Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

at ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY Free Consultation

QUALIFICATION

Graduate Diploma (Level 7, 120 credits)

Duration

1 year full-time

Location

City Campus (Madras Street), Christchurch

Fees

NZD $26,572 per year (2026 indicative; confirm current fee)

Entry Score

IELTS: Academic 6.0 overall (no band lower than 5.5)

Next Intake

February (July also listed in Ara's 2026 fee guide; confirm availability)

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management at Ara Institute of Canterbury is a one-year Level 7 qualification for graduates of any field who want to move into HR.

It includes 200 hours of workplace projects and an industry project.

What You'll Study

Topics covered include:

Employment law in Aotearoa New Zealand
Strategic human resource management and organisational behaviour
Recruitment and employee development
Performance and employment relationships
Health, safety and wellbeing leadership
People analytics and reporting
Contemporary HR issues, ethics and culturally responsive HR practice

Why Choose This Programme?

Open to any degree: entry is from a bachelor's degree in any field except human resource management.
Workplace experience: 200 hours of workplace projects and an industry project.
Pathway to a master's: leads on to the Master of Applied Management (180 credit).

Ready to apply? Book a free consultation, read our study in New Zealand guide or browse all courses.

Career Pathways

Sector	Roles
HR roles	HR administrator, HR coordinator or HR adviser.
Recruitment and development	Recruitment consultant or learning and development adviser.
Health and safety	Health and safety coordinator.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor's degree in any field except human resource management. Applicants over 20 may be considered through alternative entry.
English: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with no band lower than 5.5, or equivalent.
Need help with your English test? See our IELTS and PTE coaching.