Develop your building science and construction skills
If you plan to work in construction or a related field—or are already doing so—this graduate certificate is a great way to bring your construction and building science knowledge up to date.
You’ll learn about the latest construction processes and building technology, and how to incorporate the principles of energy efficiency, lighting, and acoustics into construction. You’ll also learn about project management—how to organise teams, plan the construction process, and manage contractors and construction sites.
Choose from a range of new courses to build the qualification you need. You’ll graduate with a recognised qualification to advance your career or prepare you for further study.
Who can study for this qualification
The GCertCBSc builds on your background in architecture, construction, building science, engineering, or environmental science.
It suits you if you are:
- already working in construction or building consultancy and need a short, focused qualification to bring your expertise up to date
- interested in postgraduate-level study, such as with the Master of Building Science or the Master of Construction, and need a preparatory qualification first.
To enrol, you need a relevant Bachelor’s degree, such as a BAS, BBSc, or BConst.
What you’ll learn
The Graduate Certificate gives you the flexibility to deepen your knowledge in an area of expertise or develop foundational skills in a new area.
Choose from a wide range of courses to build a unique programme of study, or focus on one of eight distinct specialist areas.
Specialist subject areas
Each specialist area requires you to take four courses in addition to the programme requirements.
Building Surveying
Help build homes and larger properties that are safe, efficient, and resilient. Understand New Zealand building codes, regulations, and standards. Identify and assess common building defects, and develop skills to evaluate and implement sustainable building practices.
Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
Understand heritage conservation principles and practices to preserve our architectural treasures and natural wonders. You’ll learn the art and science of conservation by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques.
Construction Health and Safety
Learn to apply the principles behind health and safety and learn to apply them in the construction industry. Learn how to promote a strong safety culture and advocate for the wellbeing of construction workers. Become an expert in safety issues related to hazardous materials, fire, excavation, and electrical equipment.
Construction Management
Learn to lead and manage complex construction projects—from skyscrapers to sustainable community housing. Get thorough knowledge of New Zealand’s building codes and regulations for compliance. Learn how new technologies boost innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the industry.
Project Management
Learn to balance people, time, finances, and laws to make sure construction projects flow smoothly. Gain skills in contract management and effective communication to manage projects. Learn to navigate construction and environmental law, and understand issues around supply, demand, and competition.
Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
Shape the future of our cities. Use digital technologies like AI, digital twins, and virtual reality to design intelligent buildings and infrastructure. Learn to plan, design, and manage the building of smart-built environments.
Sustainable Construction
Contribute to a more sustainable future—learn to incorporate sustainable practices into construction methods to create environmentally responsible and socially conscious buildings.
Sustainable Engineering Systems
Gain the practical, theoretical, and technical knowledge to design sustainable buildings. Study topics like energy-efficient systems, materials science, life-cycle analysis, and energy performance modelling.
Skills for the future of the construction industry
Whichever study options you choose, our courses cover key emerging technologies in the sector, such as:
- artificial intelligence
- virtual reality
- robotics
- drones
- building information modelling
- building performance simulation.
How you’ll study
You’ll complete this 60-point certificate over one trimester of full-time study, or two trimesters if you’re a domestic student studying part time.
Classes are a mix of face-to-face, blended learning (online and in person), and block format.
Duration and workload
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week.
A longer qualification
If you want a longer, more comprehensive qualification that you can still fit into your schedule, a Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science (GDipCBSc) might suit you best. You’ll choose eight courses instead of four and complete the Diploma in two trimesters of full-time study.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the GCertCBSc shall have:
(i) completed a BAS, BBSc, or BConst degree or an equivalent qualification; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the head of school for a candidate who has practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the GCertCBSc
2. (a) The personal course of study for the GCertCBSc shall consist of a coherent programme of study approved by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation on the recommendation of the head of school. Except as provided in (b), it shall include at least 60 points from courses listed on the BAS, BBSc, BConst, BDI, MArch(Prof), MBildSc, MConst, MConsLaw, MIA, MLA or MURPlan schedules, of which at least 45 points shall be in courses numbered 300 or above.
(b) At the discretion of the Associate Dean, up to 15 points in the GCertCBs may be replaced with approved courses from other programmes offered at this university.
3. (a) A candidate for the GCertCBSc shall be enrolled for at least one trimester and shall complete the requirements of the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The Associate Dean may extend the maximum period in (a) in special cases.
Specialisation requirements
Each of the eight specialist areas requires you to take four courses in addition to the qualification requirements.
Specialisation subjects and requirements
Explore your subject options below.
GCertCBSc subjects
Building Surveying
Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
Construction Health & Safety
Construction Management
Project Management
Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
Sustainable Construction
Sustainable Engineering System
No matching majors found.
Why Wellington
Wellington is a great place to study Construction and Building Science. New Zealand’s capital city accounts for a large share of national construction employment.
Thanks to Wellington’s geographical, climatic, and other challenges, you can expand your skills in building structures that withstand earthquakes, high winds, and flooding. You’ll apply locally developed building technology principles, and combine these with traditional knowledge and sustainable techniques.
And once you graduate, Wellington’s concentration of central government and regulatory bodies also offers unique opportunities for policy and regulatory careers unavailable in other cities.
Future careers
More career information
Find out more about careers in building science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, also offers information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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These scholarships are for students of Pasifika ethnicity from Porirua or surrounding areas who are enrolling or intending to enrol in an undergraduate course in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We’re currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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These scholarships are for students of Pasifika ethnicity from Porirua or surrounding areas who are enrolling or intending to enrol in an undergraduate course in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further research or study
You can complete the GCertCBSc on its own as a professional graduate qualification, or extend your study by one trimester to complete the Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science.
Graduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science
From there, you could go on to postgraduate study in one of our related Master’s degrees.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.