Are you looking to get off the tools and need the qualifications to take the next step in your career? Are you aiming to run diverse construction projects with a professionally recognised qualification? The University of South Australia is here to help you meet those goals with curriculum informed by research and developed in close consultation with industry. UniSA will get you qualified and give you the resources and industry connections for the next stage of your construction career.
The construction industry is in the top three of Australia’s top contributors to GDP, and continues to develop with strong indicators of growth in all sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial and community buildings, as well as civil projects.
Australia’s population is projected to grow by over 50 per cent between 2022 and 2060 to nearly 40 million people; there will be a lot of building and construction work that needs to be undertaken and a significant workforce will be needed to do this work. In addition to attracting new workers into the industry for current and emerging occupations, retaining existing workers and ensuring they can keep pace with evolving skills and knowledge is critical1. The University of South Australia is proud to collaborate with the Master Builders Association of South Australia to help meet the demand for the current and future construction industry.
In Future-proofing construction: A workforce blueprint, Masters Builders encourages industry participants to actively engage in further training to maintain occupational currency and to move into new roles. The report also states that in addition to attracting new workers into the industry for current and emerging occupations, retaining existing workers and ensuring they can keep pace with evolving skills and knowledge is critical.
1 Future-Proofing Construction: A Workforce Blueprint, Master Builders Association of South Australia , April 2023
“As the peak body representing South Australia’s building industry and construction industry, Master Builders SA is proud to partner with UniSA. UniSA has over 30 years’ experience in construction management education, and a proven history of developing degrees in consultation with industry. UniSA’s flexible study options let you study at your own pace alongside your work and family commitments. Master Builders SA and UniSA are here to help you meet the demands of industry, now and into the future.”
Marissa Hankinson,
Chief Operating Officer,
Master Builders SA
Credit Assessor
Your experience working in the construction industry will be an asset in your university study. The knowledge you have gained will provide you with practical applications to the theory that you learn in your study. We take what you know, and we build on it.
The UniSA Credit Assessor can assist you to determine how much credit for prior learning may be available to you at UniSA.
Degrees informed by industry
Our degrees have been developed by academics with well established industry backgrounds, and experienced researchers, in close consultation with valued industry partners, ensuring our programs are continually refined and improved in line with evolving industry needs. Many of our educators are employed in industry, meaning you will be learning first-hand from those actively engaged in contemporary construction management practice. Developing solid skillsets for the diverse management roles within the construction industry, you will build specialised knowledge and a deep understanding of how people, processes and products work together in project design and development.
How does study fit in with work?
The University of South Australia has over 30 years’ experience in construction management education and offers flexible study options to suit you and your situation. This includes studying face-to-face at our City Campus, 100% online or a combination of both, and either full or part-time. UniSA offers you choices in how and when you study, helping you balance work, study and lifestyle commitments.
These career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study.
Face to face study is the way to build relationships with your peers and teaching staff, actively apply learning in workshops and seminars, and to practice communication, teamwork and leadership skills. On campus form study groups and enjoy the Uni lifestyle. Scheduling of delivery sessions over the week allows students to balance study and work. The face to face timetable provides mid-semester teaching breaks, mid-year and end of year breaks. Programs offered on campus include the Bachelor of Construction Management and Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
You may like to consider studying your degree 100% online through UniSA Online. UniSA Online offer Construction Management degrees for both the Bachelor of Construction Management and the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours). Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time.
How long will it take?
How long your degree will take depends on which program you choose to study and if you are eligible to receive credit for previous study (such as TAFE) or work experience. You may also be eligible for credit based on workplace experience, also known as recognition of prior learning. The UniSA Credit Assessor can assist you to determine how much credit may be available to you at UniSA, or you can email our Student and Academic Services team at SAS-MawsonLakes@unisa.edu.au and book a 1:1 appointment to talk through your individual circumstances.
What can I study?
There are a number of study options in Construction Management at UniSA, including:
UniSA’s Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) (4 years full-time) will prepare you to take on leadership and managerial roles. A higher-level qualification, the honours program ensures you graduate with a competitive edge, offering options to further specialise should you wish to pursue a career in quantity or building surveying. You will enjoy significant opportunities to apply your skills, completing at least 450 hours of industry experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program. You may also wish to consider the fast-track to master program where you will complete the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and Master of Management in five years instead of the typical six.
The Bachelor of Construction Management (3 years full-time) will see you graduate ready to embark on a career in the development of residential, commercial and high-rise buildings. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings, and with appropriate progress in your degree, can choose to enter directly into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) should you wish to complete the higher level qualification.
You may also be interested in our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Construction Management) – an accredited civil engineering degree with a focus on the construction industry.
Current industry professionals seeking to advance their career and move into building surveying may be interested in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying.
If you haven’t studied in awhile, you might also consider studying a Diploma in Construction or UniSA Foundation Studies through the UniSA College. These programs provide pathway options into the Construction degrees.
Hear from our Construction graduates
Don’t just take our word for it; UniSA’s Construction Management program is great. Our students and graduates tell you about their experiences at UniSA.
Hear from Cameron Logan, a UniSA Construction Management graduate who worked as a carpenter before studying his degree:
Got questions? Get in contact with us
If you are not sure which study option is right for you, or what credit you might receive from study you’ve already completed, get in contact with us. We are here to answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision on the best way for you to achieve your career goals.
Please contact
Mrs Debbie Frisby,
Program Director: Construction Management
