Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyGraduate Diploma in Business Transformation and Strategy
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Graduate Certificate or Diploma
Summary
OverviewChange can stall when strategy, systems and people aren't aligned. This specialisation is for those ready to work at that intersection, using structured thinking to support transformation and improve organisational performance.
The focus is practical and applied: change management, strategic management, leadership, organisational behaviour and project approaches. Through workplace reflection and an industry project, you can test ideas against real business challenges and strengthen your ability to influence action in complex environments.
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.
- Change management frameworks
- Strategic management frameworks
- Organisational behaviour and workplace dynamics
- Project management approaches and tools
- Leadership principles and influence skills
- Evidence-based decision making
- Digital tools for business improvement
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Ethical and sustainable business practice
- Culturally responsive practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Workplace reflection and career planning
- Industry project work
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsA Bachelor's degree in any field excluding business transformation and strategy
Alternative RequirementsApplications 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 RequirementsWhat 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.
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