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University of South Australia

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Bachelor of Construction Management

  • Bachelor

Predicted to be one of the strongest growth areas of employment over the next five years1, there is no better time for people looking to start or advance their career in the building and construction industry.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Code
XBBE
Study Mode
Online
Intake Months
Jan, Apr, Jun, Sep
International Fees
$23,000 per year / $69,000 total

About this course

Predicted to be one of the strongest growth areas of employment over the next five years1, there is no better time for people looking to start or advance their career in the building and construction industry.

In this degree, you'll develop strong technical skills like drafting and interpreting drawings and blueprints, developing technical specifications, reading and analysing schematics, estimating and scheduling projects, as well as handling contract compliance issues. Graduates come out with a well-rounded understanding of the entire project lifecycle. You'll understand the different stages, processes involved, information required, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. You'll also develop highly sought after digital skills to use Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools such as Autodesk Revit.

UniSA is ranked in the World Top 100 for Built Environment2. Our academics work with some of Australia's largest organisations, so you'll be learning from experienced professionals working in the field. We've developed this degree in consultation with industry accrediting bodies, including:

  • Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
  • Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS)
  • Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

1Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Office of the Chief Economist, Australian Industry Report 2016. 2QS Subject rankings 2017.

Study locations

Online

What you will learn

As a construction professional, you'll use your technical and practical knowledge to analyse problems concisely, meet administrative requirements, and understand the ideas and skills of allied disciplines.

Your studies will begin with introductory courses to give you a solid grounding in important areas including:

  • construction management and materials
  • economics and law for construction professionals

You'll then move into intermediate and advanced studies, developing your technical, analytical and practical skills in areas such as:

  • scheduling and estimating
  • contract administration
  • building and quantity surveying
  • sustainable construction and construction environmental science

Career pathways

Construction professionals are commonly employed by large construction firms and smaller building subcontractors - they can work on a range of buildings including residential houses, apartment complexes, offices, shopping centres, public buildings, hospitals and schools. There are also opportunities to work on heavy industrial or civil construction sites, road, tunnel and shaft excavations, demolition sites, and local government works.

A UniSA Online Construction Management degree can help you pursue the following careers:

  • Construction manager: oversee and allocate resources for construction projects; work with architects and engineers to check plans and blueprints; manage timetables; determine material and labour costs, and liaise with and hire subcontractors and workers.

  • Project manager: coordinate and plan projects from beginning to end; prepare budgets and cost estimates; create schedules; respond to issues and delays; collaborate with architects and engineers; communicate with clients about progress; and ensure safety regulations and codes are met.

  • Construction supervisor: oversee all construction activities that take place on a worksite, and supervise contractors and staff while maintaining a safe and secure work environment by adhering to, and enforcing safety codes.

  • Estimator: compile cost estimates based on variables such as labour, materials and equipment; work out project costs and create budgets, and analyse different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers.

  • Construction planner: develop plans on construction projects so the project is completed safely, on time and within budget; work with managers and engineers to discuss progress and address issues that arise, and organise the stages of construction development.

  • Quantity surveyor: manage all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from initial calculations to final figures; seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, and achieve required standards and quality.

  • Building surveyor: ensure buildings are safe to occupy, energy efficient, accessible and meet all legal requirements as a statutory responsibility; assess, certify and inspect building works; work in design, fire safety, energy efficiency and access solutions; and support the legal process as educators and expert witnesses.

Learn more about your career in Construction Management >