Programme overview
Construction sites can involve hundreds of workers and millions of dollars of materials, and construction managers are responsible for managing both. The Bachelor of Construction (Construction
Management) prepares you with the knowledge and skills to organise and manage activities on a construction site, including gaining in-depth knowledge and understanding of management
structures, supply chain, people, and production management. Become familiar with advanced construction management, contract law, tendering, and design management, amongst other things.
Highlights
- This programme is fully accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Builders (NZIOB). Graduates of this programme are eligible to become members.
- A good foundation for a career in construction management, providing you with the skills to undertake detailed planning and management of resources applied to construction projects
- An overview of all aspects of the construction industry
- Explore progressively more complex scenarios and projects and develop the technical skills to schedule activities and resources on construction projects
- Application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes
- In your final papers, you'll undertake a major industry research project where you can integrate what you've learned with practical experience
- Relevant to your future career: Unitec’s advisory boards include experts who keep us up-to-date with industry trends and relevant legislation in the construction industry
- Following your shared compulsory papers (first 3 semesters), you'll then choose your major/s* from Construction Management, Property Development, or Construction Economics. This allows you to get a good understanding of the general field first before you choose your direction
- You can choose to get a double major with slightly more coursework (usually 4 papers, 60 credits)
- Lecturers with experience in the construction industry and guest lecturers who are leaders in their field
- Gain exposure and experience with a wide number of construction software.
Qualification pathway
This programme is fully accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Builders (NZIOB). Graduates of this programme are eligible to become members.
Recommendation on studying full-time
Studying full-time is like doing a full-time job. You might only be in lectures and workshops for 16 hrs a week, but you are expected to spend another 24 hours a week on self-directed study, quizzes, re-reading lecture content, and working on assignments. That makes 40 hours.
We recognize many of you want or need to work whilst you are studying, but we would not recommend you to do any more than part-time study if you have a full-time job and don’t let your working hours overlap with your lecture times.
Programme Structure
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CONS5101 Technology 1 Class number(s): 1351 15 credits | CONS6008 Building Services Class number(s): 1357 15 credits | CONS7821 Industry Project Part 1 Class number(s): 1837 or 5904 15 credits |
| Course 2 | CONS5102 Technology 2 Class number(s): 1352 15 credits | CONS6104 Technology 4 Class number(s): 1358 15 credits | CONS7403 Planning and Organisation 3 Class number(s): 1835 15 credits |
| Course 3 | CONS5812 Economic Principles Class number(s): 1356 15 credits | CONS6817 Procurement Class number(s): 1360 15 credits | CONS7418 Integrated Design and Construction Management Class number(s): 1836 15 credits |
| Course 4 | CONS5505 OR CONS5506 OR EAPL5155 Choose one 15 credits | CONS6811 Tendering Class number(s): 1359 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits |
| Course 5 | CONS5103 Technology 3 Class number(s): 5305 15 credits | CONS6401 Planning and Organisation 1 Class number(s): 5312 15 credits | CONS7822 Industry Project Part 2 Class number(s): 1838 or 5905 15 credits |
| Course 6 | CONS5016 Building Science and Materials Class number(s): 5304 15 credits | CONS6402 Planning and Organisation 2 Class number(s): 5313 15 credits | CONS7404 Planning and Organisation 4 Class number(s): 5900 15 credits |
| Course 7 | CONS5504 Technical Fundamentals Class number(s): 5307 15 credits | CONS6812 Contract Administration Class number(s): 5314 or 5944 15 credits | CONS7515 People Management Class number(s): 5901 15 credits |
| Course 8 | CONS5818 Property and Construction Law Class number(s): 5308 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits |
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the following;
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement; or
- Successful completion of New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management); or
- Successful completion of New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5; or
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 2208 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Building Science and Materials (CONS5016) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand the basic physical principles of the Built Environment and their relation to buildings materials performance and selection. |
| Technology 1 (CONS5101) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand construction systems suitable for simple industrial building construction within New Zealand. |
| Technology 2 (CONS5102) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand construction systems suitable for low and medium density residential construction within New Zealand. |
| Technology 3 (CONS5103) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to explore foundations and structural systems in multi-storey construction. |
| Technical Fundamentals (CONS5504) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to develop an understanding of the basic techniques and systems involved in planning and estimating. |
| Economic Principles (CONS5812) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to explore elements of economic theory and its application to the property and construction sector. |
| Property and Construction Law (CONS5818) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to develop an understanding of the legal context in which the construction and property industry operates. |
