Master of Construction

Summary

Shape the future of building in Aotearoa New Zealand. Gain the advanced technical skills and strategic insights you need to deliver smart and resilient construction projects.

Build the future

The Master of Construction prepares you to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges—meeting housing demand, driving infrastructure growth, and building climate resilience—while mastering the technologies transforming the industry.

This 180-point, one-year programme is designed for construction professionals and graduates of architecture-related degrees who are ready to take the next step.

Through the Master of Construction, you’ll develop expertise in project management, sustainability, and cutting-edge tools such as AI, VR, robotics, drones, and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

You’ll graduate with the technical know-how and strategic insight to deliver projects of any scale and help shape the future of construction.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Lead the transformation

Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector is entering a period of rapid growth. Housing output needs to double, and $1 trillion in infrastructure investment is needed over the next 30 years.

Meeting the challenge—while adapting to climate change—calls for innovative solutions and skilled leaders. Master of Construction graduates will be at the forefront, bringing expertise in construction management, health and safety, and sustainable practice to lead the transformation.

$1 trillion

The amount of infrastructure spending needed in New Zealand over the next 30 years (NZ Infrastructure Commission report)

How you’ll learn

In the Master of Construction, you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, seminars, and critique sessions. This approach is designed to build both your technical expertise and your practical insight.

Courses are delivered in flexible formats—face-to-face, block mode, or blended—with extra resources available anytime through an online learning platform.

Study options

There are four qualifications available in postgraduate Construction. Choose the one that suits your career goals and availability.

Master of Construction

The 180-point MConst is a one-year professional programme that combines taught courses and a 60-point research project or Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practicum.

Master of Construction and Building Science (Research)

The 120-point MCBSc(Res) thesis programme focuses on self-directed research. Before enrolling in this one-year research thesis, you need to have completed the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science.

Shorter qualifications

The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science (PGCertCBSc) and the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (PGDipCBSc) are great options for people already working in the industry who want to study part-time to increase their knowledge.

Why Wellington

Wellington gives you direct access to construction firms, government agencies, and research institutes—with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research. The city’s unique geography and rich cultural heritage make it an exciting place to study and apply your construction knowledge.

Wellington connections

Wellington has a thriving construction sector, with leading companies, consultancies, property developers, the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), and government agencies all based in the city. Through strong links with industry leaders, the Master of Construction programme connects you to internships, placements, and research opportunities that prepare you for the next step in your career.

Government agencies

As the capital city, Wellington is home to key government agencies shaping construction and infrastructure, including:

• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
• New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
• Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)
• Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme (LBP)
• New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga)
• Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID).

These organisations offer valuable career opportunities for graduates and often collaborate with the programme on research projects.

Public Research Organisations

Wellington is also home to Public Research Organisations such as GNS Science, NIWA, and Scion, which bring expertise in areas vital to the construction sector. These institutes offer potential opportunities to engage in collaborative teaching or research projects.

Caree...