About Diploma In Construction With Strands In Construction Management And Quantity Surveying in Ara Institute of Canterbury

Gain the expertise and specialist skills needed to become a leader in construction.

Please note: this qualification replaces both the National Diploma in Quantity Surveying and the National Diploma in Construction Management. Students who have already completed papers in those programmes will be able to complete them and all of these qualifications are equally recognised by the construction industry.

The programme provides essential knowledge and skills required to enter employment in either Construction Management or Quantity Surveying on both residential and commercial building projects. Work experience components are included in year 2 of the programme for full time students. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind as many students find relevant work prior to completion of their studies. Most classes are also available in the late afternoon and evening for part time study.

The programme covers the necessary skills at all stages of building projects, from conception to completion, with an emphasis on building technology, communication, health and safety and relevant vocational skills at each stage. For quantity surveyors this means measurement, estimating and cost planning, for construction managers it is planning, methodology and site management.

Both disciplines study procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for quantity surveyors and construction managers are excellent. Most students find work in commercial construction, as well as housing, therefore future demand in these disciplines continues to be strong.

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with the strand in Construction Management can work as a:

• Construction Management technician.

With further training and/or experience graduates of this diploma may be able to work as a:

• Residential or commercial construction site/project manager
• Contracting construction manager/site/project manager
• Property manager
• Contracts supervisor/manager
• Local or central government building inspector
• Construction management tutor.

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with the strand in Quantity Surveying can work as a:

• Quantity Surveyor.

With further training and/or experience graduates of this diploma may be able to work as a:

• Senior quantity surveyor
• Registered quantity surveyor
• Estimator
• Quantity surveying consultant/contractor Procurement manager
• Senior/Cost manager
• Quantity surveying tutor.

Study pathways

Your study options as a graduate of this programme include diplomas and degrees in architecture, design, construction management and quantity surveying. If you completed your diploma with a B+ average, you can transition to year two of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies via a course in drawing and design.

Academic requirements

• NCEA Level 2, which must include:

  12 credits in Literacy Level 1 or above

  and

  12 credits in Numeracy Level 1 or above

  or

  New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Ara Construction Pathway) Level 3 or equivalent

  Note: If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

  Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements

English requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?

  If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .

  or

  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS, Pearson or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.

  IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS test report form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Ara Institute of Canterbury Tuition Fees

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.