Bachelor of Construction

Gain the knowledge and practical skills that will prepare you for a successful career in the construction industry.

Build better

The construction industry plays a crucial role in creating and managing our infrastructure—everything from houses and schools to hospitals and transport systems.

Construction professionals tackle big questions facing society—How can we provide high-quality housing for everybody? How can we build infrastructure in a safer and more sustainable way? How can we adapt to climate change?

If you want to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills that prepare you for a rewarding career in the construction sector, the Bachelor of Construction is for you.

Harness technology for good

In the Bachelor of Construction, you’ll learn about how advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and big data are revolutionising the way construction projects are designed and executed.

During your studies, you’ll use advanced technology and tools related to augmented and virtual reality, the Internet of Things, and AI. You’ll learn how these technologies can enhance project planning and design, while improving efficiency and safety.

You’ll explore the latest advances in sustainability, circularity, zero waste, and health and safety. With this knowledge, you’ll be equipped to help make the built environment more resilient, liveable, and energy efficient.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

What your study will look like

Studying full time, you can complete the Bachelor of Construction in three years. The degree is made up of 360 [points], and you’ll usually complete 120 points per year.

First year

In your first year, four core courses will introduce you to the foundations of sustainability in the built environment, key technologies used in modern construction, and design communication.

You’ll also choose a [major] subject. As part of your major, you’ll be able to pick courses related to computer programming, construction management, creative coding and AI, health and safety, surveying, and sustainability and biodiversity.

Second year

In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of construction by focusing on core courses related to building materials, construction, and structural systems.

You’ll explore advanced topics such as augmented and virtual reality, building services, digital construction technologies, heritage conservation, robotics, and sustainability in building practices.

Third year

By your third year, you’ll be well prepared to manage complex construction projects. You’ll have a sound knowledge of topics like cladding, weathertightness, and health and safety practices. And you’ll be up to speed with innovative building technologies related to construction systems, robotics, and drones.

When you finish the degree, you’ll be ready to advance your career or pursue postgraduate study.

Bachelor of Building Science

The Bachelor of Construction is closely related to our Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc). Any BBSc [major] can be taken as a second major in your BConst.

If you want to get your hands dirty and focus on managing construction projects from start to finish—including safety, planning, and sustainability—then the BConst is right for you.

If you want to focus more on the science and technology of buildings—and the mechanics behind how buildings work and perform—then the BBSc could be a better fit for you.

Flexibility in your degree

The Bachelor of Construction is incredibly flexible—both in the degree itself and in the way it overlaps with the related Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc).

You’ll need to take at least one [major] from the three majors offered in the BConst. On top of that, you can take a second major or one or two [minors]. Your second major can be another one from the BConst, or it can be one of the BBSc majors.

BConst majors

The BConst has three major subjects to choose from:

• Construction Health and Safety / Hauora me te Haumaru
• Construction Management / Whakahaere Hanganga
• Sustainable Construction / Hanganga Toitū.

Second major

If you want to add a second major, you can add another one of the BConst majors. Or you can choose from these five majors in the BBSc:

• Building Surveying / Aromātai Hanganga
• Built and Natural Heritage Conservation / Te Whāomotanga o te Hanga ā-Ringa me te Hanga ā-Taiao
• Project Management / Whakahaere Kaupapa
• Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments / Tāone Atamai me ngā Whaitua Hanga Matihiko
• Sustainable Engineering Systems / Pūnaha Pūhanga Toitū.

You can even choose a second, ‘outside’ major from another degree offered at this University—this may need to be approved.

Find out more about your study options, how long it takes to complete them, and what kind of other subjects you could major in. Our page on flexible study offers specifics on what subjects are available as a double major from an ‘outside’ degree. Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees

Adding a minor—or two

All eight majors in the BConst and BBSc can also be taken as a [minor]—a minor has about half the course load of a major.

Instead of taking a second major in your BConst, you can complement your first major with two minors. Either way, you can focus on the two or three areas that are most relevant to you. Minors in the Bachelor of Construction

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Construction will set you up for a wide range of roles in the construction industry, depending on your choice of major.

Construction Health and Safety roles

• construction safety manager
• occupational health and safety officer
• risk management consultant
• safety auditor
• wellbeing officer.

Construction Management roles

• construction manager
• contract administrator
• estimator
• project manager
• site engineer.

Sustainable Construction roles

• circular economy specialist
• environmental compliance officer
• materials specialist
• sustainability consultant
• waste management coordinator.

Why Wellington

Wellington boasts a vibrant construction sector with many construction companies, project management consultancies, property development firms, and government agencies. The University has strong links with industry leaders, giving you access to internships, placements, and cutting-edge research opportunities.

Strong industry connections

We developed the Bachelor of Construction in collaboration with industry leaders. This way, what you’ll learn aligns with current and future industry needs.

The BConst programme will be provisionally accredited with the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Hands-on experience

In the Bachelor of Construction programme, you’ll gain practical experience through industry placements, workshops, field trips, and real-world projects. These first-hand experiences will prepare you for a successful career the construction sector.