Programme overview
The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) prepares you with the specific knowledge and skills you’ll need to assist with all stages of construction management under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
A career in construction management requires an in-depth knowledge of building and construction principles, great people skills, and an aptitude for organisation. You’ll be responsible for the control, planning, and execution of a construction project from start to finish, so you must gain the right skills to be able to confidently deliver successful, safe and up-to-standard projects.
This includes:
- Managing construction site logistics, resource allocation, and construction activity for small, medium, and large construction programmes
- Managing site establishment and provision of site services for short and long-duration construction projects
- Creating technical sketches to communicate information relevant to the construction project
- Applying leadership principles to manage construction site teams and supporting the physical and mental well-being of a diverse construction site workforce.
Highlights
- Apply to learn to real-world scenarios using the latest technologies in construction.
- Nationally-recognised qualification. This qualification is nationally recognised by professional organisations like the NZ Institute of Building.
- Graduate work-ready. You’ll gain key skills and knowledge that will enable you to move confidently into work, assisting with all stages of construction management, under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
- Prepare for Site 2 License. Once you’ve graduated, you can apply to get a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Site 2 License, which recognises you as a competent professional in your chosen field.
- Move into further study. Easily transition into Unitec's Bachelor of Construction in any of our three majors: Construction Management, Construction Economics, or Property Development. Cross-credits are available.
Develop the necessary skills to succeed
It’s our job to ensure that when you walk across that graduation platform, you’re prepared and work-ready. Alongside specialist knowledge and skills in construction management, you’ll need a solid foundation in building and construction – and that’s exactly what you’ll gain in this diploma.
- Technical knowledge. Develop an understanding of contract analysis, selection, ongoing planning, and monitoring, evaluate and select materials and finishes for their environmental impact and apply knowledge of the structure and structural principles.
- Communication. Effectively communicate with all parties involved in a construction contract using organisational principles, digital technologies, and industry best practices.
- Industry preparedness. Apply knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to administer and manage a construction contract while operating within New Zealand building and construction legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Create your future in construction management
New Zealand’s construction industry has seen continued growth over the past decade and is one of the country’s largest employers. With the value of building consents increasing year-on-year, employment opportunities have also followed a similar trend. However, despite there being over 170,000 people employed in this sector in the first quarter of 2021, demand remains sky-high for building and construction managers due to a shortage of skilled workers.
Further study
Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to work as a junior construction manager. With further study, like Unitec’s Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management), you’ll be able to work independently in a number of jobs, including as a qualified construction manager.
Preparing for study
You'll need the right equipment to meet health and safety requirements for on-site visits. This includes:
- Safety boots (steel-capped shoes)
- High visibility vest
- Hard hat
Preparing for study
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
- Achieved one of the below:
- A total of 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in Mathematics; or
- An appropriate qualification at Level 3; or
- Be at least 20 years old by the time the programme begins AND provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other life experience that would indicate a successful outcome in the programme
- 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing).
- If English is not your first language, you will need one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under the special or discretionary entrance.
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Industry Environment (CIBC4001) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable the student to apply and develop skills and knowledge of construction law and documentation; and to communicate effectively within the construction environment. |
| Materials and Structural Principles (CIBC4002) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop critical knowledge, skills and understanding of structural principles, evaluate the properties of materials and finishes; and their application to construction projects. |
Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga
On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.
