
QUALIFICATION
Master’s Degree (NZQA Level 9, 120 or 180 credits)
Duration
1 year / 1.5 year
Location
Auckland
Fees
NZD 46,100 – 50,190
Entry Score
IELTS: Academic 6.5
Next Intake
February & July
Programme Overview
The Master of Construction (MConstr) at Massey University is an advanced NZQA Level 9 qualification designed to address the dynamic regulatory, operational, and technological demands of the modern built environment. Taught by industry-leading academics, the program combines specialized subject tracks with rigorous research components, enabling practitioners to address complex industry challenges.
Note: Graduates of this 180-credit Level 9 master's program qualify international students to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) in New Zealand.
Programme Structure & Core Formats
The qualification offers two main delivery structures—Coursework or Research (Thesis)—across 180-credit and 120-credit entry routes:
- Coursework Pathway (180 Credits): Compulsory core subject courses (75 credits) + Elective courses from Schedule B (60 credits) + Research Report (45 credits).
- Research Thesis Pathway (180 Credits): Compulsory core subject courses (75 credits) + Elective course from Schedule B (15 credits) + Master's Thesis (90 credits).
What You'll Study
Students can choose an unspecialised track or focus on one of six dedicated specialisation subjects:
- Building Technology
- Construction Law
- Construction Process Improvement
- Construction Project Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Sustainable Construction / Digital Built Environment
Sample Core & Elective Modules:
- 218.741: Construction Law and Contracts (15 credits)
- 218.742: Strategic Management in Construction (15 credits)
- 218.743: Cost Management and Quantity Surveying Practice (15 credits)
- 218.744: Digital Built Environment and BIM Application (15 credits)
- 218.761: Advanced Sustainable Building Technology (15 credits)
- 218.781: Construction Research Methods (15 credits)
- 218.810: Research Report (45 credits) / 218.830: Master's Thesis (90 credits)
Why Choose This Programme?
- Specialised Industry Streams: Allows candidates to tailor learning to specific career paths like Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, or Sustainable Building.
- Flexible Distance & Campus Delivery: Delivered on-site at Massey's Auckland campus or via flexible distance learning options for working professionals.
- Research & Practical Integration: Connects high-level academic theory directly with industry case studies, BIM frameworks, and real-world construction problem-solving.
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Project & Site Leadership | Construction Project Manager, Site Operations Manager, Project Director |
| Cost & Commercial Management | Senior Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager, Cost Estimator |
| Legal, Tech & Sustainability | Construction Claims Consultant, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager, Sustainable Building Advisor |
Entry Requirements
- Academic Minimums: Relevant Bachelor's degree (Level 7) or Honours degree (Level 8) with B/B+ average, or equivalent post-qualification work experience.
- Documentation Requirement: Curriculum Vitae (CV) covering professional experience and a brief research intent summary (for thesis applicants).
- Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.5 (no sub-band < 6.0), PTE 58, or TOEFL iBT 90.
Related Programs

Quantity Surveying – Master of Construction
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Program
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