Master of Building Science

Extend your expertise in building science, and focus on managing the development and ongoing performance of the built environment.

Transform the buildings we live in

Explore building construction and performance, project management, and how building materials function. The Master of Building Science / Te Tohu Paerua o te Mātai ā-Hangatanga (MBildSc) combines architectural science research methods and an industry-related project for real-world experience in the field. Learn to manage the development and ongoing performance of the built environment.

Study the MBildSc to learn about key issues in the industry—sustainability, construction law, managing facilities, and the relationship between buildings and their environment. Consider the role of tikanga and mātauranga Māori in architectural design and decision-making.

You’ll also get a practical grounding in how buildings impact on the natural world through their design, construction, operation, and maintenance, with the option to specialise in Project Management or Sustainable Engineering Systems. You’ll prepare for the future of the industry—for digital advances and increased requirements for efficient, sustainable buildings.

Professional recognition

The Master of Building Science is widely recognised in the industry for its excellence and distinction. It’s professionally accredited by Building Institute Aotearoa.

If you’re already working in the construction industry, this qualification will help you deepen your expertise and advance your career. If you’re a recent graduate, it’s an ideal way to build specialised skills and open up new career opportunities.

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.

Tailor your study

The 180-point Master of Building Science is a twelve-month professional programme that combines coursework in Trimesters 1 and 2 with an industry-related project or practicum in Trimester 3.

You can complete the MBildSc with a specialisation in either Project Management or Sustainable Engineering Systems.

Project Management specialisation

Specialising in Project Management gives you the skills you need to manage a project in the construction industry across all its stages. These include:

• contract management
• design integration
• performance monitoring.

You’ll learn the most advanced techniques and tools to manage projects and built facilities.

Sustainable Engineering Systems specialisation

Specialising in Sustainable Engineering Systems allows you to focus on developing energy- and resource-efficient systems for the built environment. You’ll learn how to evaluate the sustainability of existing buildings and facilities, with assessment systems used in Aotearoa New Zealand and worldwide. These include:

• building performance
• energy efficiency
• reducing environmental impact from the construction industry.

Duration and workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week and you’ll complete your Master’s in one year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are balancing work or other commitments.

Work while you study

You can study full time or part time through block teaching—where courses are delivered in three-day sessions every four weeks. This flexible format makes it easier to balance work and study.

Pick the qualification that matches your goals

Choose from a selection of qualifications to suit your career goals and availability. The 180-point Master of Building Science (MBildSc) is a one-year professional programme that combines an architectural science research-methods course and an industry-related project or practicum for real-world experience in the field. It is professionally recognised by the Building Institute Aotearoa. The 120-point Master of Construction and Building Science (Research) (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. A shorter 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science (PGCertCBSc) or 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (PGDipCBSc) are also available as earlier exit points or for those already in the industry who want to deepen their knowledge with part-time study.

Get the postgraduate Architecture and Design Innovation handbook

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation handbook.

Download the handbook

Future careers

The Master of Building Science gives you unique skills and knowledge that go beyond Bachelor’s learnings or industry experience. It will give you the professional recognition you need to pursue a career in the design and development of our built environment. You might start your own practice, or work as an employee in a firm or government organisation. You’ll be qualified to take on leadership roles in the construction and building performance and management sectors. You could work in one of these roles:

Sustainability and energy specialist

• sustainability consultant
• energy efficiency consultant
• green building analyst
• environmental systems designer
• sustainable design consultant
• renewable energy specialist
• energy auditor
• building performance analyst

Project and construction leadership role

• project coordinator
• construction project manager
• contracts manager
• construction consultant
• construction planner/scheduler
• development manager

Technical, risk and compliance expert

• building services engineer
• building control officer
• risk manager
• quantity surveyor.

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.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships

Applicable scholarships

• John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship
• Averil Brent Scholarship in Science.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Work opportunities

Work as a tutor

You may be able to tutor undergraduate courses in the School of Architecture. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, get in contact with the tutor coordinator, or staff will seek out tutors for their classes.