New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Construction Management) or (Quantity Surveying)
During year one, you will study courses such as construction technology, measurement and estimating. In your second year, you can choose to specialise in either construction management or quantity surveying. This qualification works well undertaken part-time, while employed in a related role.
Domestic
Work-based through Capable NZ
About the programme
Become a construction professional and help realise commercial and residential construction projects.
This programme is recognised by employers and industrial, academic and professional bodies - so when you graduate you'll be highly competent and industry ready.
Quantity Surveyors and Construction Management professionals work with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, and local authorities to complete construction projects.
Quantity Surveyors can budget, price, and financially administer construction projects. Typical roles include Consultants, Estimators, Contract Administrators, and Contract Managers. With experience, quantity surveying can lead into the fields of project management, commercial management, and dispute resolution.
Construction Management focus on planning and managing time, resources, quality and health and safety. They are less focused on financial management than quantity surveyors.
Studying full-time or part-time
You can study the Quantity Surveying option either full-time (two years) or part-time (four years). Construction Management is only available to study over four years part-time and you need to be working in the construction industry in a supervisory capacity to be able to complete this programme (or will have the chance to work in a supervisory capacity during your study).
It's possible to study the other option (either Construction Management or Quantity Surveying) after completing the first option or at the same time if timetabling allows.
Study online
Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga also offers this programme fully online. Find out more on the Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga website:
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer this option for the Construction Management strand only.
Our assessment of prior learning centre, offers a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option.
International
Auckland
April
July
October
About the programme
Become a construction professional and help realise commercial and residential construction projects.
This programme is recognised by employers and industrial, academic and professional bodies - so when you graduate you'll be highly competent and industry ready.
Quantity Surveyors and Construction Management professionals work with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, and local authorities to complete construction projects.
Quantity Surveyors can budget, price, and financially administer construction projects. Typical roles include Consultants, Estimators, Contract Administrators, and Contract Managers. With experience, quantity surveying can lead into the fields of project management, commercial management, and dispute resolution.
Construction Management focus on planning and managing time, resources, quality and health and safety. They are less focused on financial management than quantity surveyors.
Studying full-time or part-time
Our Dunedin programme starts in February each year. Our Auckland programme has start dates in February, April, July and October.
In Dunedin, you can study the Quantity Surveying option either full-time (two years) or part-time (four years). Construction Management is only available to study over four years part-time and you need to be working in the construction industry in a supervisory capacity to be able to complete this programme (or will have the chance to work in a supervisory capacity during your study).
It's possible to study the other option (either Construction Management or Quantity Surveying) after completing the first option or at the same time if timetabling allows.
In Auckland, you can study the Quantity Surveying option full-time (two years).
What You Study
Construction Management courses
If you want to study Construction Management, you need to be working in the construction industry in a supervisory capacity or will have the opportunity to work in a supervisory capacity during the duration of your study (which is four years part-time alongside employment).
| Year 1 | Course Name | Credits |
| Construction Technology: Small Buildings | 30 | |
| Construction Technology: Medium & Large Buildings | 30 | |
| Law and Contracts | 15 | |
| Risk Management and Site Safety | 15 | |
| Measurement | 15 | |
| Estimating | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Programming | 15 | |
| Procurement and Tendering | 15 | |
| Contract Administration | 15 | |
| People Management | 15 | |
| Project Planning | 15 | |
| Site Logistics | 15 | |
| Applied Construction Project | 30 |
Quantity Surveying courses
| Year 1 | Course Name | Credits |
| Construction Technology: Small Buildings | 30 | |
| Construction Technology: Medium & Large Buildings | 30 | |
| Law and Contracts | 15 | |
| Risk Management and Site Safety | 15 | |
| Measurement | 15 | |
| Estimating | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Programming | 15 | |
| Procurement and Tendering | 15 | |
| Contract Administration | 15 | |
| Advanced Measurement | 15 | |
| Cost Planning | 15 | |
| Project Planning | 15 | |
| People Management | 15 | |
| Tender Bid Project | 15 |
Practical and work-based learning
There is no requirement for learners to complete an internship or similar component. However, if the circumstances are appropriate and conducive to an individual learner’s needs, there is a possibility to meet programme requirements through workplace learning. We will continue to have managed student projects off campus to enable all learners to approach the ‘commercial competence’ that is written into this qualification. Year two learners that are not in workplace learning arrangements will have additional ‘leading hand’ level responsibilities and tasking within these outside projects.
Membership opportunities
Quantity Surveying students can join the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) as a free student member. Then, after graduating and gaining sufficient industry experience, you can apply for full membership. The NZIQS belongs to the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), along with a number of other countries, and has reciprocal agreements with some other Institutes, making it easier to work overseas.
The Construction Management strand supports the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme, providing eligibility for a streamlined application process towards Site License Classes 1, 2 and 3 in accordance with information on the MBIE website: http://www.business.govt.nz/lbp.
Further study options
When you graduate, you can gain direct entry to the final year of the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) degree which you can study full-time (one year) or part-time (two to three years).
For the part-time option, the courses can be studied through a combination of online learning and by attending contact courses in Dunedin over the two to three year duration. This makes it ideal to complete alongside your employment from anywhere in New Zealand!
The degree will provide broader skills around business and construction law, and management so is geared towards a more senior level. Graduates would initially still enter the industry as Consultants, Estimators, Contract Administrators, or Contracts Managers. Then, upon gaining sufficient experience can apply for more senior positions, without first needing further study.
Postgraduate study is available for degree graduates. Massey University offers a Master’s degree in Construction with majors in Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Law.
Workload
Your workload
Dunedin programme (domestic and international students)
If studying full-time, you should commit approximately 38 hours per week towards your studies. This comprises around 19 hours of class time per week, with the remainder spent in self-directed learning.
You can study this programme part-time, typically over four years (five years maximum by negotiation). Part-time paths of study are planned with each learner individually so you can fit your studies around work.
Auckland programme (international students only)
You will be expected to spend about 38 hours per week (or 300 hours per Study Block) on your course work. This includes both scheduled class time and self-directed study.
Entry
Entry requirements
Construction Management strand
- A minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2, including:
- 12 credits in maths, and
- a minimum of 12 literacy credits at NCEA Level 1
- OR be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
- You need to be working in the construction industry with a NZ trade background or similar.
- You need to be working in a supervisory capacity during the duration of your study (or will have the opportunity to do so).
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Quantity Surveying strand
- A minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2, including:
- 12 credits in maths, and
- a minimum of 12 Literacy credits at NCEA Level 1
- OR be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer this option for the Construction Management strand only.
Our assessment of prior learning centre, offers a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get your first year of tuition fees for free.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
You'll need a range of equipment and textbooks for this programme.
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
