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
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. |
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