Master of Construction Management

Construct your ideal career

The increase of infrastructure and building projects is a significant driver of the economy, both in Australia and throughout the world. This program prepares you to face the global and national demands of a fast-paced, constantly evolving construction field. Projects need to be delivered on time, within budget, and at a high level of quality to satisfy stakeholders. The Master of Construction Management teaches you the essentials for a successful career in construction management, with multidisciplinary courses and opportunities that will help you stand out from other graduates as an adaptable candidate with strong critical thinking skills, transferable to residential, commercial, and civil sectors.  

What will you do?             

This degree is hosted by the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering but takes a holistic approach to construction management. You will:

  • build advanced technology and management skills related to the field
  • apply life cycle and system thinking approaches to the management of construction and civil projects
  • develop skills in relevant software including: Revit, MS Project, Gabi, and CostX
  • draw on business and project management expertise from our experts in the field
  • complete a supervised research project.

Where could it take you?

You might oversee the development of a World Centre for Positive Wellbeing in Adelaide. You could prepare for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Perhaps you’ll work on high-speed railways or help with the construction of an Australian hyperloop.

Our Master of Construction Management is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Australian Institute of Building (AIB).




  • Access state-of-the-art computer-aided design, BIM and 3D modelling facilities
  • Learn from award-winning industry professionals
  • Professionally accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM206, 3CM268
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.5 in one of the following allied fields: Engineering (Civil) Building Architecture Landscape Architecture Quantity Surveying Construction Management Real Estate and Property

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $11,825

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Successful domestic applicants to the Master of Construction Management will have access to a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places, meaning a reduction of up to 80% off the course fees due to government subsidies. Offer subject to change.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates of the Master of Construction Management will appeal to a wide range of employers including contractors, developers, government agencies, project management consultants and engineering consultants. 

Learning throughout this program is based on real-world, existing projects, some that you will even have the opportunity to see in Adelaide. Venture beyond the confines of the classroom as you embark on captivating small-group site visits, witnessing the construction process first-hand and gaining valuable insights into the industry. 

Industry experts regularly deliver guest lectures and seminars each semester. Additionally, an industry advisory board has been established, consisting of senior people in the construction management industry. This advisory board convenes several times throughout the year, shaping the program’s direction and ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry demands. 

Skills learnt in this program are transferable, so you will be equipped with the knowledge and experience to work in residential, commercial, and civil sectors. 

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Construction Management program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RICS accreditation is an internationally recognised professional standard which allows graduates to work in the property industry in many countries around the world.

RICS Logo

The Master of Construction Management is also accredited by the Australian Institute of Building. The AIB is a professional member-based organisation established to represent construction industry individuals from around Australia.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Construction Manager;  Building Consultant;  Civil Estimator;  Occupational Health and Safety Officer;  Construction Contract Administrator;  Construction Engineer;  Construction Project Manager;  Construction Supervisor;  Consultant;  Contract Manager ...

Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of Master of Construction Management, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:
  • Core courses to the value of 33 units.
  • Research Dissertation courses to the value of 6 or 12 units.
  • Elective courses to the value of 3 or 9 units depending on the Research Dissertation option studied.
The degree shares a number of its introductory first year courses with master's degrees in Property and Project Management. The degree also shares the research method course (Designing Research) with the Master of Architecture.

In the second year, students will undertake an independent research in the dissertation course. Students will have options to do a 12-unit dissertation course which provides a pathway to apply for PhD program. Alternatively, students can do a 6-unit dissertation course plus two more electives.

Students can take electives from a broad range of master's degrees in entrepreneurship, architecture, property and project management.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

All courses are worth 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Core Courses
All of the following courses must be completed:
ARCH 7042 Designing Research (M)
CONMGNT 7002 Building Services and Environment
CONMGNT 7046 Construction Management and Technology 1
CONMGNT 7047 Cost Planning and Management
CONMGNT 7048 Construction Management and Technology 2
CONMGNT 7049 Measurement and Estimating
CONMGNT 7050 Construction Law and Contract Administration
PROP 7000 Development and Construction
PROJMGNT 5004 Risk Assessment and Management
PROJMGNT 5021 Project Management Fundamentals
PROJMGNT 7038 Project Leadership and Communication

Research Dissertation
Students must complete either Option 1 or Option 2:
Option 1
The following course and electives to the value of 9 units.
or
Option 2
The following courses and electives to the value of 3 units.

Assessment

Assessment takes a number of forms including written reports and essays, oral presentations as well as formal examinations. Students are required to reflect on both theoretical and practical aspects of construction management.

A final Dissertation allows students to demonstrate their mastery of construction management issues through a significant supervised study. In the second year students can opt to do either 6-unit dissertation courses or 12-unit dissertation courses.

Testimonial

The course director worked with peers within and outside the university, students and industry professionals to further tailor the course to meet student and industry requirements.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024