Why Study / Key Benefits

The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) is designed for students who want to develop the practical and technical knowledge required to work in construction management across residential and commercial building projects.

Key benefits include:

• Develop knowledge of the construction process from project conception through to completion.

• Learn about building technology, construction materials, structural principles and building services.

• Develop skills in construction planning, programming, procurement and site management.

• Understand construction contracts, financial administration, health and safety, and quality management.

• Build communication, leadership and problem-solving skills relevant to construction teams and project environments.

• Study a programme that includes work-experience components in the second year for full-time students.

• Benefit from flexible part-time study options, which may help students who find relevant employment during their studies.

• Progress towards professional recognition through the programme’s recognition by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 240 credits across two years. The 2026 Ara programme handbook provides the following Construction Management strand structure.

Year 1 – 120 credits

• Introduction to Construction (CONS5001) – 15 credits.

• Materials and Structural Principles (CONS5002) – 15 credits.

• Environment (CONS5003) – 15 credits.

• Services (CONS5004) – 15 credits.

• Construction 1: Residential (CONS5005) – 15 credits.

• Law and Contracts (CONS5006) – 15 credits.

• Introduction to Measurement and Estimation (CONS5007) – 15 credits.

• Safety and Wellbeing (CONS5108) – 15 credits.

Year 2 – 120 credits

• Construction 2: Commercial (CONS6001) – 15 credits.

• Financial Administration (CONS6002) – 15 credits.

• Procurement (CONS6003) – 15 credits.

• Programming (CONS6004) – 15 credits.

• Planning and Quality (CONS6105) – 15 credits.

• Site Management (CONS6106) – 15 credits.

• Method Statements (CONS6107) – 15 credits.

• Regional Project Construction Management (DMPM600) – 15 credits.

Main subject areas covered

• Construction technology and building processes.

• Residential and commercial construction.

• Materials and structural principles.

• Building services and environmental considerations.

• Construction law and contractual responsibilities.

• Measurement and estimation.

• Construction safety and worker wellbeing.

• Financial administration and procurement.

• Construction programming and project planning.

• Quality assurance and site management.

• Construction methodology and method statements.

• Construction project management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The NZ2420 New Zealand Diploma in Construction has two distinct strands:

• Construction Management.

• Quantity Surveying.

This report covers the Construction Management strand only.

The Construction Management strand focuses on:

• Managing construction sites and project activities.

• Coordinating construction resources and site logistics.

• Supervising residential and commercial construction work.

• Managing construction teams and site operations.

• Planning, programming and monitoring construction projects.

• Managing construction contracts and related administrative activities.

Programme Highlights

• A two-year construction qualification with 240 credits at Level 6.

• Focuses on both residential and commercial building projects.

• Includes practical and industry-related construction management knowledge.

• Covers construction contracts, procurement, programming, financial administration and site management.

• Includes work-experience components in the second year for full-time students.

• Offers part-time study options.

• Provides opportunities to develop leadership, communication and site-management skills.

• The qualification is recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB), enabling graduates to progress towards professional membership and Chartered Building Professional status.

• Construction Management graduates are also eligible to apply for Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Site Licence Classes 1, 2 and 3, subject to the relevant registration requirements.

Career Outcomes

The programme is intended to prepare graduates for employment in construction management on residential and commercial building projects.

Potential career areas include:

• Construction site management.

• Assistant construction management.

• Construction project coordination.

• Residential construction supervision.

• Commercial construction supervision.

• Construction planning and programming.

• Procurement and contract administration.

• Construction site logistics and resource coordination.

• Construction quality and safety management.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme is currently advertised with February and July 2027 intakes.

• The 2026 Ara programme handbook confirms the current Construction Management strand course structure.

• The qualification replaces the former National Diploma in Construction.

• Students who began the former National Diploma but have not completed it should contact Ara about possible cross-crediting.

• Work-experience components are included in the second year for full-time students.

• Part-time study is available, with many classes offered during the day and in the late afternoon or evening.

• Students may be eligible for credit recognition if they have relevant previous study, credits or workplace learning.

• The qualification is recognised by NZIOB, and graduates may progress towards professional membership and Chartered Building Professional status.

• LBP licensing is subject to the relevant registration requirements.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this two-year diploma in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Fee Paying Student Visa – Immigration New Zealand

• Visa application cost: From NZD $850.

• Maximum visa duration: Up to 4 years.

• Published processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Study requirement: Full-time study in an approved programme.

• Application advice: Apply at least 3 months before travelling to New Zealand.

• Work rights: Eligible students may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa.

Main visa requirements

Applicants generally need to provide:

• An Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an eligible scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Evidence of genuine study intentions.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• A valid passport.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay, where required.

• Medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates, if requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Financial requirements

For tertiary students studying for one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of:

• NZD $20,000 for each year of study for living expenses; or

• An acceptable sponsor or other permitted funding arrangement.

For study shorter than one year, the published requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

For Indian applicants applying from South Asia, Immigration New Zealand states that only immediate family members can provide sponsorship or a financial undertaking. This includes a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.

Medical and travel insurance

• International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for their stay.

• Ara requires comprehensive insurance for international students.

• Ara recommends its preferred provider, Allianz StudentSafe.

• Insurance must meet Ara’s requirements and the relevant New Zealand international student protection rules.

Attendance and academic progress

• Students must attend the course specified on their student visa.

• Students must make satisfactory academic progress.

• Students must maintain valid visa conditions throughout their studies.

• Students must obtain the appropriate permission if they intend to work and their visa conditions require it.

Post Study Work Visa

The qualification appears on the relevant Immigration New Zealand pathway for eligible Level 6 diplomas with at least 240 credits in construction or construction management.