Course details

Bachelor of Applied Management (Operations and Product Management)
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Tell me about this area

Professionals in this space plan workflows, manage resources, track performance and improve how work gets done. They balance cost, quality, speed and sustainability, working closely with teams like marketing, finance and suppliers. This field is particularly important in manufacturing and in services such as healthcare, education and hospitality. The goal is simple: create better outcomes for customers and the organisation.

Would it suit me?

This area could suit you if you like solving practical problems and improving how things work. You might enjoy working with data, spotting patterns and making clear recommendations. It helps to be organised, comfortable juggling priorities and keen to work with different people. If you care about quality, customer value and real-world results, you’ll fit in well.

What will I learn?

  • Product lifecycle management
  • Process design and improvement
  • Quality management and assurance
  • Capacity and resource planning
  • Performance measurement and reporting
  • Supply chain and logistics fundamentals
  • Sustainability and responsible operations
  • Data and analytics for decision-making

How will I learn?

  • Problem-based projects using real scenarios
  • Industry case studies and applied assessments
  • Collaborative, team-based learning activities
  • Work integrated learning and applied projects
  • Guest speakers and professional networking
  • Using industry data, reports and research tools

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway

Or a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

International applicants and applicants under 20 years old at the start of the semester in which their study will commence, who do not meet the standard admission requirements stated above may apply for discretionary admission.

  • To apply for discretionary admission you need to demonstrate readiness for study at the level of this programme.

Domestic Applicants over 20 years old at the start of the semester in which their study will commence, who do not meet the standard admission requirements stated above may apply for special admission.

  • To apply for special admission you need to demonstrate readiness for study at the level of this programme.

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?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

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.
  • 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.
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Selection Requirements

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

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