From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)?
Our cities are changing with the impact of globalisation, climate change and rising populations. Sustainable and smart buildings and infrastructure are the future, and skilled construction managers are needed to create them. If you love bringing ideas to life, are practical, organised and a great people manager, this career is for you.
As a construction manager, you’ll lead building and infrastructure projects, overseeing the construction of homes, hospitals, schools, railway stations, roads, wastewater treatment plants, and power plants. You’ll make sure everything – from contractors to materials and legalities – comes together safely, on-time and within budget. It’s a balancing act, but one that offers great rewards and vast career opportunities.
If you’re ready to lead the way, our Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) will prepare you for a fulfilling career shaping our cities and communities.
Overview
The modern construction industry is booming. It requires adaptable leaders who can navigate complex construction techniques and manage budgets and teams – especially for large-scale projects. That’s where you come in.
With our Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), you’ll become a driving force in this dynamic sector, overseeing projects from inception to completion. You’ll ensure projects stay on-time and on-budget, meeting both finance and quality benchmarks.
Adelaide University’s program is forward-thinking and shaped by industry insights. It has a focus on digital technology and sustainability, aligning it with current trends and industry requirements. With 150 hours of work placements built into the degree, you’ll gain real-world skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Develop a comprehensive insight into the entire project lifecycle. Explore modern construction materials and project management techniques. Gain an understanding of local building codes and building regulations. With your technical and practical skills, you’ll be ready for a wide range of management roles in large-scale commercial, infrastructure and residential projects.
Key features
Prepare to manage and lead in the construction industry.- Access dedicated facilities with new technologies including virtual reality.
- Extend your studies beyond the classroom with site visits and field trips.
- Learn from leading industry professionals.
- Build skills with 150 hours of work placements.
- Gain a competitive edge with your honours qualification.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) is a four-year program that prepares you for leadership roles within the construction field. Designed in partnership with industry, it blends theory with hands-on experiences – including site visits and work placements – to ensure you gain relevant, real-world skills.
You’ll develop a diverse skillset to prepare you for a range of careers in construction, from construction planning, quantity surveying, building surveying to contract administration. Explore different building materials and modern construction techniques. Understand local building codes and regulations to ensure new builds are compliant. Learn how to draft, interpret and communicate construction drawings. Become proficient with industry-standard programs like Revit, CostX, and Primavera. Find out how to estimate construction and labour costs to keep projects to agreed budgets. Explore land surveying principles and understand key concepts in structural mechanics, fire safety engineering and geotechnical engineering.
Navigate the complex field of contract administration, learning how to resolve disputes and manage claims while maintaining professional and ethical standards. Throughout the program, you’ll build practical skills in data analytics, communication, negotiation, entrepreneurship, project management and teamwork. You can also broaden your studies with electives in related areas like architecture, civil engineering, project management and property.
In your third year, you’ll gain relevant industry experience with 150 hours of work placements. Fourth year will introduce you to research, allowing you to design and complete a research project in an area of choice and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Assessment types will vary depending on the courses you choose, but may include reports, project documentation, case studies, presentations, essays, exams, and team-based projects.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 192 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete 174 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
|
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UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 4 | AUXX4000 | 6 |
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Construction science & materials | ARCH1009 | 6 |
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Structures | ARCH1010 | 6 |
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High-rise construction | ARCH2010 | 6 |
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Research Methods | ARCH6000 | 6 |
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Introduction to construction management | BLDG1000 | 6 |
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Construction economics & procurement | BLDG1001 | 6 |
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Low-rise construction and land surveying | BLDG1002 | 6 |
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Construction communication & digital construction fundamentals | BLDG1004 | 6 |
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Construction planning and safety | BLDG2001 | 6 |
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Development regulations & building codes | BLDG2002 | 6 |
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Quantity Surveying fundamentals & cost estimating | BLDG2003 | 6 |
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Infrastructure construction | BLDG2004 | 6 |
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Building services | BLDG3001 | 6 |
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Risk, quality and people management | BLDG3002 | 6 |
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Building surveying | BLDG3003 | 6 |
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Cost planning | BLDG3004 | 6 |
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Commercial management | BLDG3005 | 6 |
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Integrated project | BLDG4001 | 6 |
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Advanced building surveying | BLDG4002 | 6 |
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Advanced quantity surveying | BLDG4003 | 6 |
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Advanced contract administration | BLDG4004 | 6 |
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Final year research project A | BLDG4005 | 6 |
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Final year research project B | BLDG4006 | 6 |
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Advanced construction management | BLDG4800 | 6 |
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Contract Administration | LAWS2006 | 6 |
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
Work placement/industry experience | BLDG3900 | 6 |
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
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Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
Career outcomes
This degree leads to a variety of careers in construction management, quantity surveying and building surveying. You might manage a construction team, working with architects and engineers to bring designs to life. You may become a building surveyor, ensuring new builds are energy efficient and safe. Or you might focus on building costs as an estimator, calculating and monitoring spends including labour, materials and equipment.
Other roles may include:
- Construction manager
- Quantity surveyor
- Construction planner
- Site manager
- Building surveyor
- Contract administrator.
Industry trends
The construction industry is a complex, innovative and highly organised commercial sector involving large capital investments. It is increasingly shaped by technological and environmental considerations such as sustainable and smart building practices. Globally, there is a high demand for graduates with skills in these areas, coupled with an understanding of modern building and construction management practices.
Construction is a sector with great employment prospects. Employment across the construction industry has increased nationwide by almost 10% over the past five years and is expected to have an annual growth rate of 5.8% over the next five (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). To improve housing supply nationally, the Australian Government has set a target of 1.2 million homes built by 2029. Meanwhile, there is a national shortage of project managers, estimators and quantity surveyors in every Australian state and territory (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) provides the necessary skills to become a future leader in this evolving industry.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
