Bachelor of Construction – BConst

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

The Bachelor of Construction is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second etc.

Part One: a mix of construction and business courses, these courses form the foundation of your course.

Part Two: builds on these courses and you will learn about more complex building types, property principles, legal, project management and costing methods.

Part Three: includes more advanced construction courses in procurement and tendering, sustainability and innovation, ethics and other courses relating to your chosen major.

Planning

If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.

It is highly recommended that you plan your entire year of study for this programme to ensure all the courses are available in the appropriate semester you wish to enrol.

The first year courses are the same for both the Quantity Surveying and Construction Management majors. These courses introduce building materials, the building sector, construction of domestic scale buildings, sustainable buildings and computer aided drawing.

First year courses also include core business courses such as finance, accounting and mathematics. The second year focusses on more specialised areas relating to the chosen major. The third year includes a capstone project and is offered in block mode which allows students to work and study. Block mode enables students to attend short blocks of lectures instead of weekly lectures. Outside of these block courses, assessments, tutorials, and learning takes place online.

Over the three years you will study a schedule of courses with strong cross-links, thereby developing a multi-disciplinary approach, focussed on achieving innovation in the construction industry.

Practical experience

You will be required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of approved industry work experience relating to your chosen major. This gives you a balance of practical hands on experience to enhance your academic studies.

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

• Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
• View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

• Student loans (StudyLink)
• Fees Free
• Student portal

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Flame Stoppers Māori & Pasifika Quantity Surveying Excellence Scholarship
• Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
• Pacific Science and Technology Scholarships
• Rider Levett Bucknall Professional Quantity Surveyor of the Year

You will be in demand

The New Zealand construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. This has led to acute shortages of construction graduates. The demand for construction graduates is expected to stay strong for many years.

Rapid career progression

There are opportunities in all sectors of the built environment. This includes new construction and civil projects, building restoration, earthquake strengthening and insurance valuation.

Wide range of employment

Quantity surveyors are typically involved in the feasibility and costing of projects and are also involved in financial control.

Construction managers are typically involved in all the activities connected to the physical execution of construction projects. They ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, at the right quality whilst also keeping with all health and safety requirements.

Both disciplines are vital to the successful conclusion of exciting projects. They could include new commercial buildings, bridges and motorways, agricultural facilities, or housing estates and the development of waterfront sites. Some graduates are self-employed or act as consultants, or work for a contractor.