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New Zealand Diploma in Construction with strands in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.xml New Zealand Diploma in Construction with strands in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying

A-Z study guide
National Diploma in Construction
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DiplomaFull-time, 2 years | Part-time up to 8 years

Annual Fees(indicative 2019)

Programme code

 NZ2420

Domestic

$6,700 - $7,400

Starts

 February

International

$21,260

Credits

 240

Course related costs

Advised on enrolment

Level

 6

Domestic Applications due

 Received all year

International Applications due

 27 January for February start

Location

 Christchurch - Madras Street

Content

Gain the expertise and specialist skills needed to become a leader in construction.

Please note: this qualification replaces both the National Diploma in Quantity Surveying and the National Diploma in Construction Management. Students who have already completed papers in those programmes will be able to complete them and all of these qualifications are equally recognised by the construction industry.

The programme provides essential knowledge and skills required to enter employment in either Construction Management or Quantity Surveying on both residential and commercial building projects. Work experience components are included in year 2 of the programme for full time students. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind as many students find relevant work prior to completion of their studies. Most classes are also available in the late afternoon and evening for part time study.

The programme covers the necessary skills at all stages of building projects, from conception to completion, with an emphasis on building technology, communication, health and safety and relevant vocational skills at each stage. For quantity surveyors this means measurement, estimating and cost planning, for construction managers it is planning, methodology and site management.

Both disciplines study procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts.

Credit recognition

If you have work experience in this area, or a relevant prior qualification, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Programme structure

To complete this Diploma you are required to complete 240 credits. Please browse the guide below to view the course options currently available within this qualification.

Core courses
Elective Courses

To be a full time student you need to maintain a workload of 120 credits per year. We recommend you talk with us to ensure you choose electives to benefit your future career.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • NCEA Level 2, which must include:

    12 credits in Literacy Level 1 or above

    and

    12 credits in Numeracy Level 1 or above

    or

    New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Ara Construction Pathway) Level 3 or equivalent

    Note: If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

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. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements
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 .

    or

    • 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, Pearson 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 REQUIREMENTS

6.0 ACADEMIC

SPEAKING

6.0

READING

6.0

WRITING

6.0

LISTENING

6.0
Acceptable Alternatives Chart

Selection criteria

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that applications are received.

Next steps

To apply for this programme please:

  • complete an application form

If you don't meet the criteria for entry into this programme, we can help you meet entry level with our foundation and bridging programmes.

Alternatively, if you feel you have gained your learning through on the job experience talk to us about recognition or assessment of prior learning .

Application documents

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for quantity surveyors and construction managers are excellent. Most students find work in commercial construction, as well as housing, therefore future demand in these disciplines continues to be strong.

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with the strand in Construction Management can work as a:

  • Construction Management technician.

With further training and/or experience graduates of this diploma may be able to work as a:

  • Residential or commercial construction site/project manager
  • Contracting construction manager/site/project manager
  • Property manager
  • Contracts supervisor/manager
  • Local or central government building inspector
  • Construction management tutor.

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with the strand in Quantity Surveying can work as a:

  • Quantity Surveyor.

With further training and/or experience graduates of this diploma may be able to work as a:

  • Senior quantity surveyor
  • Registered quantity surveyor
  • Estimator
  • Quantity surveying consultant/contractor Procurement manager
  • Senior/Cost manager
  • Quantity surveying tutor.

Study pathways

Your study options as a graduate of this programme include diplomas and degrees in architecture, design, construction management and quantity surveying. If you completed your diploma with a B+ average, you can transition to year two of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies via a course in drawing and design.

Recommended school subjects

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • English rich subjects
  • Science
  • Technology
  • ICT