Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Diploma in Facilities Management – DipFM
What is facilities management?
Facilities management is the final step in the design-build-manage cycle of construction. As a facilities manager, you’ll oversee the operational management and maintenance of buildings once they’re built to ensure our public spaces and workplaces are safe, healthy, sustainable, and productive. You’ll contribute significantly to the success of an organisation by making sure buildings are fit-for-purpose. That ensures everyone can perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.
The Diploma in Facilities Management is aimed at school leavers and also at junior level facilities management professionals. For those already in the workforce, it will assist you to underpin your skills and practice with foundational knowledge of a rapidly growing sector.
What will you learn?
You’ll learn about operational maintenance and management of built facilities. Skills you’ll learn include:
- facilities management planning
- asset management
- health and safety
- teamwork and communication
- business and financial skills
- technology and innovation.
The qualification also covers a range of facilities. These include:
- hospitals
- commercial office blocks
- educational institutions
- industrial buildings
- key support services.
Research-led learning from industry experts
Your lecturers are professional experts in the fields of construction, facilities management, architecture, business, engineering, IT and other industries.
Our lecturers are active in research, ensuring you will be at the cutting edge of this fast-growing industry.
Flexible study
The qualification is flexible so you can study either on campus or via distance learning. You can also study part time or full time.
Further study
Upon completion of the Diploma in Facilities Management, you may wish to consider the Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management.
A DipFM is a good fit if you:
- want a career that focuses on creating great spaces for people
- want to maintain built environments in ways that are innovative
- care about the wellbeing of building occupants.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this programme within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this programme.
More information
- Read the regulations for this programme thoroughly
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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.
Structure of the Diploma in Facilities Management
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Diploma in Facilities Management is awarded without an endorsement.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Compulsory courses – 120 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory Courses (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 115111 Communication Theory and Practice 15 credits
This course identifies key theories and strategies to enhance written, oral, visual, and interpersonal communication for different purposes and audiences. Students explore, discuss, critique, and practise communication for a business and global environment and recognise how world views, culture, and contexts shape communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115112 Accounting for Business 15 credits
An introduction to how accounting information is used for planning, monitoring and evaluating organisational performance.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218102 Construction Technology and Services I 15 credits
This course will enable students to understand how components of residential buildings are assembled to create habitable and usable spaces. Students will explore the characteristics of various construction materials used in interior finishing. Students are introduced to the principles and applications of services and facilities for comfort and energy performance of residential buildings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218106 Construction Health, Safety and Wellbeing 15 credits
This course examines the potential hazards and safety strategies of the construction workplace. Students will explore strategies for safe designs, hazard assessment and the implication of health and safety legislation. The course reviews construction-related health conditions and their mitigation strategies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218141 Introduction to Facilities Management 15 credits
Understanding the language and basic concepts in facility management service delivery. The Facility Manager’s role in adding value to enhance assets, user experiences, wellbeing and productivity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218143 Asset Management 15 credits
Identification and classification of assets and facilities. Asset lifecycle stages and deliverables. Facility Manager’s role in managing assets and stakeholders.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218146 Facilities Management Planning 15 credits
Concepts in operation, maintenance and management of assets. Use life stages, obsolescence and maintenance principles for achieving ‘fit for purpose’ use.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218147 Workplace Management 15 credits
Evolution of assets and space usage. Principles and practices in adaptation, change management, and future proofing. Management of multi-user facilities.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
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.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers you may progress to after completing this qualification include:
- facilities management
- project management
- asset management
- procurement management
- advanced building design
- building investigations and energy audits
- sustainability management
- building management
- contract management.
You will be in demand
There is a strong demand for facilities managers in New Zealand, with many employers saying it’s difficult to find the right person for the job.
Around 30% of employers who took part in a survey conducted by FMANZ in 2018 said they have sourced candidates from overseas because they couldn’t find the right person for the job in New Zealand. This is due, in part, to the fact no New Zealand university has offered an entry-level qualification in facilities management until now. In the same survey, 62% of facilities managers said they had been headhunted by another company.
Accreditations and rankings
Facilities Management Association of New Zealand
The Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management and Diploma in Facilities Management are affiliated with the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ). This is the professional body for facilities management professionals in Aotearoa. Students are immediately eligible for student membership and upon completion of these qualifications can apply for one of FMANZ's membership categories.
Related study options
Economics – Bachelor of Business
The Bachelor of Business (Economics) is a versatile degree where you will learn how the world of business works, and gain the skills to interpret global information and events.
Economics – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Economics) you can take your undergraduate study of economics further.
Economics – Master of Business Studies
Massey’s Master of Business Studies (Economics) will give you the business and economics skills to take your career to the next level. Specialising in economics will give you many career options.
Economics – Bachelor of Arts
Succeed as a professional in the private, not-for-profit or public sector. Learn how the economy affects our everyday life, culture, and environment.
Economics – Diploma in Arts
Improve your economic decision-making skills and understanding with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Economics).
Economics – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
With Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Economics) you’ll build on your undergraduate interests and further investigate topics in economics that have taken your interest.
Economics – Master of Arts
Open up a world of employment options. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Economics) you’ll build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and research skills.
Economics – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Economics) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in economics without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Financial Economics – Master of Management
The Master of Management will increase your business knowledge to help move your career in a new direction. You don’t have to have a qualification in business to undertake this master’s.
Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management – GradDipFM
Build on your existing knowledge and skills in construction with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management. Learn how to organise, control and coordinate the strategic and operational management of facilities.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz