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Start Date
January, April, June, September

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course

Program Code
XBBE

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
AUD$ 27,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
  • IELTS speaking [6.0]
  • IELTS listening [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Develop a career in the construction industry focusing on all types of buildings.

  • Learn modern construction and project management techniques and gain a holistic understanding of the entire project lifecycle.
  • Go on to pursue your career goals in construction project management, quantity surveying, or building surveying.

  • Study a degree developed in consultation with industry accrediting bodies such as:

    • Australian Institute of Building (AIB)

    • Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS)

    • Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)

    • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  • Learn from experienced academics with strong industry connections.

  • Study a degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS).

Snapshot

Snapshot

Study On Demand – a 100% online construction management degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study - access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

This degree is your gateway to career opportunities in the low rise residential and light commercial buildings sector of the construction industry.

Modern construction is a complex, highly organised commercial industry. It involves large capital investments, sophisticated construction techniques, highly skilled labour and real-time project information systems.

As a graduate, you’ll be able to apply your technical and practical knowledge in a range of situations, effectively analyse problems, and work collaboratively with allied disciplines like architects, designers and engineers.

With rapid advancements in digital technology, construction professionals need to stay abreast of new developments and innovations – you will learn the same software used by professionals in the industry, allowing you to hit the ground running when you graduate.

This degree has been designed in consultation with our industry partners, so you can be confident that what you're learning is relevant, up-to-date and in demand by employers. If you successfully complete this degree, you can enter directly into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics (Honours) degree.

What you'll learn

What you 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.

Study hours

Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.

Assessment

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.

Some of your assessments may include:

  • an industry-relevant project
  • an online presentation
  • essays and reports.

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year
book
|
OR
book
Elective
book
book
book
UO Construction 1 (CIVE 1005)
book
book
book
UO Structures 1 (CIVE 1007)
book
Second year
book
book
UO Construction 2 (CIVE 2014)
book
book
book
UO Structures 2 (CIVE 2016)
book
book
UO Building Services (CIVE 2013)
book
Third year
book
book
UO Construction 3 (CIVE 3016)
book
book
UO Project Appraisal (BUIL 3025)
book
book
UO Fire Technology (BUIL 4031)
book
UO Building Surveying (CIVE 3015)
book

Study Construction Management on demand

Online Course Facilitator Dr Danda Li gives an insight into the Bachelor of Construction Management, and how the degree has been designed to meet growing industry demand.

UniSA Video

Why Bachelor of Construction Management

Why this Degree

Predicted to be a strong growth area 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 in the top 10 in Australia for graduate skills in the built environments2. 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 Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019. 
2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2019-20, Architecture and Built Environment – Generic Skills Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.

Learn more about what a construction manager does >

Career outcomes

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Your career

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 >

Industry facts

line-graph-growth

Employment in construction in Australia is expected to grow by 6.8% between 2020 and 2025.1

12019 Industry Employment Projections, Australian Government Department of Employment

buildings-city

Residential construction has increased significantly since 2020, supported by Government stimulus measures and low interest rates. It is projected to increase by a further 8.8% to 20251

12021 Industry Employment Projections, Australian Government Department of Employment

chart-people

The construction industry is the fourth largest employer and is the largest user of the recruitment industry.1

1Employers' Recruitment Insights 2021, Australian Government Labour Market Information Portal.

Your study experience and support

Study On Demand

Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.

  • Designed specifically for your online learning
    Designed by a team of academic and online experts, our course materials are delivered in an interactive way using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources.
  • Study when it suits you
    Our online degrees support students who lead busy lifestyles. With four start dates a year in January, March, July and September there is no need to interrupt your life.
  • Take control of your study schedule
    With all content available from day one of your course, you have the power to plan your study schedule in advance. 
  • Finish each course in 10 weeks
    Our courses are delivered within 10-week terms to keep you motivated throughout your degree. Study two courses a term or just one.
  • 100% online study
    You won’t need to come onto campus for coursework, assessments or exams. Complete all study for your degree where it suits you.
  • Get the help you need
    Whether you need help with course content or assessments, we offer the academic support and services you need to be successful in your studies.
  • Adjust your study to your life
    There’s no need to interrupt work and family life or spend money on travel and student accommodation. Organise study around your life.
  • Learn from world-renowned academics
    Get a degree that’s designed and taught by leading academics and industry professionals.
  • 100% online interactive learning environment
    Our interactive online learning environment supports all your study needs. Log in anytime, on any device, wherever it suits you.
  • Access a library of over 700,000 digital resources
    Access a library of more than 700,000 digital resources including e-books, videos and journal articles. Our Ask the Library virtual service can help you locate, access, evaluate, use and reference a range of information resources.

Why UniSA Online?

Student services

Our graduates get jobs

UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.

Specifically designed for online learning

Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.

Backed by industry

Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.

Expand your professional network from wherever you are

Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.

1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Student support

Student services

Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it. 

Dedicated Student Adviser support

Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.

Online academic support seven days a week

You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.

They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.

24/7 tech support

Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.

24/7 digital environment

Our interactive online environment supports all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.

Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.

Student services

IT Requirements

Generally, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

  • run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
  • run Java
  • run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
  • use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
  • Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a UniSA Online student, you'll:

  • Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible). 
  • Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them. 
  • Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
  • Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.

Check your device

Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.

See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Submit an online enquiry

    If you're ready to apply, the first step is to fill out and submit our online enquiry form. Here you'll be asked a series of questions to see if you're eligible. Following your online enquiry, one of our Degree Advisers will contact you at your preferred time to discuss the application process.

    Enquire now >

  2. Speak to a Degree Adviser and start your application

    If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

    In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

    Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to begin your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

  3. Complete your application and send through your documents

    In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

    Enquire now >

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Online Course Facilitator

In addition to qualifications and practical experience as a Consultant Engineer, I have also worked at UniSA as a tutor, lecturer and course coordinator for the past five years, including teaching in the online space. I look forward to bringing a new level to the delivery of course content and helping remote students engage in the degree.

John Hicks


Online Course Facilitator

Enquire
Portrait image for John Hicks
Portrait image for John Hicks

John Hicks


Online Course Facilitator

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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