Programme overview
The role of the Quantity Surveyor is diverse: evaluating subcontractor tenders and making recommendations to clients, managing construction costs and cash flows during the construction phase, and negotiating and agreeing on final project accounts. In the Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics) you gain the skills to contribute to this exciting industry. Develop the technical skills and applied knowledge to ensure that construction projects are delivered to agreed budgets. Learn to undertake estimating and cost planning, and prepare tender documentation. In this programme you'll delve into learning about construction practice, team management, cost planning and advanced estimating techniques, tendering and design management.
Highlights
- Great preparation for a career as a consultant quantity surveyor, a quantity surveyor or commercial manager for a construction company. These roles may lead to project management, company ownership, and other senior management positions.
- Gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the construction industry.
- Learn and apply industry standard software including CostX, Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes.
- Close links with industry: our advisory boards include many experts who keep us up-to-date with industry trends, relevant legislation, and local, global and environmental issues.
- Learn from experienced Lecturers who have/are working in the construction industry.
- Meet and hear from guest lecturers who are leaders in their field.
- In your final papers you'll undertake a major industry research project where you can integrate what you've learnt with practical experience.
- Following your shared compulsory papers (first 3 semesters) you'll then choose your major* from Property Development, Construction Economics or Construction Management. This allows you to get a good understanding of the general field first before you choose your direction.
- *You may choose to achieve a double major with slightly more coursework.
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
Once you've successfully completed this programme you'll receive a Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics). As a graduate of this programme you'll be eligible to become an accredited member of the following registered bodies:
- The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS)
- Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS)
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
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
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;
- 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:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing);
- Provide evidence that they have the English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated through evidence of one of the kinds described in NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 745 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2024; please check back again soon.
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. |
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.