Program Overview

Master of Construction Management

The Master of Construction Management at Victoria University is a postgraduate course designed to provide students with the expertise required to manage large-scale building projects. This course will equip students with practical and up-to-date skills to lead construction projects, taking into consideration environmental, social, and cultural factors.

Overview

By engaging in detailed case studies and hands-on exercises, students will learn how to plan complex building works and address project risks while effectively managing schedules, costs, and building quality. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the practical application of emerging technologies such as data analytics, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced materials throughout all stages of a project, from planning and surveying to engineering and construction.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Contextualise advanced project management knowledge, including established theories and recent advancements, to ensure efficient, sustainable, and high-quality construction project completion.
2. Implement construction project management principles and practices in new or complex environments, incorporating innovative solutions and contemporary technologies.
3. Interpret international perspectives relevant to the construction management discipline, incorporating global best practices into local contexts to enhance project outcomes.
4. Critically assess the sources and validity of information and use standardised processes for information management and storage that align with national codes and relevant standards of practice.
5. Plan and execute a research project that demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the construction management discipline.
6. Advocate for cultural awareness, environmental and social responsibility, integration of First Nations Peoples' perspectives, and respect for diversity in all professional activities.
7. Exemplify professional integrity and leadership by collaborating effectively and ethically within multidisciplinary teams.

Professional Experience Placement

During the industry-targeted Professional Experience Placement unit, students will complete a minimum of 600 hours of work placements. This hands-on industry experience will prepare students for high-level professional roles by exposing them to real-world construction management practices. Throughout the placement, students will work under the supervision of a qualified construction manager or equivalent professional.

Research Project

In the second year of study, students will conduct research in a specialised area, undertaking a comprehensive study that addresses contemporary issues in construction management. The final thesis will enrich the field with new insights and evidence-based conclusions, demonstrating students' abilities for rigorous data analysis.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If applicants dont meet the entry criteria, they may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course.

Entry Criteria

To be considered for postgraduate study, applicants will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. The university also considers non-academic research and work experience for research candidates.

Admission Criteria

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
• Completion of an Australian Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
• Completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
• Applicants without an undergraduate qualification may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate based on approved work experience. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, graduates will be eligible for admission to the Master of Construction Management course with credit granted for completed units.
• IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
• Similar disciplines include civil engineering, architecture, building surveying, construction management, and quantity surveying.

Special Entry Programs

If applicants are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic, or cultural background, they may be eligible for one of the university's special admission programs. These programs are designed to help applicants access education more easily.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Applicants should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a guide for their learning during the course and as a way to identify challenges they may have in studying this course.

Credit & Entry Pathways

If applicants dont meet the entry requirements for this course, there may be an alternative study pathway to achieving their goal. In some cases, applicants may receive credit for their previous study or work experience, reducing the time it takes to complete their course.

Course Structure

To attain the Master of Construction Management, students will be required to complete 192 credit points, consisting of:

• 96 credit points of Core studies.
• 48 credit points of Professional Experience Placement.
• 48 credit points of Capstone (Research Project) studies.

Units

Year One

• Construction Project Management (NCM6001, 12 credits).
• Risk Management and Decision Making (NCM6002, 12 credits).
• Quantity Surveying, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning (NCM6003, 12 credits).
• System Dynamics Modelling in Construction (NCM6004, 12 credits).
• Strategic Construction Procurement (NCM6005, 12 credits).
• Advanced Construction Technology (NCM6006, 12 credits).
• Sustainable Infrastructure Construction and Management (NCM6007, 12 credits).
• Advanced Digital Construction (NCM6008, 12 credits).

Year Two

• Professional Experience Placement (NCM7001, 48 credits).
• Research Project (NCM7901, 48 credits).

Fees & Scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, students will be required to pay their tuition fees upfront each semester.

Fees

• Fee type: International.
• 2025 fees: AU$18,200 per semester.
• 2026 fees: AU$19,100 per semester.

Scholarships

Every year, the university awards hundreds of scholarships, worth millions of dollars combined, to students at all levels of study. The VU Block Model International Scholarship offers eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for their entire first year of study.

Careers

Graduates from the Master of Construction Management are equipped for a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors, including but not limited to:

• Construction project manager.
• Engineering project consultants.
• Commercial construction managers.
• Real estate development managers.
• Construction technology specialists.
• Health and safety managers.
• Public sector infrastructure managers.
• Sustainability advisors in construction.
• Operations managers.
• Facility asset managers.
• Construction management educators.

Related Courses

• Graduate Certificate in Construction Management (NTCM, Postgraduate - Graduate Certificate).
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Construction Management (NTDC, Postgraduate - Graduate Certificate).
• Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Construction Management (NTSC, Postgraduate - Graduate Certificate).
• Graduate Diploma in Construction Management (NGCM, Postgraduate - Graduate Diploma).
• Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) (NHCM, Undergraduate - Bachelor Honours Degree (embedded)).
• Bachelor of Building Surveying (NBBS, Undergraduate - Bachelor Degree).
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) (NHEC, Undergraduate - Bachelor Honours Degree (embedded)).
• Master of Engineering (NMEN, Postgraduate - Masters (Coursework) Degree).
• Master of Project Management (NMPM, Postgraduate - Masters (Coursework) Degree).
• Master of Research (URRS, Postgraduate - Masters (Research) Degree).