Graduate Diploma in Project Management
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Overview
Projects succeed when people, priorities, timeframes and risk are actively managed. This specialisation builds on existing experience by focusing on the tools, communication and judgement needed to deliver value through structured project work.
The learning moves beyond basic coordination into advanced project management, health and safety, product development, stakeholder engagement and reflective practice. Through work-integrated learning, you can apply project thinking to real workplace problems and strengthen your confidence managing change, uncertainty and delivery expectations.
Key features
- Gain real business experience:
Build professional credibility through 200 hours of workplace projects.
- Use AI responsibly:
Develop practical AI capability while understanding ethical and effective use.
- Strengthen bicultural capability:
Build confidence applying te Tiriti-informed approaches in professional environments.
- Change direction faster:
Move into this business specialisation with just one year of study.
What you'll learn
- Project management principles
- Health, safety and wellbeing leadership
- Advanced project management
- Product development management
- Project life cycles and priorities
- Scope statements and work breakdown structures
- Scheduling, milestones and performance monitoring
- Cost estimates and value delivery
- Risk planning and uncertainty
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Reflection and lessons learned
- Workplace reflection and industry project work
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in any field excluding project management.
Alternative Requirements
Applications from mature students (over 20 years) are welcome. If you don't have the stated entry criteria, talk to us about whether you have the equivalent skills and knowledge or to determine if this is the right programme for you.
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.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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.
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.