There is a large range of building and construction courses and specialisations on offer in New Zealand — everything from trades to degrees in surveying and construction management.

For more information about studying building and construction courses in New Zealand, visit the following websites:

• New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors
• New Zealand Institute of Surveyors
• Licensed Building Practitioners New Zealand

If you’re interested in building and construction, you may also consider courses in architecture, computer science and IT, creative arts and design and engineering.

What you can study

At vocational level, certificates are available across a wide range of trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, gasfitting, electrical trades, and painting and decorating. There are also a number of diploma programmes on offer, in areas such as architectural technology, building control surveying, construction management and quantity surveying.

At degree level, students can choose from bachelor degrees in areas such as building, building science and construction. Students may specialise within these degrees, with majors available in areas ranging from project management to sustainable building management and quantity surveying. Construction management is another popular option. These courses allow graduates to enter careers as construction managers and site supervisors, whose role is to make sure that construction projects are completed on time and according to the allocated budget.

Postgraduate programmes cover areas such as construction, construction management and surveying.

Where to study

Courses in building and construction can be studied around New Zealand, with polytechnics, institutes of technology and universities all offering relevant programmes. Specialisations can vary between education providers. Facilities and equipment are important in this field, so it is important to do your research before selecting a course and institution.