Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
The role of the Quantity Surveyor is diverse: evaluating subcontractor tenders and making recommendations to clients, managing construction costs and cash flows during the construction phase, and negotiating and agreeing on final project accounts. With a Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics), you gain the skills to contribute to this exciting industry. Develop the technical skills and applied knowledge to ensure that construction projects are delivered to agreed budgets. Learn to undertake estimating and cost planning and prepare tender documentation. In this programme you’ll learn about construction practice, team management, cost planning and advanced estimating techniques, tendering, and design management.
Highlights
- Great preparation for a career as a consultant quantity surveyor, a quantity surveyor, or a commercial manager for a construction company. These roles may lead to project management, company ownership, and other senior management positions.
- Gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the construction industry.
- Learn and apply industry-standard software, including CostX, Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes.
- Close links with industry: our advisory boards include experts who keep us up-to-date with industry trends, relevant legislation, and local, global, and environmental issues.
- Learn from experienced lecturers who are working or are working in the construction industry.
- Meet and hear from guest lecturers who are leaders in their field.
- In your final papers, you’ll undertake a major industry research project where you can integrate what you’ve learned with practical experience.
- Following your shared compulsory papers (first 3 semesters), you’ll choose your major* from Property Development, Construction Economics, or Construction Management. This allows you to get a good understanding of the general field first before you choose your direction.
- *You may choose to achieve a double major with slightly more coursework.
Study Option
This programme offers both full-time and part-time study pathways to fit different lifestyles. In the final year of the programme, each course requires only four on-campus classes, providing added flexibility regardless of your chosen mode of study.
Qualification pathway
Once you’ve completed this programme you’ll receive a Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics). As a graduate of this programme, you’ll be eligible to become an accredited member of the following registered bodies:
- The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS)
- Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS)
Recommendation on studying full-time
Studying full-time is like doing a full-time job. You might only be in lectures and workshops for 16 hrs a week, but you are expected to spend another 24 hours a week on self-directed study, quizzes, re-reading lecture content, and working on assignments. That makes 40 hours.
We recognize many of you want or need to work whilst you are studying, but we would not recommend you to do any more than part-time study if you have a full-time job and don’t let your working hours overlap with your lecture times.
Career Options
- Commercial manager
- Construction quantity surveyor
- Consultant quantity surveyor
- Project manager
- Property financial adviser
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$8,800(NZD)
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
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Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics) Software in Unitec Construction Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, with:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list
- a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects, or plus:
- a minimum of 12 credits at Level 2 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework, plus
- 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing);
- At least 3 ‘C’ passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations; or
- Successful completion of relevant programme
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.