Why Study/Key Benefits

• This one-year graduate diploma is designed for graduates who want to move into event management from another academic or professional background.

• Develops strategic and practical skills for planning, organising, delivering and evaluating events across business, tourism, community, arts and cultural settings.

• Covers event logistics, stakeholder engagement, marketing, sponsorship, risk management and event operations.

• Includes 200 hours of workplace or industry project experience, giving students an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional context.

• Builds professional communication, teamwork and reflective practice.

• Ara’s current programme information also highlights responsible use of AI and the development of bicultural capability through Te Tiriti-informed professional practice.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Ara’s 2027 Business Programme Handbook lists the following Event Management study components:

• Critical Reflection on Work – Level 7, 15 credits.

• Industry Project – Level 7, with a 200-hour work-integrated learning requirement.

• One elective at Level 6, 15 credits, chosen from:

  • Project Management (AMPM601).

  • Marketing Intelligence (AMMI601).

  • Health, Safety and Wellbeing Leadership (AMHS601).

• Event Logistics (AMEV601) – Level 6, 15 credits.

• Event Planning and Management (AMEP601) – Level 6, 15 credits.

• Event Project (AMEP701) – Level 7, 15 credits.

• Contemporary Issues in Event Management (AMEM701) – Level 7.

The programme page also identifies these learning areas:

• Event site design and layout.

• Onsite event operations.

• Stakeholder engagement and communication.

• Marketing and sponsorship.

• Risk mitigation and safety planning.

• Event evaluation and reporting.

• Professional communication, teamwork and workplace reflection.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The qualification is specifically in Event Management within Ara’s wider Business study area.

• Its subject focus includes:

  • Event planning and operations.

  • Event logistics and venue/site management.

  • Project management.

  • Marketing and sponsorship.

  • Health, safety and risk management.

  • Stakeholder and customer engagement.

  • Contemporary event-industry issues.

• The 2027 handbook includes a choice of one supporting Level 6 elective: Project Management, Marketing Intelligence, or Health, Safety and Wellbeing Leadership.

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 graduate diploma with 120 credits.

• One-year full-time study route.

• Designed for graduates seeking to move into event management from another field.

• Practical event planning, logistics and project delivery.

• A 200-hour work-integrated learning requirement in the 2027 programme handbook.

• Choice of a supporting business-related elective.

• Focus on stakeholder engagement, risk management, marketing and contemporary event issues.

• Further study pathway: Ara identifies the Master of Applied Management (180-credit) as a possible next qualification. Admission to further study remains subject to that programme’s entry requirements.

Career Outcomes

Ara lists the following career opportunities:

• Event coordinator.

• Event planner.

• Sponsorship coordinator.

• Marketing and events coordinator.

• Venue coordinator.

• Community events organiser.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Ara’s 2027 programme handbook confirms a February full-time commencement for graduate diplomas and indicates that part-time enrolment may be available from July.

• The international programme listing specifically advertises the Event Management Graduate Diploma with a February start at Madras Street.

• Ara cautions that not all specialisations are taught every semester. The availability of a July part-time Event Management intake should therefore be confirmed directly.

• The 2027 handbook specifies a minimum of 200 work-integrated learning hours.

• The handbook also states that students must not complete a Graduate Diploma in the same field as their undergraduate degree. This aligns with the programme page’s requirement for a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Event Management.

• Ara’s 2027 Business handbook defines satisfactory progress for international students in this faculty as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses. Students should check their own programme and visa conditions with Ara.

• The programme page states that it may be available for a New Zealand student visa. This is not a guarantee of visa approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into this programme may apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa. Ara marks the qualification as potentially available for a student visa, but Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision.

• Offer of place: You must have an offer of place from Ara, an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Tuition fees: You must show that you have paid the required tuition fees, can pay them, or have an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of payment for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Living funds: For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, you must show NZD 20,000 for each year of study, or have an acceptable sponsor. As this is a one-year programme, plan for at least NZD 20,000 in living funds.

• Outward travel: You must show that you have a ticket out of New Zealand or enough additional funds to buy one.

• Insurance: You must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required by your visa.

• Health and character: You must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements and provide medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates if requested.

• Genuine study intention: You must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand and satisfy Immigration New Zealand that you will comply with visa conditions.

• Visa cost: From NZD 850.

• Processing time: Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of Fee Paying Student Visa applications are processed within seven weeks. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed processing time.

• Visa duration: The visa may be granted for up to four years, although it is normally linked to the period of study paid for and other individual circumstances.

• Work rights: Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa. Work rights are not automatic for every student.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Subsequent study: If you intend to study for longer than one year, a credible plan for funding future tuition and living costs may strengthen your application.