Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Ara Institute of Canterbury
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New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Diploma

Duration

2 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Christchurch - City Campus

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Summary

Please note: this qualification replaces the National Diploma in Construction. If you’ve started but not yet completed the National Diploma, talk to us about cross crediting to the New Zealand Diploma.

This two-year programme will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work as a quantity surveyor, on both residential and commercial building projects.

It covers means measurement, estimating and cost planning, as well as procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts. Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme for full-time students.

Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme.

This is a flexible programme designed to enable you to continue to study part-time, should you find relevant work prior to completion. For example, most classes are available in the late afternoon and evening, as well as during the day.

The programme is recognised and accredited by professional bodies, including NZIQS and NZIOB, enabling graduates to progress to professional membership and gain Registered QS and/or Chartered Building Professional status. NZIQS is a member of Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) and has reciprocal agreements for membership with institutes in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Canada and Japan.

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

NCEA Level 2 including mathematics and NCEA Level 1 including Literacy;

OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above

OR a recognised equivalent

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

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.

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.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

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, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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.

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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.