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New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)

Gain the expertise and specialist skills needed for a career in construction management.

Please note: this qualification replaces the National Diploma in Construction. If you’ve started but not yet completed the National Diploma, talk to us about cross crediting to the New Zealand Diploma.

This two-year programme will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in construction management, on both residential and commercial building projects.

It covers the skills required at all stages of building projects, from conception to completion, with an emphasis on building technology, communication and health and safety. Other relevant vocational skills covered include planning, methodology and site management, procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts.

Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme for full-time students.

This is a flexible programme designed to enable you to continue to study part-time, should you find relevant work prior to completion. For example, most classes are available in the late afternoon and evening, as well as during the day.

The programme is recognised by the NZIOB, enabling graduates to progress to professional membership and become a Chartered Building Professional. Construction management graduates are also eligible to become a Licensed Building Practitioner – Site License Classes 1, 2 and 3. You can find out more here.

After completing a carpentry apprenticeship with Brosnan Construction in Christchurch, Caleb McGrail decided to continue his education by studying the New Zealand Diploma in Construction Management at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

“I wanted to progress my career within the industry,” Caleb explains. “I chose the diploma at Ara because it was a locally based course that I could study part-time while I worked, and because it met my educational needs.”

Caleb says the diploma programme enabled him to see beyond his role as a carpenter and how it integrates with other roles in the industry.

“A strength of the programme is its real-life, case study-based content, generally using local projects as examples. The local projects make the course content feel relevant and reassures you that the study material is applicable to the work environment.”

He adds that his tutors’ experience in the industry enabled them to deliver the course content in an effective, realistic way.

At Brosnan Construction Caleb works as a leading hand carpenter on a range of new builds, refurbishments and fit-out projects. They include light commercial, commercial, industrial, education and tourism buildings as well as architecturally designed residential homes.

Caleb says his construction management qualification has enabled him to progress within the company and he’s enjoying being able to use his new knowledge to benefit his role. “It will also benefit other employees at Brosnan, and in the wider industry.”

Caleb McGrail 11/02/2019

NCEA Level 2 which must include: 12 credits in Literacy Level 1 or above and 12 credits in Mathematics (excluding Statistics) Level 2 or above

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

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

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for 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.

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.
  • 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 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 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

New Zealand Diploma in Construction with strand in Construction Management

FULL-TIME - 2 Years (Part-time options available)

Gain the expertise and specialist skills needed for a career in construction management.

Information
Type Diploma
Code NZ2420
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
Credits 240
Level 6
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
Reference NZ2420-CNST

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 before allowing you to complete work at their organisation.

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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

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Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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