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Bachelor of Construction (Property Development)

Want to work as a property developer? Gain insight into the valuation and management of property and property portfolios, and learn to identify and develop project opportunities.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Domestic students: Full-time study for the first two years is recommended, part-time study options are also available as negotiated on a case-by-case basis. International students: 3 years full-time.

Programme overview

Property developers plan and carry out the purchase, development and sale of new or existing properties. The Bachelor of Construction (Property Development) gives you an insight into the process of developing a property - from initial concept to project completion and sale. Gain an understanding of the valuation, financing and management of property and property portfolios, learn to identify and develop project opportunities, become familiar with construction practice, procurement tendering, property and contract law and administration, sustainable design, and design management.

Highlights

  • Once you've completed the programme, you could use your knowledge of property investment and development to work with property managers, banks and corporate organisations, specialising in large commercial developments or residential properties.
  • Gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the construction industry.
  • In your final papers you'll undertake a major industry research project where you can integrate what you've learnt with practical experience.
  • Learn from experienced lecturers who have worked in the construction industry.
  • Meet and hear from guest lecturers who are leaders in their field.
  • Undertake common semesters -  in your first 3 semesters you'll study core Bachelor of Construction papers then you'll get to choose your major from Property Development, Construction Economics or Construction Management. This allows you to get a good understanding the general field first before you choose your direction.
  • Opportunity for double major: Students in the Bachelor of Construction can achieve a double major with slightly more coursework. Choose from majors in Construction Management, Property Development, and Construction Economics.

Recommendation on studying full time

Studying full-time is like doing a full-time job. You might only be in lectures and workshops for 16 hrs a week but you are expected to spend another 24 hours a week on self-directed study, doing quizzes, re-reading lecture content and working on assignments. That makes 40 hours.

We recognize many of you want or need to work whilst you are studying but we would not recommend you to do any more than part-time study if you have a full-time job, and don’t let your working hours overlap with your lecture times. 

Qualification pathway

If English is not your first language please be aware that to enter into this programme, you'll need to have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years, such as IELTS. This applies to both new students and progressing students (including NZ Diploma in Construction graduates). 

Admission requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:

1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:

  • 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
  • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

2. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

3. 12 credits in NCEA Level 2 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau

4. 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

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; OR
  • Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 745KB).

Courses and timetables

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

Courses Credits Aim
Building Science and Materials (CONS5016) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand the basic physical principles of the Built Environment and their relation to buildings materials performance and selection.
Technology 1 (CONS5101) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand construction systems suitable for simple industrial building construction within New Zealand.
Technology 2 (CONS5102) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand construction systems suitable for low and medium density residential construction within New Zealand.
Technology 3 (CONS5103) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore foundations and structural systems in multi-storey construction.
Technical Fundamentals (CONS5504) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to develop an understanding of the basic techniques and systems involved in planning and estimating.
Economic Principles (CONS5812) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore elements of economic theory and its application to the property and construction sector.
Property and Construction Law (CONS5818) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to develop an understanding of the legal context in which the construction and property industry operates.
Courses Credits Aim
Building Services (CONS6008) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to develop knowledge of building services and their significance in the construction phase, including an examination of those used in commercial, multi-storey, and specialist buildings.
Technology 4 (CONS6104) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore the methods and characteristics of building envelope and fitout systems for multi-storey buildings.
Contract Administration (CONS6812) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply the principles of contract law to New Zealand standard forms of contract.
Procurement (CONS6817) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to examine the relationship between a client’s strategic property needs and the procurement systems available to procure required capital works.
Development and Finance (CONS6906) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to explore the concept of property development and the concepts that underpin its management.
Property Valuation (CONS6907) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to examine property valuation concepts and practices and their influence on property development
Courses Credits Aim
Urban Economics (CONS7817) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to analyse urban development using economic theory as a framework and to use such analysis to evaluate property development markets.
Professional Business Management (CONS7820) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to evaluate the strategic management of consultancy, construction or property businesses, and their business management models and practices.
Industry Project Part 1 (CONS7821) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically examine research literature and write a coherent, clearly structured, properly referenced literature analysis within the context of the property and construction industry.
Industry Project Part 2 (CONS7822) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically examine research approaches and conduct research within the context of the property and construction industry.
Property Management (CONS7905) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand the issues which apply to the management of property and portfolios of property, including operations, maintenance, strategic asset management, and computer based systems for building information management.
Property Development (CONS7906) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to evaluate the property development process, using a project-based learning approach, focused through the production of a speculative project development submission.
Courses Credits Aim
Team Management (CONS5505) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to develop an understanding of the people and processes involved in construction and to develop the skills required for effective interactions at an individual, group and organisational level within the construction industry.
Construction Communications and Documentation (CONS5506) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop technical research skills along with oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills required for effective interactions within the construction industry
English for Specific Purposes (EAPL5155) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To assist students of English as an Additional Language to engage with the content of an academic/professional/vocational field and to develop an ability to comprehend oral and written texts, and to use the language characteristics of the field.
Courses Credits Aim
Sustainable Design and Construction (CONS6007) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to apply sustainable design and construction concepts to the built environment at domestic, commercial and industrial scale.
Measurement and Estimation 1 (CONS6201) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to be able to quantify work to be done and prepare estimates of cost for simple buildings for cost modelling and bidding purposes.
Measurement and Estimation 2 (CONS6202) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to be able to conduct cost modelling processes and quantify work to be done and prepare estimates of cost for moderately complex work packages for bidding purposes.
Planning and Organisation 1 (CONS6401) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to plan and organise simple construction projects.
Planning and Organisation 2 (CONS6402) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to plan and organise moderately complex construction projects.
Tendering (CONS6811) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to: Examine the components that make up a contractor’s tender and to compile typical tender submissions. Evaluate the risks associated with tendering and how bidding strategy can mitigate these risks.
Courses Credits Aim
Measurement and Estimation 3 (CONS7203) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to be able to conduct cost modelling processes, quantify work to be done and prepare estimates of cost for moderately complex buildings for bidding purposes with a focus on building services and green buildings.
Measurement and Estimation 4 (CONS7204) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to be able to prepare estimates and provide professional advice on the cost of building construction.
Planning and Organisation 3 (CONS7403) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically analyse work sequencing to plan and manage construction work and manage construction work in complicated contexts
Planning and Organisation 4 (CONS7404) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to evaluate the complexity of integrating the conflicting interests and demands, which must be managed on a construction project and to derive project plans while considering all the relevant factors required in the context of complex projects.
Integrated Design and Construction Management (CONS7418) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to evaluate the processes for managing integration of the design and construction of commercial and industrial scale projects to achieve client needs, in a collaborative environment.
People Management (CONS7515) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to analyse theories regarding the management of people and interpret those theories into application within the construction industry.
Property Investment (CONS7908) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to understand the property investment industry as a customer of the property development industry.

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