About the programme
The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) with a strand in Construction Management is an NZQF Level 6 programme of 240 credits at NZMA that, over 66 weeks, turns a construction skillset into professional expertise and prepares students for management roles in the industry.
Graduates can help manage a building project from start to finish — planning and organising the work, interpreting drawings, handling health and safety and everything in between. The diploma suits people aiming for residential, commercial or industrial construction. Tutors come from the industry, and students build practical skills through virtual projects.
Year one covers the fundamentals: communication on a construction project, working within legislation and keeping projects safe and legal, selecting materials and finishes, structural principles and design, the regulatory environment of commercial construction, and managing construction contracts. Year two goes further into planning, managing and monitoring contracts, technical sketching and working drawings, the environmental impact and feasibility of designs and materials, site management and coordinating people, writing health and safety and quality assurance plans, and solving day-to-day project problems.
Construction experience is not required, although NZMA strongly recommends coming in with some existing knowledge or skills. The programme is currently open only to international students, who attend classes on campus at Sylvia Park in Auckland to meet student visa requirements. Students need a computer or laptop with a microphone and reliable internet. The qualification is on the government's Green List of skill-shortage occupations.
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 2 including 12 literacy credits at Level 1 or above and 12 mathematics credits (excluding statistics) at Level 2 or above, or a construction qualification at NZQCF Level 3 or above, or equivalent skills and knowledge
- International students must hold equivalent academic qualifications
- IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent international English test
- A computer or laptop, a microphone and a reliable internet connection
What you study
- Communication on a construction project
- Legislation and safety in construction
- Materials and finishes
- Structural principles and design
- Regulation of commercial construction
- Construction contract management: planning, control and monitoring
- Technical sketching and working drawings
- Environmental impact and design feasibility
- Site management and personnel coordination
- Health and safety and quality assurance plans
Post-study work visa
According to NZMA, a 2-year visa is possible
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NZMA website