Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Gain the specialist skills to build new ventures or innovate in the business world.
It takes great skill to turn an idea into a successful market offering. With this qualification you’ll learn ways to grow an existing business, establish your own venture, or enhance organisational performance.
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. In the process, you’ll strengthen your understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Part-time up to four years.
Fees for 2025
A Bachelor's degree in any field excluding innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
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
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.
Find out moreCareer 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
Gain the specialist skills to build new ventures or innovate in the business world.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Graduate Certificate / Diploma |
| Code | CH4000 |
| Next Starts | July 2025 |
| Application close date | Accepted throughout the year |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | PLEASE ENQUIRE |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4000-STRU |
Fees for 2025
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.
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- Business Programme Timetable PDF, 431 KB
Area of Interest
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