New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)

The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) prepares you with the specific knowledge and skills you’ll need to assist with all stages of construction management under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. 
A career in construction management requires an in-depth knowledge of building and construction principles, great people skills, and an aptitude for organisation. You’ll be responsible for the control, planning, and execution of a construction project from start to finish, so you must gain the right skills to deliver successful, safe, and up-to-standard projects confidently.
This includes:

• Managing construction site logistics, resource allocation, and construction activity for small, medium, and large construction programmes
• Managing site establishment and provision of site services for short and long-duration construction projects
• Creating technical sketches to communicate information relevant to the construction project
• Applying leadership principles to manage construction site teams and supporting the physical and mental well-being of a diverse construction site workforce.

Highlights

• Apply to learn to real-world scenarios using the latest technologies in construction.
• Nationally-recognised qualification. This qualification is nationally recognised by professional organisations like the NZ Institute of Building.
• Graduate work-ready. You’ll gain key skills and knowledge that will enable you to move confidently into work, assisting with all stages of construction management, under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
• Prepare for Site 2 License. Once you’ve graduated, you can apply to get a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Site 2 License, which recognises you as a competent professional in your chosen field.
• Move into further study. Easily transition into Unitec’s Bachelor of Construction in any of our three majors: Construction Management, Construction Economics, or Property Development. Cross-credits are available. ​

Study Option

The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) is designed with flexibility in mind. All courses are delivered in the evenings, making it ideal for those working full-time, managing family commitments, or beginning their career in construction. Whether you’re upskilling or starting fresh, this programme fits around your lifestyle.

Develop the necessary skills to succeed.

It’s our job to ensure that when you walk across that graduation platform, you’re prepared and work-ready. Alongside specialist knowledge and skills in construction management, you’ll need a solid foundation in building and construction – and that’s exactly what you’ll gain in this diploma.

• **Technical knowledge.**Develop an understanding of contract analysis, selection, ongoing planning, and monitoring, evaluate and select materials and finishes for their environmental impact and apply knowledge of the structure and structural principles.
• **Communication.**Effectively communicate with all parties involved in a construction contract using organisational principles, digital technologies, and industry best practices.
• **Industry preparedness.**Apply knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to administer and manage a construction contract while operating within New Zealand building and construction legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Create your future in construction management

New Zealand’s construction industry has seen continued growth over the past decade and is one of the country’s largest employers. With the value of building consents increasing year-on-year, employment opportunities have also followed a similar trend. However, despite there being over 170,000 people employed in this sector in the first quarter of 2021, demand remains sky-high for building and construction managers due to a shortage of skilled workers. 

Further study

Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to work as a junior construction manager. With further study, like Unitec’s Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management), you’ll be able to work independently in many jobs, including as a qualified construction manager. 

Preparing for study

You’ll need the right equipment to meet health and safety requirements for on-site visits. This includes:

• Safety boots (steel-capped shoes)
• High visibility vest
• Hard hat

Career Options

• Assistant construction manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Construction Assistant
• Construction Co-ordinator
• Construction Management technician
• Construction Supervisor

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$7,900

(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.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students