Overview
Build your skills and confidence to take a leading role in large-scale building and civil-engineering projects with a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) at Victoria University.
Get job-ready to manage residential, commercial and industrial construction projects with this construction management degree that’s closely connected to real-world industry.
You’ll gain valuable expertise to take on roles overseeing the building process, from design to development, construction and operation, with skills in:
- planning and managing strategies for the construction process
- assessing documents for compliance with codes and standards
- assessing plans for constructability
- communicating with technical professionals such as architects and engineers on design objectives
- formulating project cashflows and budgets
- preparing tender documents, contract bidding, negotiation and sub-contractor selection
- supervising construction sites and personnel.
Plus, add to your expertise with a minor in either building compliance or quantity surveying.
With a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), you’ll be ready to take advantage of the high demand for construction management roles as Australia’s construction industry continues to grow.
Gain practical construction expertise
Studying construction management at VU means everything you learn will have practical components and be connected to real-world industry.
Throughout your degree, assessments will focus on problem-based learning (PBL), meaning everything you learn ties back to current trends and standards in industry. Working on industry projects will give you real-world experience to build your confidence.
Benefit from VU’s strong industry links
Connect with VU’s extensive industry network, thanks to our strong standing in the construction industry as a leading provider of both higher education and TAFE courses.
As a VU student, you’ll connect with industry via regular real-world projects, learn from guest speakers, visit work sites, attend industry expos and experience work placements.
Our network includes:
- Multiplex
- McKenzie Construction Group
- John Holland
- Built
- Victorian Building Authority
- city councils for Melbourne, Wyndham, Hume, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Kingston
- Infrastructure Sustainability Council
- Simonds Group.
Collaborate on real projects using the latest technology
Enjoy a collaborative learning environment, where you’re encouraged to share knowledge and feedback with your classmates.
Plus, get experience with the latest technology through technology-enabled learning, using building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Focus on a real-world project
In your fourth year of study, you’ll use all the skills and knowledge you’ve learned to focus on a significant research project.
Where possible, you’ll work closely with our industry partners on a real challenge they are facing, and your research project may closely align with the research of some of your classmates.
Get credit for industry experience
Take advantage of VU’s close relationship with Builders Academy Australia. If you hold a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), you can gain:
- 96 credit points of study if you have less than 5 years' industry experience
- 144 credit points of study if you have more than 5 years' industry experience.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in building and construction management
Roles for construction managers are expected to grow by more than 10% in the next five years, so you’ll be equipped to take on a wide range of opportunities with this degree.
In addition to working as a construction manager, your job title could be project manager, quantity surveyor, building technician, facilities manager, property developer, or similar.
Choose from jobs in either the private or public sectors, working for:
- building proprietors
- contractors
- developers
- government bodies
- consultancy practices
- self-employed entrepreneurs.
You’ll also have skills and knowledge that you can apply in other industries such as mining, petrochemicals and infrastructure development.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), students will be required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:
- 96 credit points First Year Core studies;
- 240 credit points Professional Core studies, and;
- 48 credit points from the Building Compliance Minor OR Quantity Surveying Minor
First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours student must achieve:
- A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
- A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
- A HD grade for the final year NBC4006 Built Environment Project 2.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- NAD1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1111
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1112
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC1113
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD1100
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEA2201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD2002
- Credits
- 12
24 credit points from the selected minor - Building Compliance OR Quantity Surveying
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC2004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBD3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC2003
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3004
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC2006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC3010
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NBC4001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4005
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NBC4002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NBC4006
- Credits
- 12
24 credit points from the selected minor - Building Compliance OR Quantity Surveying
Minors
-
- Unit code
- NMIBCP
-
- Unit code
- NMIQSV
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. | Synthesise strategies to efficiently and effectively manage construction processes across diverse contexts, using independent judgment; | ||
2. | Devise creative solutions for complex construction challenges, considering constructability, resources, compliance, ethics, and sustainability; | ||
3. | Critically appraise the sources and validity of information and integrate established information management processes, incorporating international perspectives and practices; | ||
4. | Articulate and effectively advocate for design and management objectives to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders through various professional communication methods; | ||
5. | Exemplify collaboration and interpersonal skills to influence personal work, community, and professional networks and to navigate complex global and Australian contexts; | ||
6. | Exhibit respect for cultural diversity and First Nations Peoples' rights, while developing sustainable solutions; | ||
7. | Exemplify responsibility and accountability for personal learning and professional practice; and | ||
8. | Implement skills in independent research to undertake a project that addresses a contemporary issue relevant to the construction industry. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Construction or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 120 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Builders Academy Australia, Australia
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.