Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop specialised construction-management skills to support progression into senior roles in the construction industry.

• Extend existing technical, applied and legal knowledge of construction.

• Learn to improve construction-project productivity and advise on appropriate construction methodologies throughout a project's lifecycle.

• Develop the ability to work collaboratively with professionals from other construction-related disciplines.

• Critically review construction-industry practices and take responsibility for professional practice.

• Complete an industry-related applied project to develop research, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Build knowledge in planning, quality, programming, site management, complex construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Suitable for degree-qualified construction professionals, including architectural technologists and civil engineers, who want to change or advance their career pathway.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme combines construction-management theory, technical knowledge, professional practice and applied project work.

Ara publishes the following course list:

Level 6 courses:

- Planning and Quality – BCPQ605, 15 credits.

• Planning and quality management in construction.

• Project planning and quality-related practices.

- Programming – BCPR604, 15 credits.

• Construction project programming.

• Scheduling and coordination of construction activities.

- Site Management – BCSM606, 15 credits.

• Construction-site management.

• Site operations and management practices.

Level 7 courses:

- Design Construction Integration – BCDI700, 15 credits.

• Integration of design and construction processes.

• Coordination between construction-related disciplines.

- Complex Construction – BMCC700, 15 credits.

• Complex construction projects and their management.

• Technical and practical considerations in complex building work.

- Applied Project – GDAP701, 15 credits.

• Applied research and project work.

• Critical thinking and practical application of construction-management knowledge.

• Industry-related project experience.

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

• Building Information Modelling coordination.

• 4D and 5D construction planning and coordination.

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

• Construction codes and standards.

• Professional and industry practices.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme is within Ara's Architecture and Construction Management study area.

Its main disciplines and technical areas include:

• Construction management.

• Construction planning and programming.

• Construction quality management.

• Site management.

• Design and construction integration.

• Complex construction.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Construction codes, standards and professional practices.

• Applied construction research and project work.

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 graduate diploma.

• 120 credits.

• One-year full-time duration.

• Part-time study available for up to four years.

• Christchurch Madras Street campus location.

• Designed for graduates with a construction or engineering background.

• Covers both Level 6 and Level 7 construction-management courses.

• Includes planning, programming and site management.

• Develops knowledge of complex construction and design-construction integration.

• Includes BIM 4D and 5D coordination.

• Covers construction codes, standards and professional practices.

• Includes an applied project to develop research and critical-thinking skills.

• Provides a pathway to further postgraduate study in construction management, project management or building science.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following potential career opportunities:

• Construction Manager.

• Residential Site Manager.

• Commercial Site Manager.

• Residential Project Manager.

• Commercial Project Manager.

• Building Inspector.

• Construction Management Academic.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The next published intake is 15 February 2027.

• A further intake is listed for 19 July 2027.

• The programme is offered at Madras Street Campus, Christchurch.

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

• Applicants need a relevant construction- or engineering-related bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• A CV, transcript or portfolio must demonstrate understanding of timber-framed construction technologies.

• Alternative entry may be considered through relevant study, work or life experience.

• Credit recognition may reduce the number of courses required, subject to Ara's assessment.

• Additional equipment or programme-related fees may apply and are advised at enrolment.

• Ara's programme listing states that the qualification may be available for a New Zealand study visa.

• Ara's international fee information warns that fees are subject to change.

International Student Visa Requirements

The programme is a one-year, full-time Level 7 graduate diploma and is listed by Ara as potentially available for a New Zealand study visa.

International students intending to study on campus in Christchurch will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Main visa requirements:

• An Offer of Place from Ara, an approved education provider.

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

• Evidence of sufficient living funds, or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa fee and processing information:

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

• Maximum visa duration: up to four years, depending on the course and individual circumstances.

• Immigration New Zealand's current search listing reports that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. Processing times can change, and some applications take longer.

• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages students to apply at least three months before their intended travel date.

• The visa is normally issued for the period of study paid for, subject to passport validity and immigration approval.

Living-funds requirement:

For tertiary study lasting one year or more, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of:

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

• An acceptable alternative form of financial support or sponsorship.

Work rights:

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

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays may be permitted, depending on the conditions printed on the student's visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student or programme; students must check their individual eVisa conditions.

• Ara's full-time programme is 120 credits, but students should not assume that this alone guarantees full-time holiday work rights. Immigration New Zealand's rules and the student's actual visa conditions apply.

 Post-study work considerations:

• Completion of a Level 7 graduate diploma does not automatically guarantee a Post Study Work Visa.

• Eligibility depends on the qualification, study duration, location and the current Immigration New Zealand rules for eligible qualifications.

• Students should check the current Post Study Work Visa eligibility list before relying on post-study work as a future pathway.