Advance your understanding of the built environment
Study building construction and performance, project management, construction law, and the science of building materials to take the next step in your building science career.
You’ll learn about sustainability, construction law, managing facilities, and the relationship between buildings and their environment. Consider the role of tikanga and mātauranga Māori in architectural design and decision-making. You’ll also get a practical grounding in how buildings impact the natural world through their design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
You can use the PGDipCBSc as a pathway to Master’s-level study in construction or building science. Or, if you’re already working in the industry, it’s a great way to strengthen your expertise and stay up to date with best practice.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the PGDipCBSc if you have a Bachelor of Building Science, a Bachelor of Construction, or Bachelor of Architectural Studies, or equivalent, with at least a B average.
What you’ll learn
What you learn depends on your chosen major or specialisation.
Construction Advanced Technologies
This major focuses on 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
A major in Construction Health and Safety addresses the critical need for improved health and safety practices in the construction industry, focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety management.
Construction Law
A major in Construction Law will allow you to dive deep into the legal side of the construction industry. You’ll gain advanced expertise in contract law, Māori land law, and Indigenous land rights, while developing your knowledge of legal and dispute-resolution issues in the industry.
Construction Procurement and Logistics
A major in Construction Procurement and Logistics explores the complexities of construction procurement, contract management, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution.
Māori Land and Development
This major focuses 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.
Project Management
A major in Project Management will give you the skills you need to manage a construction project. These include:
- Contract Management
- Design Integration
- Performance Monitoring.
You’ll graduate up to date with the most advanced techniques and tools used to manage projects and built facilities.
Sustainable Engineering Systems
A major in Sustainable Engineering Systems will allow you to focus on developing energy- and resource-efficient systems for the built environment. You’ll learn about lighting, acoustics and ventilation. You’ll also learn how to evaluate the sustainability of existing buildings and facilities, with assessment systems used in New Zealand and worldwide.
How you’ll study
All 400-level BILD courses are taught in a block format. You’ll have intensive three-day blocks of classes every four weeks, giving you the flexibility to work part time or full time while you study.
Duration and workload
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week. Make sure you take this into account if you will be working while studying.
All 400-level BILD courses are taught in a block format. You’ll have intensive three-day blocks of classes every four weeks, giving you the flexibility to work part time or full time while you study.
Part-time study
Domestic students can choose to study part time.
A part-time student will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week.
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 PGDipCBSc shall have:
(i) completed a BBSc, BConst or BAS degree or an equivalent qualification, 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 programme director for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertCBSc
2. The course of study for the PGDipCBSc shall consist of 120 400-level points from the MBildSc, MConst or MConsLaw Schedule.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGDipCBSc shall normally be enrolled for at least two trimesters and shall complete the diploma within four years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Major subjects in the PGDipCBSc
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
PGDipCBSc subjects
Const Procurement & Logistics
Construction Advanced Technologies
Construction Health & Safety
Construction Law
Māori Land and Development
Project Management
Sustainable Engineering System
No matching majors found.
Future careers
The PGDipCBSc gives you the knowledge you need to progress your career in the design and development of our built environment.
You’ll be qualified to take on leadership roles in the construction and building performance and management sectors.
More career information
Find out more about careers in construction 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.
Specific scholarships
Scholarships in Construction and Building Science
-
Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...
-
To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
-
Applications are sought from those who are eligible at the time of application, or who will have become eligible by the start of Trimester 2 the following year, to enrol in a Master’s degree by thesis worth 90 points or more. Applicants undertaking a 180-point Master’s degree will not be eligible for this scholarship.
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.
Specific scholarships
John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship
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 in Construction and Building Science
-
Warren and Mahoney established this award in 2021 to support Māori and Pasifika students who have a passion for Architecture and Design. Warren and Mahoney wishes to support more diversity in the design profession, particularly Māori and Pasifika. In addition, this scholarship will provide opportunities for the student to build their skills and have closer ties to Warren and Mahoney...
-
To encourage postgraduate research in architecture, construction, building science, design, design technology and user experience at Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, the faculty offers scholarships to students about to begin a full-time master’s by research degree.
-
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.
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 study
If you extend your study by two more trimesters, you can complete the Master of Building Science (MBildSc).
If you choose to complete another trimester to graduate with the PGDipCBSc, you could then go on to enrol in the 12-month thesis-based Master of Construction and Building Science (Research).
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.