Summary
The Graduate Diploma in Construction is aimed at construction professionals who want to upgrade their qualifications and improve their knowledge and skill to advance their careers.
Students will learn about building modelling, contracts and management, quality management, sustainable technology and construction methodologies and specialise in Construction Management, Project Management or Quantity Surveying.
Please note that we may not be able to offer some strands every year. Please contact us for further details.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
- Apply analytical, practical and research capabilities to unfamiliar situations in the area of construction
- Engage in professional level communication in visual, written and verbal modes
- Assess efficiency and productivity in construction projects
- Critically evaluate and financially manage construction projects
- Evaluate, advise on and manage risks associated with construction projects
- Manage employment relations in construction contexts
- Manage quality assurance in construction projects
- Evaluate and advise on sustainable construction materials, methods and technologies for use in construction projects
- Design, evaluate and apply health and safety management systems in construction contexts (Construction Management specialists)
- Plan and manage construction projects using project management principles, tools and techniques (Project Management specialists)
- Undertake measurement and estimation processes for construction projects (Quantity Surveying specialists).
Course Content
Common Compulsory
- BCON 700 – Level 7 project
- BCON 710 – Building Information Modelling & Communication
- BCON 720 – Contracts & Management 1
- BCON 750 – Sustainable Technology & Construction Methodologies
- BCON 765 – Legislation & Compliance
Compulsory for Construction Management
- BCON 660 – Construction practices
- BCON 675 – Planning & Scheduling Construction Projects
- BCON 760 – Health & Safety in Construction
Compulsory for Project Management
- BCON 650 – Project Management
- BCON 675 – Planning & Scheduling Construction projects
- BCON 740 – Quality Management
Compulsory for Quantity Surveying
- BCON 680 – Measurement & Estimation 1
- BCON 685 - Design Economics & Cost Planning
- BCON 770 – Measurement & Estimation 2
Career Opportunities
After graduation (and further work experience in some cases) possible jobs include
- Building Estimator, Building Inspector, Construction Economist, Construction Manager, Contract Manager, Property Manager, Site Manager and Team Leader.
- Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor – (The Long-Term Skill Shortage List published by Immigration NZ in February 2018 includes Building Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor).
Satisfactory Completion
To be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Construction students will have been credited with all required papers as specified in the programme schedule. The total credit value of the Graduate Diploma in Construction is 120 credits. Graduates of the Graduate Diploma are entitled to use the letters GDipConstr after their name.
Entry criteria
Students will have completed all requirements of a bachelors' degree in a relevant field (such as architecture, engineering, science, surveying, technology) and been employed in a responsible position in the field of construction for at least three years.
Mature Applicants (20 years of age and above)
Notwithstanding the above admission criteria, mature aged applicants who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programmes may be considered for admission, provided they have successfully completed an approved course or programme, or have relevant industry experience, which is deemed to meet the required standard for entry.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
- TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
- Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill.
- OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
- NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current:
- Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
- Language Cert - C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill
- Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band