Build the future
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, 1-year programme is designed for construction professionals and graduates of architecture-related degrees who are ready for their next step.
You’ll develop expertise in project management, sustainability, and cutting-edge tools like 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.
Lead the transformation
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.
$1 trillion
The amount of infrastructure spending needed in New Zealand over the next 30 years (NZ Infrastructure Commission report)
What you'll learn
Choose one of the following four subjects.
Construction Advanced Technologies
Explore the use of cutting-edge technologies—such as virtual reality, augmented reality, AI, BIM/digital twins, robotics, drones, modular construction, and 3D printing—to optimise construction processes and promote sustainability.
Construction Health and Safety
Address the critical need for safer worksites by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety management in the construction industry.
Construction Procurement and Logistics
Examine the complexities of construction procurement, contract management, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution.
Māori Land and Development
Focus on the cultural and legal considerations involved in developing Māori land, embracing mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and tikanga (Māori customs and protocols) into construction techniques and practices.
How you'll study
You can complete the 180-point Master of Construction in 1 year of full-time study (three trimesters) or up to 3 years of part-time study.
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.
Duration and workload
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week and you’ll complete your Master’s in 1 year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you will be working while studying.
Work while you study
The block teaching format means you can study part time or full time while working. Block teaching delivers courses in concentrated blocks of time, for three days every four weeks. This approach allows you to balance work with study.
Related study options
Along with the Master of Construction, we offer three other postgraduate qualifications in Construction. Choose the one that suits your career goals and availability.
Master of Construction and Building Science (Research)
The 120-point MCBSc(Res) thesis programme focuses on self-directed research. Before enrolling in this 1-year research thesis, you need to have completed the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science.
Shorter qualifications
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.
Why Wellington
Government agencies
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
- Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)
- Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme (LBP)
- New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga)
- Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID).
Public Research Organisations
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right supervisor.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university 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 MConst degree shall have:
(i) completed a BBSc, BConst or BAS degree or equivalent, with an average grade of at least B; 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 Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation for a candidate who has practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MConst
2. (a) The course of study for the MConst shall consist of courses worth at least 180 points, including:
Part 1: Research Methods for Construction and Building Science / Ngā Tikanga Rangahau o te Pūtaiao ā-Hanganga (BILD 491), one of (Construction Economics and Project Management / Ōhanga ā-Waihanga me te Whakahaere Kaupapa (BILD 402), Construction Procurement, Risk and Contract Administration (BILD 403), Building Code Compliance / Ngā Ture Whakaruruhau (SARC 464)); 60 further points from one of the major requirements in section 5.
Part 2: (i) Practicum in Construction and Building Science / Wheako ā-Mahi i te Ao Pūtaiao ā-Hanganga (BILD 581) or 582; and
(ii) 30 further points at 400- or 500-level from ARCI, BILD, CONM, DSDN, HLWB, INTA, LAND, LAWS, MDDN, PLAN, SARC or SIDN courses.
(b) Entry to Part 2 (i) requires completion of Part 1 with at least a B average, or permission of the head of school.
(c) With the head of school’s permission, a candidate may replace Part 2 with Construction Research Thesis / Tuhinga Whakapae Rangahau ā-Hanganga (CONM 590).
(d) With the permission of the Associate Dean, a candidate who has completed a relevant Honours degree, or equivalent qualification at an appropriate standard, may cross credit or transfer credit courses worth up to 60 points of the required courses at 400 level.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters, and complete the degree within three years of first enrolling. The Associate Dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Note: A student who does not complete the MConst may be able to transfer the courses to a Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science or Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science. Refer to the PGCertCBSc and PGDipCBSc regulations.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertCBSc or PGDipCBSc shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the MConst.
Major subjects in the MConst
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.
Subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
MConst subjects
Const Procurement & Logistics
Construction Advanced Technologies
Construction Health & Safety
Māori Land and Development
No matching majors found.
Future careers
The Master of Construction can open up career opportunities across a 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.
More career information
Find out more about careers in architecture and building science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more 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.
Some relevant scholarships
Scholarships for Architecture, Construction, and Building Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Scholarships for international students
We are 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.
Some relevant scholarships
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, Construction, and Building Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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
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:
- Building Institute Aotearoa
- Chartered Institute of Building
- Building Officials Institute NZ
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
You could also take an industry-specific training programme to gain specialised skills in areas like sustainable construction, BIM, or construction law.
Study for a PhD in Construction
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a PhD.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Wellington School of Business and Government.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Research areas
Our School of Architecture academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.