Why Study / Key Benefits

Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Sustainable Built Environment) focuses on applying sustainability principles to the entire built-environment and construction lifecycle. It is particularly relevant to graduates from construction, quantity surveying, architecture, property, engineering and related disciplines.

Key benefits include:

• Develops advanced understanding of sustainable design and construction.
• Covers climate-change impacts and mitigation in construction.
• Introduces green-building practices and zero-carbon approaches.
• Examines sustainability principles and relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develops knowledge that can be applied across different stages of construction projects.
• Includes research-methods training that can support progression to further postgraduate study.
• Provides a pathway toward Massey’s research-based Master of Construction for eligible graduates.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification is a 120-credit postgraduate diploma. For the Sustainable Built Environment endorsement, students must complete at least 75 credits from the designated endorsement schedule.

Current courses listed by Massey include:

• 127702 Sustainable Property Development – 15 credits. Covers the theory and practice of sustainable property development.
• 218714 Sustainable Buildings and Structures – 15 credits. Covers sustainable design and construction strategies, green procurement, Design for Excellence (DfX), construction techniques, zero-carbon buildings, constructability, operation and maintenance.
• 218715 Sustainability and Climate Change for Construction Industry – 15 credits. Covers climate change, sustainability principles, UN Sustainable Development Goals and their implications for the construction industry.
• 218717 Research Methods in Built Environment – 15 credits. Develops literature-analysis and synthesis skills, research methodologies, data collection, data analysis and evaluation of research findings.
• 218730 Construction Project Management – 15 credits. Covers advanced construction project-management principles and practice. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The specialisation is:

• Sustainable Built Environment

The wider Postgraduate Diploma in Construction has other endorsements, including:

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

Programme Highlights

• 120-credit postgraduate qualification.
• NZQF Level 8.
• One year full-time.
• Auckland campus and distance/online study.
• February and July intakes listed in Massey's international prospectus.
• Specialisation in Sustainable Built Environment.
• Focus on climate change, sustainable construction and zero-carbon approaches.
• Covers green procurement and sustainable building practices.
• Includes UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to the built environment.
• Includes research-methods training.
• Can support progression to the Master of Construction.
• Open to international students studying on campus in New Zealand or online outside New Zealand.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies career opportunities in areas where organisations need knowledge of climate change, zero-carbon initiatives and sustainable construction.

Potential employment areas include:

• Construction consulting
• Engineering consulting
• Public policy
• Government agencies
• Sustainable construction
• Built-environment consultancy
• Sustainability-related construction roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current Massey programme page confirms:

• Auckland and distance/online delivery.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• 120-credit qualification.
• Full-time study load of 120 credits per year.
• February and July starts are listed in the latest available international prospectus.
• The Sustainable Built Environment endorsement requires at least 75 credits from the relevant endorsement schedule.
• Some courses have restrictions or prerequisites.
• Block courses, workshops, tutorials or laboratories may be required where specified by the qualification/course regulations.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students physically studying this qualification in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Show sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or have an applicable scholarship.
• Show sufficient funds for living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements where applicable.
• Demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.