Ara Institute Of Canterbury Hospitality

Prepare to take on management responsibilities in the fast-paced world of hospitality.



This Level 6 diploma explores hospitality at a management level and focuses on how to think rather than what to think. You’ll learn how to manage and develop staff to ensure excellent customer experiences, and how to enhance positive staff relationships through negotiation, communication, consultation and reporting strategies.

Hospitality operations are covered in depth. You’ll learn how to plan and develop business strategies that encompass financial management, product development, sales and marketing and continuous improvement processes. You’ll also learn how to manage change to improve business performance, and the role of technology in management and marketing technology-driven solutions. The role of sustainability and the impacts of tourism and hospitality on infrastructure and the environment are also explored.

A practical work placement will give your learning context and will enable you to use research methodologies to investigate a topic or solve a problem connected to the workplace.

Throughout the programme a mix of delivery will be used, including class sessions, workshops, industry visits, field trips, guest speakers, collaborative projects and online learning.

To meet Health and Safety requirements, applicants must be physically able to undertake the practical components of the programme in an industry emulated environment.

Fees for 2021

Domestic costs$6,700 – $7,500 per year

Indicative Student Services Fee $320 per year

International costs $21,880 per year

International Levy$523.50 per year

Valid To December 31, 2021

Academic Requirements

New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management Level 5 (or equivalent).

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 To Study

Level 6

  • Financial Management for Tourism and Ho…
  • Human Resource Management for Tourism a…
  • Industry Practicum
  • Leadership and Management: Principles a…
  • Marketing for Tourism and Hospitality
  • Hotel and Resort Operations Management
  • People and Place: Culture and Nature