Start Date
February
July

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHCN

SATAC Code
414021 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 78.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 78.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Study South Australia’s only fully accredited undergraduate construction management honours degree1.
  • Interact and collaborate with new technologies including building information modelling and immersive virtual reality.
  • Benefit from curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as smart cities and artificial intelligence in construction.
  • Study at a university with over 30 years’ experience in construction management education.
  • Benefit from our well-established partnerships and alliances with industry.
  • Learn from highly experienced teaching staff including construction management professionals employed in industry.
  • Enjoy flexible learning opportunities online, at our city campus or a combination of both.
  • Gain valuable, relevant work experience through our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program that allows you to tailor your experience to your career goals.
  • Apply for corporate membership with the Australian Institute of Building, the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (Level 1), the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and/or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (UK).

1Refer to professional accreditation and recognition.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Modern construction is a complex, innovative and highly organised commercial industry dealing with large capital investments and increasingly influenced by technology and environmental considerations – including green and smart building practices.

Heavily reliant on sophisticated construction techniques, highly skilled labour and real-time information systems, the industry needs experienced, adaptable leaders, particularly for large-scale projects.

As the only fully accredited honours degree in construction management in South Australia1, this program will prepare you to take on leadership and managerial roles in the growing construction industry, with employment across the industry increasing nationwide by almost 10% over the past five years2.

You will benefit from our long-standing history in construction management education with significant opportunities to gain real-world experience and engage with industry through placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits and networking events, totalling at least 450 hours, from your first year of study. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.

To find out more about the UniSA and Master Builders Association of South Australia collaboration, click here.

1Refer to professional accreditation and recognition
2Australian Industry and Skills Committee 2020

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You will study core areas of construction including law, management, communication, materials and business, and use digital tools for data driven decision making and productivity. These will give you an excellent understanding of the role of a construction professional.

You’ll also study more complex fields such as quantity surveying, building surveying, contract administration, development regulation, development economics and fire engineering.

In your honours year, you will choose two out of the following three specialisations, which will lead to recognition by different accrediting bodies:

  • quantity surveying
  • building surveying
  • construction management

and complete a major research project in your specialisation of interest.

The honours program is a higher-level qualification, ensuring you have a competitive advantage above and beyond the knowledge, skills and experience gained throughout your studies.

You will graduate career ready by completing the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program where you will gain 450+ hours of experience through a range of engagement activities, such as industry placements, internships, guest lectures, panel discussions, site visits, networking opportunities and events. You will get full exposure to industry, real workplace settings, the latest insights, and the chance to build your professional contacts.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Introduction to Contract Administration BUIL 2019 4.5
Construction 1 CIVE 1001 4.5
Introduction to Construction Management BUIL 1007 4.5
Construction Communication BUIL 1021 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Construction Materials CIVE 1003 4.5
Introduction to Construction Business Management BUIL 1023 4.5
Structures 1 CIVE 1002 4.5
University Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Quantity Surveying Practice 1 BUIL 1022 4.5
Contract Administration BUIL 3010 4.5
Construction 2 CIVE 2002 4.5
Structures 2 CIVE 2004 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Building Estimating BUIL 2018 4.5
Construction Cost Planning BUIL 2021 4.5
Construction Scheduling BUIL 2007 4.5
Building Services CIVE 2007 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Development Regulation BUIL 4028 4.5
Project Appraisal BUIL 3011 4.5
Construction Environmental Science CIVE 2008 4.5
Building Surveying CIVE 3012 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Construction Operations and Safety BUIL 3021 4.5
Advanced Contract Administration BUIL 3020 4.5
Fire Technology BUIL 4029 4.5
Construction 3 CIVE 3014 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Engineering Honours Project A ENGG 4009 4.5 Note(s): 2
Integrated Project BUIL 4027 4.5 Note(s): 2
and two of the following three specialisation courses Rule(s): 2
Quantity Surveying Specialisation:
Quantity Surveying Practice 2 BUIL 4021 4.5 Note(s): 2
Building Surveying Specialisation:
Asset Management and Building Pathology CIVE 4033 4.5 Note(s): 2
Construction Management Specialisation:
Construction Business Management BUIL 4012 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Construction Management Honours Research Project CIVE 4044 9 Note(s): 2
Industry Experience BUIL 4037 0 Rule(s): 1,3
and two of the following three specialisation courses Rule(s): 2
Quantity Surveying Specialisation:
Advanced Quantity Surveying BUIL 4022 4.5 Note(s): 2
Building Surveying Specialisation:
Advanced Building Surveying CIVE 4032 4.5 Note(s): 2
Construction Management Specialisation:
Advanced Construction Management BUIL 4013 4.5 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • industry-relevant, research-based projects
  • practical, team-based projects

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours.

The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.

You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year is designed to prepare you for future leadership roles in the construction industry.

Why Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)

Why this Degree

The Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) is the only fully accredited honours degree in construction management in South Australia1, with your honours year allowing you to specialise and achieve recognition from numerous accrediting bodies. This presents diverse career opportunities in construction management, quantity surveying and building surveying.

Informed by research, strengthened with industry input and taught by experienced professionals, you will be educated in contemporary theory, practice and technology, including building information modelling, thermal modelling software and immersive virtual reality. This will prepare you to operate as an adaptable professional, rapidly learning new skills and evolving with advancements in technology and sustainable building practices.

These skills are highly valued by employers. Not only will you learn the theory, but you will spend a significant portion of time in professional environments gaining first-hand experience in its application to real-world settings.

Many of our students are successful in gaining employment within the construction industry prior to completing their degree, with flexible learning opportunities via face-to-face learning at our City East campus, online platforms or a mixture of both enabling your to tailor your studies to your work and lifestyle.

1Refer to professional accreditation and recognition.

Real-world connections

The Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) has been informed by research and developed with input from industry to ensure it is firmly in-step with industry needs. It is proudly taught by academics with strong industry associations, with our educators bringing their personal knowledge and experience into the classroom, in addition to the relevant theory.

In collaboration with the Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management research concentration, our educators are actively involved in research into:

  • smart infrastructure and built environments
  • sustainable materials, sustainable operation of built assets, smart maintenance, demolition waste management and reverse logistics
  • human factors for construction safety and the usability of built environments for an ageing society

with their research directly informing the program of study, particularly in areas such as smart cities and artificial intelligence in construction.

You will have the chance to build your own industry networks and connections through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program offering placement opportunities as well as internships, site visits, industry panels, guest lectures and networking events.

We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Hear from Edward Holmes, Construction Management student

Edward Holmes talks about his experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) where he had the opportunity to go on a study tour to South Korea.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

The Australian construction industry is enormous, and growing, currently generating over $360 billion in revenue and producing around 9% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP). Employing over 1 million people, the industry is projected to have an annual growth rate of 2.4% over the next five years1.

Our graduates have found work with major construction companies in Adelaide and around Australia, including Sarah Constructions Pty Ltd, Rider Levett Bucknall, Pascale Construction Pty Ltd, McMahon Services Australia, Synergy Construct and Kennett Pty Ltd.

You may choose to pursue a career as a:

  • construction manager: overseeing and allocating resources for construction projects; working with architects and engineers to check construction documentation both digital and paper based; managing timetables; determining material and labour costs; liaising with and hiring subcontractors and workers
  • building surveyor: providing oversight of the construction process from start-to-finish to ensure legislative compliance, building safety, energy efficiency and accessibility; influencing design, planning and functionality of buildings; completing inspections; issuing permits / certificates upon completion
  • quantity surveyor: calculating and monitoring construction costs for residential, commercial or industrial buildings and infrastructure from the planning phase, through to project completion
  • estimator: compiling cost estimates based on variables such as labour, materials and equipment; working out how much a project is likely to cost and creating budgets; analysing different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers
  • construction planner: developing time plans on construction projects so the project is completed safely, on time and within budget; thinking critically; working with managers and engineers to discuss progress and address issues that arise; organising the stages of construction development
  • site manager: overseeing work on construction sites; making sure work is completed safely, on time and on budget; liaising with architects, surveyors and builders; monitoring the project to ensure resourcing and materials are sufficient
  • contract administrator: managing relationships with clients, vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure contracts are accurate, compliant and efficient, laws and regulations are understood and contract terms are followed.

1Australian Industry and Skills Committee 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is recognised as meeting the educational requirements for corporate membership with AIBS for graduates who have completed the Building Surveying specialisation.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (UK) (RICS): The program is recognised as meeting the educational requirement for corporate membership with RICS for graduates who have completed the Quantity Surveying or Building Surveying specialisation.

This program is recognised as meeting the educational requirements for voting membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, for graduates who have completed the Quantity Surveying specialisation.

This program provides the educational requirements for corporate or full membership with the Australian Institute of Building. Eligibility also requires an applicant to demonstrate three years relevant experience.

Industry facts

data-presentation

There is strong predicted future growth for construction managers with a projected increase of 11,400 jobs (or 10.2 per cent) by 2026

(National Skills Commission 2022)

column-chart-growth

The construction industry in Australia generates over $360 billion in revenue and has a projected annual growth rate of 2.4 per cent in the next five years

(National Industry Insights 2022)

buildings-city

The Australian Government $200 billion investment into infrastructure has delivered over 35, 000 construction projects since 2013 and has committed to an additional $17.9 billion for more civil projects

(Australian Government Budget 2022)

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

You will spend time in the Experiential Learning Suite at City East campus, a multifunctional space where you can develop career knowledge and interact and collaborate not only with other students, but with new technologies, including Building Information Modelling and Immersive Virtual Reality.

Your study spaces

Your program director

“Many notable and iconic structures in Adelaide’s skyline have involved our students and graduates. Our degrees provide students with leadership and technical skills to manage diverse projects, with many opportunities for students to advance and diversify their careers.”

Mrs Debbie Frisby

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mrs Debbie Frisby
Portrait image for Mrs Debbie Frisby

Mrs Debbie Frisby

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I was interested in a career within construction that was hands-on, yet still included a focus on management, so this degree was the perfect blend. My studies have taken me overseas to South Korea where I was lucky enough to experience different dynamics and cultural practices within the construction industry. I’ve also secured part-time employment as an estimator and look forward to a career in the commercial sector when I graduate.

Edward Holmes

Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Estimator | Mykra

Edward Holmes_1.jpg

Edward Holmes

Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Estimator | Mykra