Overview
Take a leading role in exciting, large-scale building construction with VU's Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours).
In our honours construction-management degree, you’ll learn all the skills needed to manage residential, commercial and industrial projects. You’ll gain valuable expertise in the various areas of large-scale building and civil-engineering projects.
Your expertise will let you undertake roles overseeing the building process, from design to development, construction and operation.
You’ll graduate with skills in:
- project planning
- cost and quality management
- construction techniques and materials
- building law
- building codes
- industrial relations
- personnel management.
Our industry contacts and our focus on real-world experience ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate.
Construction management is a growing profession, and your qualifications will be highly useful and in-demand.
Diverse construction expertise
Graduate with diverse skills, tailored to the construction industry:
- planning and managing strategies for the construction process
- assessing documents for compliance with codes and standards
- assessing plans for constructability
- communicating with technical professionals such as architects and engineers on design objectives
- formulating project cashflows and budgets
- preparing tender documents, contract bidding, negotiation and sub-contractor selection
- supervising construction sites and personnel.
We give you experience with real-world scenarios and settings, so you graduate ready to apply your high-demand skills in industry and community.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Building Academy Students credit points
Builders Academy Australia students please note:
- 96 credit points of study is available to students who have less than 5 years' industry experience
- 144 credit points of study is available to students who have more than 5 years' industry experience
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in building and construction management
On completing Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), possible job opportunities include:
- construction manager
- project manager
- quantity surveyor
- building technician
- building surveyor
- building contractor
- estimator
- contract administrator
- facilities manager
- property developer.
Graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities in the private and public sectors, working for:
- building proprietors
- contractors
- developers
- government bodies
- consultancy practices
- self-employed entrepreneurs.
You’ll also have skills and knowledge that can be applied in other industries such as mining, petrochemicals and infrastructure development.
Salaries & job prospects
Check the government job-date site, Labour Market Insights, for the average salary and employment prospects for construction managers.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) students will be required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:
- 96 credit points First Year Core studies;
- 240 credit points Professional Core studies, and;
- 48 credit points from the Building Compliance Minor OR Quantity Surveying Minor
First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours student must achieve:
- A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
- A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
- A HD grade for the final year NEF4201 Research Project 2.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- NBC1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1111
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1112
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1113
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD1100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD1101
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC2004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD2002
- Credits
- 12
24 credit points from the selected minor - Building Compliance OR Quantity Surveying
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEA2201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC2003
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3101
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC2006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF3202
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC4001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4101
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC4003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4201
- Credits
- 12
24 credit points from the selected minor - Building Compliance OR Quantity Surveying
Minors
-
- Unit code
- NMIBCP
-
- Unit code
- NMIQSV
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Plan, implement and manage the delivery of efficient and effective strategies over the course of construction processes in diverse contemporary contexts using independent thinking and judgement; | ||
| 2. | Generate creative solutions to a range of complex construction problems, taking into account issues of constructability, financial and human resources, compliance with relevant codes and standards, ethics and environmental sustainability (commercial and environmental) with initiative and professional judgement; | ||
| 3. | Critically evaluate sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management including international perspectives and codes of practice as appropriate; | ||
| 4. | Advocate design and management objectives and outcomes effectively to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using a variety of professional oral and written forms; | ||
| 5. | Exemplify collaboration and requisite interpersonal and supervisory skills and characteristics to influence personal work, community and networks; | ||
| 6. | Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures; | ||
| 7. | Advocate, respect and value cultural diversity and indigenous rights and develop capacities and creative solutions to contribute to a sustainable world; | ||
| 8. | Exhibit responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice in collaboration with others and within broad parameters. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 120 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 120 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 19 February 2024
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 11 February 2024 for our next intake which starts on 19 February 2024.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
