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Bachelor of Construction Management
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
Start Date
January, April, June, September
Duration
3 year(s) full-time
Mode
Online
Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:
Higher education study
- 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
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience (for domestic students only)- Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
- Completed a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Qualify for Special Entry
OR
Recent secondary education- Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
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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.
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Go on to pursue your career goals in construction project management, quantity surveying, or building surveying.
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Study a degree developed in consultation with industry accrediting bodies such as:
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Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
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Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS)
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Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
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Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
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Learn from experienced academics with strong industry connections.
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Study a degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS).
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
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
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.
Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.
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Rules & notes
Notes
1. Students' intending to complete the 4 year Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) program are required to gain industry experience during their program. Please refer to the Construction Management program site for more information.
2. This course is recommended for students who are new to university studies or require development in academic and research skills.
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.
Why Bachelor of Construction Management
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 >
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
- Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
- Choose from four start dates in January, April, June and September
- Learn in 10-week blocks
- Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
- Access learning resources 24/7
- View course content before your term starts
- Work while you study
- Plan your study schedule ahead of time
- Fast-track your studies and receive credit for past study and/or work experience.
Why UniSA Online?
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
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 is a one-stop shop for 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.
What others are saying
Studying 100% online works perfectly for me. Some universities were offering degrees that were delivered half in a classroom and half online, which just wouldn’t have worked for me. I have two children and studying on campus would not be possible. The quality of my study material is great and the academics are wonderful. The fact that we’re able to access our material a week prior to the study period is extremely helpful.
Amanda Marjanovic
Bachelor of Construction Management
I have been interested in construction my entire life, and would spend countless hours as a child building complex Lego building models. As I got older, I transferred this interest into city planning games and designing homes in CAD. I am currently working as a building cadet at Hansen Yuncken, a leading Australian construction company, and have already been able to put my new skills into practice. After my degree, I’d like to continue advancing through the construction industry and eventually manage large-scale construction projects.
Danica Nowakowski
Bachelor of Construction Management
Building Cadet | Hansen Yuncken
IT Requirements
As a general rule of thumb, 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.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
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Check your eligibility
Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions. -
Gather your relevant documents
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 log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password. -
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.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Construction)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
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.
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September. There are key application dates for each term. If you're looking to apply for credit, there are different closing dates you need to be aware of, so it's always best to double check. Key dates can be found at unisaonline.edu.au/key-dates.
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Do I have to be online at set times?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has online exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses may also require you to speak to your academics via phone or online communication channels at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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What academic support is available?
Our academics are available seven days a week, including weeknights. Throughout your degree, 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, and can 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.
If you need after-hours learning support, Studiosity is a great resource that can help you with your writing, academic language, grammar and referencing. You’ll also be able to chat online with a Studiosity online adviser.
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How is my degree structured?
Full-time students study two courses each term. It makes earning a degree completely achievable, especially if you’re working. Your degree is delivered over four terms each year. Each term runs for ten weeks with two-week breaks in between each term.
You’ll also have the option to go part-time, or switch between the two. If you need to take a break in your study, that’s an option too. We recommend speaking to your Student Adviser who can help you update your study plan and check when your courses are offered.
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What career prospects do I have with my university qualification?
Our degrees are designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers and professional associations, and informed by the latest developments in your field. You will graduate with in demand skills and up-to-date knowledge required by industry.
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. UniSA's online students have graduate employment rates well above the national average.*
UniSA Online qualifications follow the same Government Higher Education Standards Framework as our on-campus degrees. The parchment you receive at the end of your degree will be the same as any other University of South Australia student.
*UniSA External UG full-time employment rate 83% Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you gain from each mode of study is the same – it's how you get there that's different. When you study online, everything from your course material to weekly activities and assessments are fully online. You'll communicate with academic staff and students via live messages, online discussion forums and email.
Studying on campus requires students to physically come on to campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. On-campus students have face-to-face contact with academics and fellow students and also communicate via email and online discussion boards.
Distance Education involves physical course material packages being sent to students, usually print based but occasionally audio or video. Communication is usually via telephone, mail and email. In today’s digital era, distance education has been superseded by online education.