Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in quantity surveying by equipping you with specialised occupation skill sets. It will enable you to perform with a strong sense of responsibility for your own practice and to be capable of effectively collaborating with other construction-related disciplines. During the programme, you'll extend your technical, applied, and legal knowledge and critically review practice within the construction industry. You'll also learn how to provide strategic, budgetary, and financial advice on development options through the life cycle of a construction project, and how to apply elements of construction economic theory to provide advice on the risks and uncertainty associated with cost-related project outcomes. An industry project will allow you to apply your research and critical thinking skills.

What Will I Study

• Estimation and Financial Administration (BQEF610, 15 credits)
• Measurement and Cost Planning (BQMC600, 15 credits)
• Measurement - Commercial (BQME610, 15 credits)
• Cost Planning / BIM (BQCP700, 15 credits)
• Property Development (BQDF700, 15 credits)
• Advanced Contracting (BXAC700, 15 credits)
• Law and Procurement (BXLP700, 15 credits)
• Industry Project (BXWP710, 15 credits)

Pathway

Following the Graduate Diploma in Construction Management, you can pursue further tertiary study at postgraduate level in the fields of construction management, project management, or building science.

Details

• Type: Graduate Certificate / Diploma
• Code: CH4062
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• Credits: 120
• Level: 7
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part-time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: CH4062-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,765 - $9,680 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A relevant New Zealand Bachelor's degree in a construction-related field, for example; BCon, BEng, BEngTech, BArch, BAS, or equivalent.

Additional Requirements

• In addition, you will be required to provide a curriculum vitae, transcript, or portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of timber-framed construction technologies.
  • If you do not have this evidence, you will also need to enrol in GXSM500 Construction - Residential and Commercial.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
  • If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form, and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
• Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped to work at middle management level within the construction industry. Potential roles include:

• Quantity Surveyor
• Registered Quantity Surveyor (with relevant experience)
• Contracts Supervisor/Manager
• Estimator/Cost Planner
• Procurement Manager
• Construction Cost Manager
• Quantity Surveying Academic

Study Pathways

Following the Graduate Diploma in Construction Management, you can pursue further tertiary study at postgraduate level in the fields of construction management, project management, or building science.

Recommended School Subjects

• Maths
• English-rich subjects
• English

Funding Assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Documents

• Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 427 KB
• International Application Form PDF, 358 KB

Area of Interest

• Architecture and Construction Management

Need Some Help Picking the Right Course for You?

Send us an enquiry or book a tour and experience Ara for yourself!