New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Quantity Surveying)

During year one, you will study courses such as Material and Structural Principles, Introduction to Measurement and Estimation, and Environment. You will then move into more specialised quantity surveying courses during your second year. This qualification works well undertaken part-time, while employed in a related role.

Domestic

Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$16,278
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
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 (international students only)
Intakes
February
April
July
October

What You Study

Quantity Surveying courses

Course name Description Credits
Introduction to Construction Develop knowledge and skills related to construction roles, responsibilities, documentation and communication. 15
Materials and Structural Principles Gain knowledge and skills of structural principles and the properties of materials and finishes applicable to building projects. 15
Environment Evaluate site and building limitations including environmental impacts and sustainable methods of construction. 15
Services Learn about the purpose, operating principles, coordination, and legislative requirements required to manage a range of services in small, medium and large buildings.  15
Construction 1 Residential Gain knowledge and skills related to structures, building envelope and the interior for a small building. 15
Law and Contracts Develop knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand legislative and regulatory frameworks and how to relate these frameworks to professional practice within a construction and consulting environment. 15
Introduction to Measurement and Estimation Gain the knowledge and skills to measure and estimate costs for inclusion in tenders for building projects. 15
Estimation Develop the knowledge and skills to estimate costs for inclusion in tenders for medium and large building projects.  15
Measurement 1 Learn how to assemble quantity surveying documentation and measure schedules of quantities for a small building project.  15
Construction 2 Commercial Develop the knowledge and skills to select and incorporate foundation methods, structural systems, building envelope and the interior for medium and large buildings. 15
Financial Administration Analyse and conduct a valuation and prepare account statements for work carried out on a construction site. 15
Procurement Develop knowledge and skills relevant to a range of procedures, types of contracts, methodologies and processes for the procurement of building projects. 15
Programming Effectively programme and monitor activities, resources and contingencies for a medium building. 15
Measurement 2 Assemble and measure schedules of quantities from project information for medium and large buildings. 15
Cost Planning Analyse and prepare preliminary estimates, elemental cost plans and preliminary cashflow statements for medium and large building projects.  15
Regional Project Quantity Surveying Develop the knowledge and skills to act as quantity surveyors by studying selected aspects of regional construction practice, emerging construction technologies and professional practice.  15
Total   240

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

You 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.

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

  • NCEA Level 2, including:
    • 12 credits in maths (excluding statistics), and
    • a minimum of 12 literacy credits at NCEA Level 1
  • OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above,
  • 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.

Fees

Domestic fees

First year
Standard
$8,139
Second year
Standard
$8,139

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.

The fee shown above is for the new unified version of this programme so may be slightly different to previous fees advertised.

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-quantity-surveying