Master of Construction
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Shape the future of building in Aotearoa New Zealand. Gain the advanced technical skills and strategic insights you need to deliver smart and resilient construction projects.
Build the future
The Master of Construction prepares you to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges—meeting housing demand, driving infrastructure growth, and building climate resilience—while mastering the technologies transforming the industry.
This 180-point, one-year programme is designed for construction professionals and graduates of architecture-related degrees who are ready to take the next step.
Through the Master of Construction, you’ll develop expertise in project management, sustainability, and cutting-edge tools such as AI, VR, robotics, drones, and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
You’ll graduate with the technical know-how and strategic insight to deliver projects of any scale and help shape the future of construction.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Lead the transformation
Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector is entering a period of rapid growth. Housing output needs to double, and $1 trillion in infrastructure investment is needed over the next 30 years.
Meeting the challenge—while adapting to climate change—calls for innovative solutions and skilled leaders. Master of Construction graduates will be at the forefront, bringing expertise in construction management, health and safety, and sustainable practice to lead the transformation.
$1 trillion
The amount of infrastructure spending needed in New Zealand over the next 30 years (NZ Infrastructure Commission report)
How you’ll learn
In the Master of Construction, you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, seminars, and critique sessions. This approach is designed to build both your technical expertise and your practical insight.
Courses are delivered in flexible formats—face-to-face, block mode, or blended—with extra resources available anytime through an online learning platform.
Study options
There are four qualifications available in postgraduate Construction. Choose the one that suits your career goals and availability.
Master of Construction
The 180-point MConst is a one-year professional programme that combines taught courses and a 60-point research project or Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practicum.
Master of Construction and Building Science (Research)
The 120-point MCBSc(Res) thesis programme focuses on self-directed research. Before enrolling in this one-year research thesis, you need to have completed the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science.
Shorter qualifications
The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science (PGCertCBSc) and the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (PGDipCBSc) are great options for people already working in the industry who want to study part-time to increase their knowledge.
Why Wellington
Wellington gives you direct access to construction firms, government agencies, and research institutes—with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research. The city’s unique geography and rich cultural heritage make it an exciting place to study and apply your construction knowledge.
Wellington connections
Wellington has a thriving construction sector, with leading companies, consultancies, property developers, the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), and government agencies all based in the city. Through strong links with industry leaders, the Master of Construction programme connects you to internships, placements, and research opportunities that prepare you for the next step in your career.
Government agencies
As the capital city, Wellington is home to key government agencies shaping construction and infrastructure, including:
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
- Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)
- Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme (LBP)
- New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga)
- Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID).
These organisations offer valuable career opportunities for graduates and often collaborate with the programme on research projects.
Public Research Organisations
Wellington is also home to Public Research Organisations such as GNS Science, NIWA, and Scion, which bring expertise in areas vital to the construction sector. These institutes offer potential opportunities to engage in collaborative teaching or research projects.
Careers
The Master of Construction can open up career opportunities across a wide range of organisations—from construction companies, project management consultancies, and property developers to government agencies, engineering companies and offsite design and delivery firms. Careers will increasingly combine construction expertise with digital innovation, sustainability leadership, and strategic management. Career paths include:
- Construction management roles—construction manager, site engineer, or contract administrator
- Sustainability-focused roles—sustainability consultant, environmental compliance officer, green building advisor, or data analyst
- Leadership and policy roles—regulatory advisor, sustainability director, researcher, academic, infrastructure strategy advisor, or climate resilience and adaptation planner
- Technology-focused roles—construction technologist, digital construction lead, Building Information Modelling (BIM) manager, or modular construction specialist.
If you’re interested in a career in building surveying or project management, we recommend studying for a Master of Building Science.
Further study
After you graduate with a Master of Construction, you could further enhance your career prospects by pursuing a professional certification from an organisation such as the Building Institute Aotearoa, Chartered Institute of Building, Building Officials Institute NZ, or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Another option would be to study on an industry-specific training programme offering specialised skills in areas like sustainable construction, BIM, or construction law.
Alternatively, you might choose to continue your academic study through a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Construction. A PhD is the highest qualification offered at the University. It involves making an original contribution to research and knowledge in the field.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Keystone trust scholarships
You can also apply for a Keystone trust scholarship.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
A Bachelor of Building Science, Bachelor of Construction, or Bachelor of Architectural Studies or equivalent, with at least a B average.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.