Boost your career in construction

Discover new opportunities and elevate your career trajectory with postgraduate study in Construction Law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Gain advanced expertise in legal and dispute-resolution issues in the building industry.

Add valuable knowledge to your skill set—whether you have a background as a lawyer, architect, surveyor, project manager, policy adviser, real estate developer, or remediation specialist.

Choose your study path

There are different ways that you can study Postgraduate Construction Law with us—legal focus or built environment focus.

Legal focus

If you have a background in law, you might want to study for one of the following qualifications:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law
  • Master of Construction Law.

Built environment focus

If you have a background in architecture or the built environment, you might consider studying for one of the following options:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science, majoring in Construction Law
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science, majoring in Construction Law
  • Master of Construction Law.

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.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Construction Law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Tiwhikete Paerunga mo te Hanga Whare

Postgraduate Certificate in Construction and Building Science / Te Tohu Pōkaitahi Tāura o te Mātai ā-Hanganga—PGCertCBSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Boost your expertise in building science and enhance your career prospects with a postgraduate qualification.
Duration
1 year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
21 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
4 Jul 2027
Tiwhikete Tohu Paerangi, Kawa Hanga Whare

Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law—PGCertConsLaw

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Advance your legal career with a short qualification tailored to construction law that can lead to Master’s study.
Duration
1 year
Location
Pipitea and Te Aro campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Tiwhikete Paerunga mo te Hanga Whare

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Building Science / Te Tohu Pōkairua Tāura o te Mātai ā-Hanganga—PGDipCBSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Broaden your knowledge of building science and open the door to Master’s level study.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
21 Feb 2027
Tohu Paerunga, Kawa Hanga Whare

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law—PGDipConsLaw

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Advance your legal career with a short qualification tailored to construction law, continue your study after a Certificate, or prepare to study for a Master’s.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Pipitea and Te Aro campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
Tohu Paerua mō te Kawa Hanga Whare

Master of Construction Law—MConsLaw

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Advance your legal or building industry career with a specialised Master’s degree tailored to working professionals.
Duration
1 year
Location
Te Aro campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
180
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Kairangi

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORATE
Study for a PhD to complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro, and Miramar Creative Centre campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

If you want to practise law

To work as a professional lawyer, you must have completed the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent.

Future careers

Studying Construction Law at a postgraduate level gives you a competitive edge in your future career. Whether you have a background as a lawyer, architect, surveyor, project manager, policy adviser, real estate developer, or remediation specialist—it will help you upskill.

If you’re a practising lawyer or a professional in the building industry, the MConsLaw is the ideal way to gain advanced expertise about legal and dispute-resolution issues in the industry.

If you focus on Architectural Studies you might specialise in a career in Building Science.

More career information

Find out more about careers.

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.

Scholarships for Architecture

  • Worth: $2,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

    This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...

  • Worth: $7,000 Closing: 31 October, 2026

    This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.

  • Worth: $10,000 Closing: 1 November, 2026

    This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.

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.

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

  • Worth: $2,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

    This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...

  • Worth: $5000 Closing: 1 November, 2026

    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...

  • Worth: $7,000 toward fees Closing: 1 November, 2026

    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.

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.

Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

Academic staff research areas

Daniel Brown

Professor of Design Studio

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.

Two smiling people facing each other across a table

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.

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū