Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Construction (Sustainable Built Environment) focuses on the theory and practical application of sustainability principles across the built-environment and construction lifecycle. Students examine how climate change, sustainability, zero-carbon objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals affect construction and the development, operation and maintenance of buildings.

Key areas include:

• Sustainable design and construction
• Green procurement
• Design for Excellence (DfX)
• Sustainable construction practices
• Zero-carbon buildings
• Energy-efficient building design
• Climate change and the construction industry
• Sustainable property development
• Constructability, operation and maintenance
• Research methods in the built environment.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Sustainable Built Environment specialisation requires at least 75 credits in the subject. The programme combines compulsory sustainability-related study with the wider Master of Construction research, coursework and elective requirements.

Key Sustainable Built Environment courses include:

• 127702 Sustainable Property Development – 15 credits
  Covers the theory and practice of sustainable property development.
• 218715 Sustainability and Climate Change for Construction Industry – 15 credits
  Examines climate change, sustainability principles and relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on their implications for the construction industry and opportunities for industry leadership.
• 218717 Research Methods in Built Environment – 15 credits
  Develops skills in literature analysis, research methodologies, data collection, data analysis and evaluation of research findings.
• 218769 Energy-Efficient Building Design – 15 credits
  Covers approaches to reducing energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings, energy and sustainability audits, renovation and retrofitting, and occupant behaviour.

The programme's Coursework pathway includes:

• 218714 Sustainable Buildings and Structures – 15 credits

This course covers sustainable design and construction strategies, green procurement, Design for Excellence, sustainable construction techniques, zero-carbon buildings, constructability, and operation and maintenance considerations.

The Thesis pathway includes:

• 218718 Advanced Research Methods in Built Environment – 15 credits

This develops advanced research skills including research proposal development, literature review, analytical processes and scientific reporting of research findings. It has 218717 Research Methods in Built Environment as a prerequisite.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Sustainable Built Environment

Massey's current Master of Construction also has other specialisations including:

• Construction Law
• Construction Project Management
• Digital Built Environment
• Quantity Surveying
• Without specialisation. 

Programme Highlights

• Master of Construction at NZQF level 9.
• Sustainable Built Environment specialisation.
• Auckland campus and distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Standard 180-credit pathway.
• 120-credit Advanced Entry pathway for eligible applicants.
• Coursework and Thesis pathways.
• Focus on zero-carbon and sustainable built environments.
• Study of climate change and sustainability across the construction lifecycle.
• Coverage of green procurement and Design for Excellence.
• Energy-efficient building design and sustainability auditing.
• Sustainable property development.
• Research methods and advanced built-environment research.
• Potential for research-oriented study through the Thesis pathway.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies potential demand for graduates with knowledge of how climate change and zero-carbon initiatives affect the built environment. Relevant employers and sectors include:

• Construction consultancy
• Engineering consultancy
• Public policy
• Government agencies
• Sustainable construction organisations
• Built-environment organisations
• Property and development organisations.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current programme page contains several important updates for prospective students:

• 120-credit Advanced Entry is available to specified applicants.
• The standard programme can be completed in 12–18 months depending on entry and study circumstances.
• Full-time students normally take 120 credits per year.
• Coursework students must achieve at least a B average over their first 60 credits to progress from Part One to Part Two.
• Thesis students must achieve at least a B+ average over their first 60 credits to progress.
• Research-pathway applicants must submit a research-interest summary of no more than 200 words.
• Applicants using professional experience as part of their admission basis must provide a CV covering at least the previous five years.
• Official transcripts are required for previous study completed outside Massey. 

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student who will physically study this programme in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another visa category applies.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence of the ability to leave New Zealand when required.