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

Duration
2 Years Full-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$15,752*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Work-based through Capable NZ
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February

International

Duration
2 Years Full-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$50,000*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Auckland
Intakes
February
April
July
October

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:

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:

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. 

Find out more

Fees

Domestic fees

First year
Standard
$7,918
Second year
Standard
$7,834

International fees

First year
Standard
$25,000
Second year
Standard
$25,000

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.

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.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz
https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/new-zealand-diploma-in-construction-level-6-construction-management-or-quantity-surveying/