Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Construction Management

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Construction Management is designed to enhance your existing knowledge and skills in the construction industry by equipping you with specialized construction management skill sets. This program 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.

What Will I Study

During the program, you'll extend your technical, applied, and legal knowledge and critically review practice within the construction industry. You'll also learn how to improve the productivity of construction projects and advise on construction methodology through the life cycle of a project. An industry project will allow you to apply your research and critical thinking skills.

Pathway

The Graduate Diploma in Construction Management is a practical option for degree-qualified construction industry professionals (e.g., architectural technologists and civil engineers) who wish to change pathways within the construction industry.

Details

• Type: Graduate Certificate / Diploma
• Code: CH4061
• 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: CH4061-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 degree in a construction or engineering-related field, for example; BCon (excluding Construction Management), 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

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.

Core Courses

• Level 6
  • Site Management (BMMG600) - 15 credits
  • Method Statements - Commercial (BMMS610) - 15 credits
  • Planning - Commercial (BMPM610) - 15 credits
• Level 7
  • Complex Construction (BMCC700) - 15 credits
  • Design Construction Integration (BMDI700) - 15 credits
  • Advanced Contracting (BXAC700) - 15 credits
  • Law and Procurement (BXLP700) - 15 credits
  • Industry Project (BXWP710) - 15 credits

Career Opportunities

• As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped to work at a high level within the construction industry.
• Potential roles include: construction manager, residential or commercial site/project manager, building inspector, or construction management 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

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this program. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this program, 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 organization. The number of organizations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.