Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 78.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 78.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program allows progression to fast-track Masters. Visit Fast-track to Masters in STEM for more information.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
Australian Institute of Building (AIB): The program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Building.
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 corporate membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, for graduates who have completed the Quantity Surveying specialisation.
Industry facts
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:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Construction)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
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
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.
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 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.”
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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
