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New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)

Take your first step in a career in construction management by studying to become a skilled and competent construction manager.

Level
6
Credits
240 (2.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for two years or part-time options available

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 deliver successful, safe, and up-to-standard projects confidently.
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 ManagementConstruction 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 many 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

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • A total of 60 credits at NCEA Level 2, including 12 credits in Mathematics and a minimum of 12 literacy credits at NCEA Level 1 or
  • ​​A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above
And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 279 KB)


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 relevant programme

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 279 KB)

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

Courses Credits Aim
Introduction to Construction (CONS5001TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of roles, responsibilities, documentation and communication in the construction environment.
Materials and Structural Principles (CONS5002TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills of structural principles and the properties of materials and finishes applicable to building projects.
Environment (CONS5003TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate site and building limitations including environmental impacts and sustainable methods of construction.
Services (CONS5004TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills relevant to the purpose, operating principles, coordination, and legislative requirements required to manage a range of services in small, medium, and large buildings.
Construction 1 Residential (CONS5005TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop and apply knowledge and skills related to structures, building envelope and the interior for a small building.
Law and Construction Contracts (CONS5006TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand legislative and regulatory frameworks and to relate these frameworks to professional practice within a construction and consulting environment.
Introduction to Measurement and Estimation (CONS5007TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to measure and estimate costs for inclusion in tenders for building projects.
Safety and Wellbeing (CONS5108TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to assist in the preparation and implementation of site safety and workforce management for a construction site.
Measurement 1 (CONS5509TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to assemble quantity surveying documentation and measure schedules of quantities for a small building project.
Construction 2 Commercial (CONS6001TP) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to select and incorporate foundation methods, structural systems, building envelope and the interior for medium and large buildings.