Program Overview

---

Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Overview

Gain the specialist skills to build new ventures or innovate in the business world. With this qualification, you'll learn ways to grow an existing business, establish your own venture, or enhance organisational performance.

What will I study

You'll learn how to think about, create and grow ideas from conception through to commercial success. Using leading-edge concepts, methodologies and tools, this qualification has a strong emphasis on tested theory and real-world application.

You will study the theory of entrepreneurship, innovation, strategic planning for small business, business transformation and change, and product development. Additionally, you'll channel the knowledge and skills you acquire into a practical industry project for a local business or organisation, in which you'll address business issues or advance business opportunities.

Pathway

Part-time up to four years.

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,630 - $8,540 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in any field excluding innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• 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

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Level 6
  • Business-to-Business Sales and Marketing
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Principles of Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Strategic Planning for Small Business
• Level 7
  • Industry Project
  • Preparation for Work Placement
  • Product Development
  • Business Transformation and Change

Career opportunities

On completion of this qualification you will have the ability to think about, create and grow high potential small to medium sized businesses.

You may choose to establish your own entrepreneurial venture, work as a business advisor in the areas of product development and innovation management or manage new or established ventures to high growth, in both national and international arenas.

Study pathways

You can complement this graduate diploma with further graduate study in sales and marketing, operations and production management or project management.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Computing /ICT
• Economics

Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

FULL-TIME - 1 Year

Gain the specialist skills to build new ventures or innovate in the business world.

Information

Type | Graduate Certificate / DiplomaCode | CH4000Application close date | Accepted throughout the yearMay be available for Study Visa? | YesInternational application close date | PLEASE ENQUIRECredits | 120Level | 7Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolmentMay be eligible for Studylink? | YesMay be eligible for Fees Free? | YesReference | CH4000-STRU

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Documents

• Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 427 KB
• International Application Form PDF, 358 KB
• Business Programme Timetable PDF, 431 KB

Area of Interest

• Business