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 specialisation to suit your desired pathway. You can also choose a second specialisation, five elective courses or go on a student exchange programme.
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 specialisation 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 specialisations at no extra cost and requiring no additional time. Alternatively, you can personalise 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.
Specialisations 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.
Fees for 2021
Domestic costs$6,700 – $7,500 per yearIndicative Student Services Fee$320 per yearInternational costs$20,520 per yearInternational Levy$523.50 per yearValid ToDecember 31, 2021Academic Requirements
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* – 14 credits at Level 1 or above
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Business and ICT Pathway or equivalent
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/Alternative Requirements
Still want to study but don’t meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.English Requirements
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
What will I study
- Business Environments
- Business Functions
- Commercial Law
- Economics
- Introduction to Accounting and Taxation
- Introduction to Marketing and Sales
- Organisations in a New Zealand Context
- Understanding Change
- Research Methodology
- Critical Reflection on Work