Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Total subjects
32
Study method
100% online
Assessments
100% online
Credit available
Yes
The University of South Australia, UniSA, is ranked in the top 10 universities nationally and amongst the very best young universities in the world. They offer over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning. In fact, they are South Australia’s number one university for graduate careers. They are a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.
University ranking
Degree details
With a focus on real-world learning, you’ll learn to work with designs, read drawings, use industry-standard technology, navigate plans, and gain a holistic understanding of the entire project lifecycle as well as the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
You’ll explore diverse areas such as construction technology, construction science, building services, contract administration, construction health and safety, building surveying and construction economics.
As a graduate, you’ll come out with project management skills with the ability to plan and schedule construction operations using flowcharts, network analysis, Gantt charts, Critical Path Method and precedence diagrams.
The first three years of this degree mirror UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Construction Management degree. In your fourth year, you’ll have a choice of specialist electives in the areas of construction project management, quantity surveying and building surveying. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a research project, which will allow you to gain a deeper insight and further develop your knowledge and skills in your area of interest. As part of your research project, you’ll be paired with an experienced academic or an industry professional who are experts in their particular field.
- Construction manager: oversee and allocate resources for construction projects; work with architects and engineers to check plans and blueprints; manage schedules; determine material and labour costs, and liaise with and hire subcontractors and workers.
- 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.
- 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 regarding the progress of a project; 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; organise the stages of construction development; work with managers and engineers to discuss progress and address issues that arise.
- Contract administrator: develop scope of work and contract documents for execution; administer contracts; assess progress claims and subcontractor payments; prepare variations; manage contract risks to meet company obligations and achieve the planned outcomes of a contract.
Career objectives
With more than one million employees working across 330,000 construction businesses, the construction industry is the third largest in the country, making up 9% of Australia’s total workforce*. And these numbers will only continue to rise, with a further 100,000 jobs predicted by 2022.**
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, as well as local government works.
* Ai Group, Australia's Construction Industry: Profile and Outlook July 2015.
** StartupAUS, Digital Foundations: How technology is transforming Australia’s construction sector.
Higher education
Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider.
Secondary education
Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 international qualification.
VET studies
Completed an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above.
Work and Life
- passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience;
- completed a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent; or
- qualified for Special Entry
Information regarding credit can be found here:
http://online.unisa.edu.au/become-a-student/check-your-credit/
This four-year professional degree will prepare you for future leadership and managerial roles in the building and construction industry. You’ll be able to pursue your career interests and specialise in one of three high-growth areas in construction project management, quantity surveying, or building surveying in your final year.
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop a well-rounded understanding of the entire project lifecycle. You’ll explore modern project management techniques, develop skills to assess building compliance, and gain financial acumen to manage construction businesses in a commercial environment. The technical and practical skills gained throughout your degree will prepare you for a range of roles required in large-scale commercial, infrastructure and residential projects.
As a student, you’ll be introduced to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and modern construction techniques. You’ll also learn to use software that construction and building professionals use on a regular basis including Autodesk Revit, MS Project, Cost X, Navisworks 2016 and Synchro Pro. If you’re already working in the industry, you’ll have the opportunity to immediately apply what you’ve learned in the workplace.
Recommended Study Pattern
First year
- UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (CURR 3021)
- UO Introduction to Construction Management (BUIL 1027)
- UO Construction Communication (BUIL 1025)
- UO Construction 1 (CIVE 1005)
- UO Construction Materials (CIVE 1006)
- UO Economics for Construction Professionals (BUIL 1026)
- UO Structures 1 (CIVE 1007)
- UO Introduction to Contract Administration (BUIL 2029)
Second year
- UO Construction Scheduling (BUIL 2028)
- UO Construction 2 (CIVE 2014)
- UO Quantity Surveying Practice 1 (BUIL 1028)
- UO Contract Administration (BUIL 3024)
- UO Structures 2 (CIVE 2016)
- UO Building Estimating (BUIL 1024)
- UO Building Services (CIVE 2013)
- UO Construction Cost Planning (BUIL 2027)
Third year
- UO Development Regulation (BUIL 4030)
- UO Sustainable Construction (CIVE 3016)
- UO Project Appraisal (BUIL 3025)
- UO Construction Environmental Science (CIVE 2015)
- UO Construction Operations and Safety (BUIL 3023)
- UO Fire Engineering (BUIL 4031)
- UO Building Surveying (CIVE 3015)
- UO Advanced Contract Administration (BUIL 3022)
Fourth year
- UO Integrated Project (BUIL 4035)
- Elective
- UO Research Theory and Practice (ENGG 4016)
- Elective
- UO NBE Honours Research Project A (CIVE 4047)
- Elective
- UO NBE Honours Research Project B (CIVE 4048)
- Elective
Choose your subjects
Electives
Students must select two of the following specialisations.
Quantity Surveying Specialisation
- UO Advanced Quantity Surveying (BUIL 4032)
- UO Quantity Surveying Practice 2 (BUIL 4036)
Building Surveying Specialisation
- UO Advanced Building Surveying (CIVE 4045)
- UO Asset Management and Building Pathology (CIVE 4046)
Construction Management Specialisation
- UO Construction Business Management (BUIL 4034)
- UO Advanced Construction Management (BUIL 4033)