Diploma in Facilities Management – DipFM

Learn about operational maintenance and management of built facilities with Massey's Diploma in Facilities Management. This will open the way to a diverse and challenging career.

Type of qualification

Diploma

Level of study

Undergraduate study

An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.

More about study levels

NZQF level 6

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

1 year full-time (120 credits)
Up to 8 years part-time
Part-time available

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Note: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand from 2024

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:

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)

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.

Restrictions: 219100 and 219203

View full course details
Course code: 115112 Accounting for Business 15 credits

An introduction to how accounting information is used for planning, monitoring and evaluating organisational performance.

Restrictions: 115102

View full course details
Course 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.

Restrictions: 218172

View full course details
Course 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.

Restrictions: 218151

View full course details
Course 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 details
Course 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 details
Course 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 details
Course 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 details

Fees 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.

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 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.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees 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.

Learn more

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