The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.
Find out more about the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction parent structure.
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Construction gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level.
The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Construction. If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the master's programme.
This is one of the first construction-focused management programmes in New Zealand. It will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge required of senior quantity surveyors and commercial managers.
Massey’s Master of Construction is the only postgraduate qualification in New Zealand whose courses are specifically developed for construction. You will still gain from Massey’s expertise in related areas such as engineering and business, but always with a construction view.
The quantity surveyor is the financial expert of a construction project – preparing the feasibility studies, quantifying and measuring what is to be built, cost estimation and budgets, preparing the tender documents, advising on legal aspects, valuing the work, advising the client on payments and finalising the final accounts.
During the Master of Construction (Quantity Surveying) you will develop these advanced proficiencies and more. You will gain advanced knowledge in quantity surveying and commercial and contractual management of construction projects, construction law and research.
You will be able to apply your knowledge to the contractual and financial management of large-scale and complex building and construction projects.
This will enable you to contribute to the provision of early cost advice, contract documentation and tendering, budgeting and contractual and financial management of all phases of the building and infrastructure development life cycle, from design through to construction and subsequent management, maintenance and remodelling of the asset.
You will learn from highly-acclaimed academics and experienced industry professionals who are experts in the field. Your lecturers and supervisors come from a range of relevant sectors such as construction, engineering, petroleum and IT. As active professionals, they have built extensive industry networks and are able to research and apply the latest thinking in the subject area to ensure the knowledge you receive is current and industry-relevant, and that you are well-prepared for the workplace of tomorrow.
International participants feature strongly on all intakes, and the wide mix of expertise allows for you to have meaningful exchange and interaction at the postgraduate level.
As well as specific skills necessary for a career in construction, Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Construction will help you gain skills for broader employability and usefulness across many careers.
Develop your capacity to think critically, logically and strategically to make informed and better decisions and solve problems more effectively and ethically. You will learn how to apply problem-solving and analytical thinking skills to the analyses of and solutions to construction and building industry problems.
Plan and carry out research that demonstrates an advanced level of skill in critical analysis, synthesis and scholarship, to an international standard.
Learn in-depth skills in conducting cost planning, design cost management and preparing budgets. Participate and collaborate as valued peers with colleagues in the wider domains of construction and infrastructure management education, design, planning, construction and maintenance.
You will learn how to provide cost advice and procurement and project management services including managing and optimising project and resources to achieve cost, time and quality targets. You will also gain the knowledge to act as an advisor on dispute resolution, including arbitration, adjudication, mediation and negotiation or an expert witness in construction disputes.
Massey University offers a supportive virtual online learning community called ‘Stream’. Even if you are studying at a distance, your learning experience will be enriched by this multimedia environment that supports interactivity and knowledge sharing. It allows you to share and exchange ideas with fellow students and the course coordinator.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma you will be well equipped to aim for senior positions in the industry after gaining requisite experience. Alternatively, you could continue on to the master’s provided you meet the required academic performance.
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
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