Are you a natural leader, love problem solving and interested in construction? Start exploring a career in construction management with our one-year Diploma in Building Studies.
Prepare for your future career with university-level coursework covering the fundamentals of construction. Learn from industry professionals and get exposed to modern practice using digital technologies like virtual reality. With further study, take construction projects from start to finish – creating schedules, selecting materials and managing budgets.
Adelaide University’s Diploma in Building Studies is a one-year program that prepares you for university study while exploring a career in the construction industry. Be introduced to the core principles of building, while deepening your communication skills and cultural competence.
Explore topics like low-rise construction, land surveying, structures, construction economics and procurement and digital construction fundamentals. You will also have opportunities to tailor your studies with an elective course. If you decide to continue your studies, you can enrol directly in our Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and shorten your degree completion time by one year.
You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in the building industry – ready to further your knowledge to become a construction manager, site manager and more.
Access modern technologies including virtual reality. Prepare for further study with university-level coursework. Learn from industry professionals in the construction industry. Start exploring how to plan, schedule and coordinate building projects. Get a taste of your future career without committing to a bachelor’s degree. Continue your studies towards our Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) degree. Discover what a career in construction management involves with Adelaide University’s Diploma in Building Studies. Complete eight courses, building your knowledge in construction, along with skills to work in entry-level roles in the construction industries.
Your first six months will cover topics on low-rise construction and land surveying, introduction to construction management, structures, construction economics and procurement. You’ll build an understanding of construction technology by exploring the components of low-rise buildings, land surveying, and real-life case studies. Be introduced to key components of construction management such as site organisation and cultural responsiveness in projects. Learn to analyse structural elements of buildings, including applying relevant design codes and conducting thorough site inspections. Be exposed to micro and macro-economic theory, procurement methods in construction, and how global economy and government policies impact construction.
In your next six months, take classes on construction science and materials, and construction communication and digital construction fundamentals. Be introduced to common materials in construction such as concrete, steel, timber and masonry and environmental considerations in building. Build effective communication skills in construction using tools like manual drafting, Revit, and BIM, while focusing on teamwork, ethical practices, problem-solving, and sustainability to prepare for professional practice. You’ll also complete a common core topic to get you ready for the modern workforce and tailor your learning with an elective course.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after one year of study with a standalone Diploma or after two years with an Associate Degree.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the Diploma, and continue on to complete the Associate Degree (two years) or full bachelor degree.
Complete 48 units comprising:
Complete 42 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
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Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
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Course code
COREX001
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Units
6
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Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
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Course code
COREX002
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Units
6
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Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
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Course code
COREX003
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Units
6
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Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
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Course code
COREX004
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Units
6
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Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
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Course code
COREX005
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Units
6
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Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
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Course code
COREX006
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Units
6
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| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Course name
Construction Science and Materials
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Course code
ARCH1009
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Units
6
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Course name
Structures
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Course code
ARCH1010
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Units
6
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Course name
Introduction to Construction Management
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Course code
BLDG1000
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Units
6
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Course name
Construction Economics and Procurement
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Course code
BLDG1001
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Units
6
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Course name
Low-rise Construction and Land Surveying
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Course code
BLDG1002
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Units
6
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Course name
Construction Communication and Digital Construction Fundamentals
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Course code
BLDG1004
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Units
6
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| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Structures
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Course code
ARCH1010
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Units
6
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Course name
Introduction to Construction Management
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Course code
BLDG1000
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Units
6
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Course name
Construction Economics and Procurement
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Course code
BLDG1001
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Units
6
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Course name
Low-rise Construction and Land Surveying
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Course code
BLDG1002
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Units
6
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| Semester 2 | |||
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
6
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Course name
Construction Science and Materials
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Course code
ARCH1009
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Units
6
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Course name
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Course code
-
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Units
6
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Course name
Construction Communication and Digital Construction Fundamentals
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Course code
BLDG1004
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Units
6
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Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Course name
Environmental Design and the Sensory Body
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Course code
ARCH1006
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Units
6
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Course name
Digital Design Communications
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Course code
ARCH2007
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Units
6
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Course name
Engineering Project Management
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Course code
ENGI2003
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Units
6
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Course name
Interiors Construction
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Course code
INTE1002
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Units
6
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Course name
Project Management Methodologies and Concepts
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Course code
PROJ2002
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Units
6
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Course name
Urban Design for Health and Sustainability
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Course code
ARCHX304
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Units
6
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Course name
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability
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Course code
ENVIX300
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Units
6
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| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Structures
|
Course code
ARCH1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Construction Management
|
Course code
BLDG1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Construction Economics and Procurement
|
Course code
BLDG1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Low-rise Construction and Land Surveying
|
Course code
BLDG1002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
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Units
6
|
|
Course name
Construction Science and Materials
|
Course code
ARCH1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Construction Communication and Digital Construction Fundamentals
|
Course code
BLDG1004
|
Units
6
|
A career in construction could see you work for government agencies, construction companies, property developers, project management firms or as an independent consultant. You could be a building inspector, ensuring buildings meet codes and safety regulations. Maybe you will work as a construction project coordinator, helping manage schedules, budgets and resources. Perhaps you’ll become a site supervisor, spending your time on construction sites overseeing daily activities.
With further study, you could pursue the following careers:
Construction is an integral industry experiencing significant growth in most Australian states and territories (Master Builders Australia, 2024). Project managers, estimators and quantity surveyors are particularly in high demand, (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024) meaning there’s no better time to start building your career in construction.
On a global scale, sustainability goals are projected to create 1.8 trillion in market opportunities in the building industry (World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group, 2024). Help drive the shift towards greener practices in construction as a building studies graduate.
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:
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.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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.
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:
