Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)
Construction
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Develop the technical and work-ready skills needed for a career in quantity surveying. Learn to manage, price, and deliver construction projects with a focus on project management, law, contracts, and business processes.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 38 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Technical competence in quantity surveying
Gain comprehensive knowledge of budgeting, financial administration, estimation, and cost planning for construction projects, including whole life-cycle costing.
Construction law and contract management
Understand construction law, contracts, and contractual risk analysis necessary for managing and delivering projects.
Project planning and management
Develop skills in planning, managing, and delivering construction projects, including site logistics, project scheduling, and achieving client satisfaction regarding time, cost, and quality.
What You're Signing Up For
Take a leading role in the construction industry with the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) at Otago Polytechnic (Te Pūkenga). This degree equips you to price and manage construction projects, improve processes, and drive efficiencies. Graduates are in high demand and suitable for roles such as project manager, quantity surveyor, estimator, or contract administrator. The programme's comprehensive curriculum develops technical expertise in budgeting, law and contracts, project management, and people management. It is delivered through a blended learning approach, with face-to-face teaching, online study, work experience, and student-managed learning. The final year includes an industry research project. Upon graduation, you may progress into relevant postgraduate studies or industry leadership.
Course Content
- Budgeting and financial administration of construction projects, including life-cycle costing
- Law, contracts, and contractual risk analysis
- Planning and managing of construction projects
- Site logistics and project management (managing time, costs, quality, and client satisfaction)
- People management and negotiation skills
- Construction business management
- Capstone research project (in-depth literature reviews, research proposals, data gathering and analysis)
- Year 1: Introduction to Construction, Materials and Structural Principles, Construction 1 Residential, Law and Contracts, Services, Construction 2 Commercial, Environment, Introduction to Measurement and Estimation
- Year 2: Financial Administration, Procurement, Programming, Estimation, Measurement, Cost Planning, Measurement 2, Regional Project Quantity Surveying
- Year 3: People Management, Project Risk Management, Construction Business Management, Value Management and BIM, Property Investment and Development, Claims Management, Research Project
What you need to know first
Under 20: NCEA Level 3 including 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three approved subjects, 10 credits in literacy at Level 2 or above (5 reading, 5 writing), 12 numeracy credits at Level 2 or above.
Over 20: Evidence of industry experience and/or alternative relevant qualifications.
International: Secondary school qualification equivalent to NCEA Level 3.
English: New Zealand University Entrance OR IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 5.5), or acceptable alternative evidence.
Graduates of NZ Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Quantity Surveying/Construction Management) may be credited up to 240 credits towards this degree.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Construction
Building
Property
Future employment opportunities might be
Quantity Surveyor
Project Manager
Estimator
Contract Administrator
Further potential progression to Senior Project Manager, Site Manager, Commercial or Divisional Manager, or running a consultancy
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.