Master of Construction

The Master of Construction prepares you to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges—meeting housing demand, driving infrastructure growth, and building climate resilience—while mastering the technologies transforming the industry. This 180-point, one-year programme is designed for construction professionals and graduates of architecture-related degrees who are ready to take the next step. Through the Master of Construction, you’ll develop expertise in project management, sustainability, and cutting-edge tools such as AI, VR, robotics, drones, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). You’ll graduate with the technical know-how and strategic insight to deliver projects of any scale and help shape the future of construction. Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector is entering a period of rapid growth. Housing output needs to double, and $1 trillion in infrastructure investment is needed over the next 30 years. Meeting the challenge—while adapting to climate change—calls for innovative solutions and skilled leaders. Master of Construction graduates will be at the forefront, bringing expertise in construction management, health and safety, and sustainable practice to lead the transformation. In the Master of Construction, you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, seminars, and critique sessions. This approach is designed to build both your technical expertise and your practical insight. Courses are delivered in flexible formats—face-to-face, block mode, or blended—with extra resources available anytime through an online learning platform. There are four qualifications available in postgraduate Construction. Choose the one that suits your career goals and availability. The 180-point MConst is a one-year professional programme that combines taught courses and a 60-point research project or Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practicum. The 120-point MCBSc(Res) thesis programme focuses on self-directed research. Before enrolling in this one-year research thesis, you need to have completed the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science. The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science (PGCertCBSc) and the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (PGDipCBSc) are great options for people already working in the industry who want to study part-time to increase their knowledge. Wellington has a thriving construction sector, with leading companies, consultancies, property developers, the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), and government agencies all based in the city. Through strong links with industry leaders, the Master of Construction programme connects you to internships, placements, and research opportunities that prepare you for the next step in your career. These organisations offer valuable career opportunities for graduates and often collaborate with the programme on research projects. Wellington is also home to Public Research Organisations such as GNS Science, NIWA, and Scion, which bring expertise in areas vital to the construction sector. These institutes offer potential opportunities to engage in collaborative teaching or research projects. The Master of Construction can open up career opportunities across a wide range of organisations—from construction companies, project management consultancies, and property developers to government agencies, engineering companies and offsite design and delivery firms. Careers will increasingly combine construction expertise with digital innovation, sustainability leadership, and strategic management. If you’re interested in a career in building surveying or project management, we recommend studying for a Master of Building Science. After you graduate with a Master of Construction, you could further enhance your career prospects by pursuing a professional certification from an organisation such as the Building Institute Aotearoa, Chartered Institute of Buildi