Programme overview
The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) prepares you with the specific knowledge and skills you’ll need to assist with all stages of quantity surveying under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
You’ll learn to measure and estimate building work and carry out financial administration associated with construction projects including making sure that construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible.
This diploma will help you develop the following trade-specific skills:
- Analysing and presenting feasibility information and preliminary estimates to clients
- Assembling quantity surveying documentation relevant to specialist and specific trade sections, measuring quantities, and preparing a schedule of quantities for small and medium building projects of an individual trade section including services.
- Collating all priced components into a tender submission for small, medium, and large buildings using tender process knowledge.
Highlights
- Apply learning to real-world scenarios using the latest technologies in construction costing and finance. Emphasis on real-world applications using the latest technologies in construction costing and finance.
- Nationally-recognized qualification. This qualification is nationally recognised by professional organisations like the NZ Insitute of Quantity Surveyors.
- Graduate work-ready. You’ll gain key skills and knowledge that will enable you to move confidently into work, assisting with all stages of quantity surveying 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. Easy 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 and selection, ongoing planning and monitoring, how to 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 quantity surveying
New Zealand’s construction industry has seen continued growth over the past decade and is one of the country’s largest employers. However, despite there being over 170,000 people employed in this sector in the first quarter of 2021, there has been a significant rise in the number of quantity surveyors in recent years. Employment is forecast to grow 3.3% per year to 2023 and then 2.3% per year to 2028*. This should mean there are good opportunities for new quantity surveyors to enter the profession.
*Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Become a qualified quantity surveyor
With further study, like Unitec’s Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics), you’ll learn additional management skills, and will be able to work independently in a number of jobs, including as a qualified quantity surveyor.
With additional training and/or experience, you may also be able to work as a:
- Senior quantity surveyor
- Registered quantity surveyor
- Estimator
- Quantity surveying consultant/contractor
- Procurement manager
- Senior/cost manager
- Quantity surveying tutor
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.
