promotion Health

Study and Career Preparation - Social Work Pathway, Level 4

Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in social work.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Social Work and Human Services

Study and Career Preparation - Tourism and Hospitality Management Pathway, Level 4

Prepare for higher-level study in tourism and hospitality management.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Food, Hospitality and Tourism