Become a building scientist
The Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree that explores how buildings and the built environment work.
Studying for this degree, you’ll gain technical knowledge and practical skills across a range of areas relevant to the building industry.
As Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading Building Science programme, the BBSc prepares you for the growing demand in the building and construction industry. You’ll study how people interact with the built environment and how to create buildings that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.
What you’ll learn
In the BBSc, you’ll learn about project management, technology, sustainability, materials, and design. You’ll gain both technical knowledge and practical skills.
Year breakdown
First year
Your first year will give you a solid understanding of the built environment and all the areas related to it. You’ll study four core introductory courses, along with courses for up to two majors—or one major and two minors.
The core courses will introduce you to:
- sustainability in the designed environment
- design communication
- built environment technology
- environmental design sciences.
Depending on your selection of majors, you may also be able to add elective courses. Electives can be chosen from Building Science, Construction, Architectural Studies, or an entirely different area of study.
Second year
In your second year, you’ll take two core courses while also honing your skills in your selected major or majors.
In your core courses, you'll look more closely at areas like:
- structural systems
- building materials and construction
- sustainable systems.
Third year
Through your third year, you’ll deepen your understanding of building science and your major.
You’ll learn about:
- building compliance
- construction law
- professional practice.
By the end of your third year, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to begin your career in the building industry.
Global recognition
Our Building Surveying and Project Management majors are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a globally recognised mark of quality in the built environment.
This accreditation gives our graduates a competitive edge, connecting your degree to international standards and career opportunities worldwide.
Build your degree
The Bachelor of Building Science is incredibly flexible—both in the degree itself and in the way it overlaps with the related Bachelor of Construction (BConst).
The BBSc has five majors, with each major focusing on a different area:
- Building Surveying
- Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
- Project Management
- Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
- Sustainable Engineering Systems
Second major
If you want to broaden your studies and add a second major, you can add another one of the BBSc majors. Or you can choose from these three majors in the BConst:
- Construction Health and Safety
- Construction Management
- Sustainable Construction.
You can even choose a second, ‘outside’ major from another degree offered at this University—this may need to be approved.
Find out more about your study options, how long it takes to complete them, and what kind of other subjects you could major in. Our page on flexible study offers specifics on what subjects are available as a double major from an ‘outside’ degree.
Adding a minor—or two
All eight majors in the BBSc and BConst can also be taken as a minor—a minor has about half the course load of a major.
Instead of taking a second major in your BBSc, you can complement your first major with two minors. Either way, you can focus on the two or three areas that are most relevant to you.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Get accepted into this degree
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:
A New Zealand university entrance qualification or equivalent.
Degree requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the BBSc
For this degree you'll need to complete at least 360 points, of which:
- At least 270 points must be from courses listed for the BBSc, Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), or Bachelor of Construction (BConst)
- At least 210 points must be at 200 and 300 level
- Of the 210 points, at least 180 points must be from courses listed for the BBSc, BAS, or BConst
- Of those 180 points, at least 90 points must be at 300 level
- Of the 210 points, at least 180 points must be from courses listed for the BBSc, BAS, or BConst
Complete four courses at 100 level:
- Introduction to Built Environment Technology / He Tīmatanga Kōrero mō Ngā Whare Hangahanga (SARC 121)
- Introduction to Environmental Design Sciences / He Timatanga Kōrero mō te Taiao Hoahoa (SARC 122)
- Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment / He Timatanga Kōrero mō Te Whakaora i Te Taiao Hangahanga (SARC 131)
- Introduction to Design Communication / He Timatanga Kōrero mō Te Mahi Ngātahi i Te Ao Whakarākei (SARC 161)
Complete two courses at 200 level:
- Structural Systems for Building Science / Te Whakamahinga o nga Rauemi mo Hanga putaiao (BILD 222)
- Building Materials and Construction / Te Waihanga me ngā Momo Rauemi (SARC 221)
Complete three courses at 300 level:
- Building Code Compliance / Ngā Ture Whakaruruhau (BILD 364)
- Construction / Te Mahi Waihanga (SARC 321)
- Introduction to Practice and Management / He Tīmatanga Kōrero mō Te Mahi me Te Whakahaere (SARC 362)
You also need to meet the requirements for at least one major subject.
Majors in the Bachelor of Building Science
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.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
BBSc subjects
Building Surveying
Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
Project Management
Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
Sustainable Engineering System
No matching majors found.
Minor requirements
Add another dimension to your degree by choosing an optional minor. Many subjects from other degrees at this university are available as minors.
Some subjects are available only as minors—not majors. While most minors require 60 points at 200- and 300-level, there are a few minors with specific requirements.
Minor subjects and requirements
Start planning your study Start planning your study
Use the tiles to find out how you could include the selected minor in your degree. Not all major and minor combinations are available, so talk to us before you lock down your plan of study.
BBSc minor subjects
Artificial Intelligence
Banking
Brain Sciences & Mental Health
Building Surveying
Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
Business Ethics and Sustainability Management
Cognitive Science
Composition
Computer Graphics and Games
Construction Health & Safety
Construction Management
Criminal Justice & Psychology
Game Design
Geographic Information Science
Health Policy and Innovation
History
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studies
Kaitiakitanga
Language Sciences
Māori Psychology
Marketing
Marketing Communication
Mental Health Principles and Applications
Performance
Photographics
Project Management
Psychological Science
Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
Space Science
Sustainable Construction
Sustainable Engineering System
Work and Organisational Psychology
21 of 32 minor subjects shown
Change filtersNo matching minors found.
Two related degrees
We offer two closely related degrees: the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) and Bachelor of Construction (BConst). Which one is right for you?
If you want to focus on the science and technology of buildings—and the mechanics behind how buildings work and perform—then the BBSc will be a good match for you.
If you want to focus more on managing construction projects from start to finish—including safety, planning, and sustainability—then the BConst will be a better fit for you.
Future careers
With the challenges of climate change and rapidly shifting demographics, there is an urgent need for building science professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand.
After you graduate, you could go into the construction, building, or engineering sectors. You will likely start out as a:
- graduate project manager
- BIM (building information management) coordinator
- building service coordinator
- building review officer
- project coordinator,
In the future, you could progress into management or senior roles, such as project lead or policy lead.
More career information
Find out more about careers in 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 first-year and school-leaver 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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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
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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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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Architecture
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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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.
Postgraduate study
If you complete the Bachelor of Building Science and want to continue your studies at postgraduate level, we offer a range of options.
You’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
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.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.