Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Future proof your skillset with this flexible and fast qualification.
Bring your skills up to date with the Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (GDipCBSc). The GDipCBSc is designed for people with a background in architecture, construction, building science, engineering, or environmental science.
Select from a range of new courses to build the qualification you need to go further. Courses are available in architecture, building science, construction, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning, as well as engineering, health, and science.
You can complete the 120-point GDipCBSc in two trimesters of full-time study. It prepares you for studying a degree at postgraduate level, such as the Master of Building Science or the Master of Construction.
Skills for the future of building and construction
Choose from courses that cover key emerging technologies in the sector, such as:
- artificial intelligence
- virtual reality
- robotics
- drones
- building information modelling.
Flexibility or focus
Select from a large list of relevant courses to build a programme of study that suits your goals, or choose one of eight distinct subject areas to focus on.
Available subject areas:
- Building Surveying
- Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
- Construction Management
- Construction Health and Safety
- Project Management
- Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
- Sustainable Construction
- Sustainable Engineering Systems.
How you’ll study
Classes will be a mix of face-to-face, blended learning (online and in-person), and block format.
Graduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science
Study a Graduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science if you want to choose four courses instead of eight and complete your qualification faster.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
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Support for students
Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources and support available to help you make the best of your time at university.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.
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.