Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is designed for graduates who want to develop specialist quantity surveying skills or move into a quantity surveying career from another construction-related discipline.

• Students develop technical, applied and legal knowledge relevant to the construction industry.

• The programme develops the ability to provide strategic, budgetary and financial advice throughout the life cycle of construction projects.

• Students learn to assess cost-related risks and uncertainties and contribute to construction project planning and financial decision-making.

• An industry project provides an opportunity to apply research, critical thinking and professional knowledge to a practical construction-related task.

• Graduates may become eligible for full membership of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) after completing two years of post-qualification work experience.

 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying contains 120 credits at Levels 6 and 7.

Ara's current programme page lists the following courses:

Level 6 courses:

- Measurement 2 – BCQM605 (15 credits).

• Measurement techniques and quantity surveying calculations.

• Measurement of construction work and project components.

- Estimation and Financial Administration – BQEF610 (15 credits).

• Construction cost estimation.

• Financial administration and cost-related processes.

- Measurement and Cost Planning – BQMC600 (15 credits).

• Measurement of construction work.

• Cost planning and construction project budgeting.

Level 7 courses:

- Cost Planning / BIM – BCCP700 (15 credits).

• Construction cost planning.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) applications in cost management.

- Sustainable Property Development – BCSP700 (15 credits).

• Sustainable development considerations.

• Property development principles and practices.

- Applied Project – GDAP701 (15 credits).

• Applied research.

• Project planning, investigation and critical thinking.

- BIM 4D and 5D Coordination – GDBM705 (15 credits).

• BIM-based project coordination.

• Time and cost-related construction modelling.

- Construction Codes, Standards and Practices – GXSM700 (15 credits).

• Construction industry standards.

• Regulatory and professional practices.

  Ara

Additional curriculum information:

Ara's 2026 programme handbook lists the following eight courses as compulsory in its handbook version:

• Law and Procurement – BXLP700 (15 credits).

• Advanced Contracting – BXAC700 (15 credits).

• Industry Project – BXWP710 (15 credits).

• Measurement and Cost Planning – BQMC600 (15 credits).

• Estimation and Financial Administration – BQEF610 (15 credits).

• Measurement – Commercial – BQME610 (15 credits).

• Cost Planning / BIM – BQCP700 (15 credits).

• Property Development – BQDF700 (15 credits).

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme focuses on quantity surveying and related construction-management disciplines, including:

• Quantity surveying.

• Construction measurement.

• Construction cost estimation.

• Cost planning and financial administration.

• Construction contracts and procurement.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Sustainable property development.

• Construction law, codes and standards.

• Construction project research and applied practice.

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate-level qualification at NZQF Level 7.

• 120 credits.

• One-year full-time study option.

• Part-time study option available.

• Located at Ara's Christchurch City Campus.

• Combines construction measurement, estimating, financial administration and cost planning.

• Includes BIM-related study.

• Includes an applied industry project.

• Develops technical, legal, financial and professional knowledge.

• Designed for graduates from construction-related disciplines who want to specialise in quantity surveying.

• Graduates may become eligible for full NZIQS membership after two years of post-qualification work experience.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following potential career opportunities:

• Quantity Surveyor.

• Registered Quantity Surveyor, subject to relevant experience and professional requirements.

• Contracts Supervisor.

• Contracts Manager.

• Estimator.

• Cost Planner.

• Procurement Manager.

• Construction Cost Manager.

• Quantity Surveying Academic.

Professional membership:

• Graduates may be eligible for full membership of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors after two years of post-qualification work experience.

• Completing the graduate diploma does not automatically make a graduate a registered quantity surveyor; relevant experience and applicable professional requirements still need to be met.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme listing shows February and July 2027 intakes.

• The next listed start date is 15 February 2027.

• The international application closing date is listed as “Please enquire”.

• The programme is listed as potentially available for a New Zealand study visa.

• The programme requires a relevant construction-related bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• Applicants must provide a CV, transcript or portfolio demonstrating understanding of timber-framed construction technologies.

• Ara may recognise relevant previous study or workplace learning towards the qualification.

• Additional equipment or course-related fees may be advised at enrolment.

• The programme's 2026 handbook and current online programme listing contain differences in course titles and codes. Applicants should request the current 2027 programme structure before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

The programme is listed by Ara as potentially available for a New Zealand study visa. International applicants intending to study full-time in Christchurch will generally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

Main visa requirements:

• An offer of place from Ara, an approved education provider.

• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the applicant has sufficient funds to pay them.

• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• Genuine intention to study.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient additional funds to purchase a ticket.

• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application cost: from NZD 850.

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

• Maximum visa duration: up to 4 years, depending on the course, paid study period and visa conditions.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before the intended travel date.

Living-funds requirement:

For tertiary-level study, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of:

• NZD 20,000 for each year of study if the course lasts one year or longer; or

• NZD 1,667 per month if the course lasts less than one year.

Evidence of funds may include:

• Recent bank statements showing account ownership and transaction history.

• Fixed-term deposit certificates.

• An acceptable education-loan sanction and disbursement arrangement.

• Scholarship award documentation.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions of the individual visa.

• Work permission is not automatic; students must check the work conditions printed on their visa.

• Students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.