Make a difference every day
Construction Health and Safety is about protecting people and helping projects succeed.
In this subject, you’ll learn how to spot risks before accidents happen, create safer workplaces, and support the wellbeing of construction teams. From towering buildings to major infrastructure projects, you’ll play a critical role in shaping a safer future for New Zealand.
Explore how modern construction uses data, digital tools, and smart planning to reduce risks and improve wellbeing. You’ll learn how to solve real-world challenges while helping create healthier, safer, and more productive workplaces.
What you’ll learn
Over three years, the Construction Health and Safety major includes these courses:
First year:
- Construction Health, Safety and Wellbeing (CONM 112)
- Introduction to Health and Wellbeing (HLWB 101)
- Population and Community Approaches to Health and Wellbeing (HLWB 102)
Second year:
- Managing Workplace Risk, Health and Safety: Decision-making Amidst Ambiguity (HLWB 207)
- Fire Safety Design (SARC 224)
Third year:
Choose your study path
You can study Construction Health and Safety in one of two degrees: the Bachelor of Construction (BConst) or the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc).
- In the BConst, you can take this subject as your first or second major. You can also take it as a minor subject.
- In the BBSc, you can take Construction Health and Safety as a second major, along with one of the majors from the BBSc.
Over the three years of your Bachelor’s degree, you’ll balance core courses with specialised courses in Construction Health and Safety.
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.
Conjoint degrees
You may be able to do a conjoint degree—combining your BConst or BBSc with another degree. This will take less time than completing two degrees separately. For instance, you might combine your BConst with the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Construction Health and Safety at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A degree with a major in Construction Health and Safety could lead to the following jobs:
- construction safety manager
- occupational health and safety officer
- risk management consultant
- safety auditor
- wellbeing officer.
More career information
Find out more about careers in construction.
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.
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 offer 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.
Further study
After completing a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Construction Health and Safety, you can continue your studies at postgraduate level. We offer advanced courses in Construction Health and Safety.
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.
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.