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.

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. 

Find out more

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. 

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.