Diploma of Construction Management (Z1X)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2
Cradle Coast
Semester 1, Semester 2
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

"Time to study can be a challenge, but the course feels like it's designed to be undertaken in conjunction with working – particularly full time, and there is flexibility and very open communication channels with staff for discussion if necessary."

Rebecca De Groot, Contracts Administrator, Fairbrother
You’ve built a rewarding career in construction, now level up and take the next step with the Diploma of Construction Management. Develop the skills to take on roles like contract administrator, project manager and estimating associate with this practical two-year, part-time university qualification.

The Diploma of Construction Management offers an opportunity for employees in the building and civil construction industries to obtain the skills required to meet the projected workforce demands resulting from Tasmania’s significant infrastructure and capital works projects pipeline. You'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to manage small teams, and learn how to communicate clearly across the range of people who work in building and construction.

You'll also develop an understanding of legislation and codes and contract requirements, learn how to manage project costs, and discover how to take a proactive approach to work health and safety. The course will support you in developing good habits and skills for continual professional learning — the key to a successful and long-lasting career.

The course is suited to existing employees within the building and civil construction industries who hold a Certificate III in Building & Construction, or a Certificate III in Civil Construction, have relevant industry experience, and are looking to upskill into roles with additional functional requirements and higher levels of responsibility. The course is also suited to employees within city councils, utilities and engineering consultancy firms who are looking to develop professional skills in construction project management.

Funding assistance from Keystone Tasmania is available for eligible building and construction practitioners and their employees. Contact the Keystone for details.

Key contacts

Current student enrolment questions and advice UConnect
Course CoordinatorFiona Brodribb
  • 1 Apply problem-solving and decision-making methods to design solutions to complex construction project problems.
  • 2 Identify and evaluate continuing professional development and learning needs to monitor personal progress and performance outcomes.
  • 3 Analyse and apply contemporary project management methods, regulations, standards and business processes to support the completion of construction projects.
  • 4 Describe and communicate why professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of contemporary construction management practices are vital in project management.
  • 5 Analyse and apply communication methods appropriate to the professional context to elicit, interpret and transmit information and optimise workplace interactions to deliver construction projects.
  • Experiential learning and portfolio development is key to the Diploma of Construction Management. Approaches to Experiential Education components of each unit introduce the concept of learning through practice, by exposing students to authentic and engaged learning experiences designed to develop their understanding of work and the workplace. Students are introduced to:

    1. Different methods of and approaches to professional practice,
    2. How issues such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership manifest in the workplace and;
    3. The role of reflection and deliberative thinking in developing workplace-based knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.

    Students will develop personal responsibility for, and autonomy in, building their portfolio of practice. This is reflected in educational plans developed in consultation with their Experiential Education Coach, the ADAT staff and each student’s employer. Experiential Education components are based on a range of approaches to practice; for example, projects, case studies and industry workshops. Across all units, assessment tasks are informed by contextualised discipline-based knowledge. The course structure also allows for experiential education to be integrated or interlinked into problem-based learning projects which span four terms of each year (negotiated industry-based projects).

    Career outcomes

    Developed in close consultation with industry, this course is specially designed for you to build on your technical or administrative construction work experience and prepare you for a variety of roles such as contract administrator, project manager and estimating associate. These are some of the top careers projected to grow in the next five years*:

    • Business Administration Managers (12.1%)
    • Construction Managers (9.2%)
    • Construction, Distribution and Production Managers (6.9%)

    Once you complete the Diploma of Construction Management (Z1X), you'll be eligible to receive a minimum of 75 credit points towards the Associate Degree in Applied Business (Z2C). You may also be eligible for credit towards other University of Tasmania courses, subject to the receiving College’s discretion.

    ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.

    Course structure

    Completion of the Diploma of Construction Management requires 100 credit points including:

    • A Core of 75 credit points and
    • Discipline electives of 25 credit points

    This unit explores the nature of contracts in business to business relationships. You will examine the legalities surrounding contracts, including different types of contracts and important clauses. You will also learn the processes involved with contract administration, including contract variations,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will introduce leadership, people management and communication skills and techniques to support effective interaction with construction people and teams, clients, contractors, suppliers and external stakeholders. You will learn and apply negotiation and conflict resolution techniques and communication mindsets…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will build on your understanding of construction principles and terminology to learn the fundamentals of managing and controlling construction project costs. Through applied activities, you will develop your skills in analysing cash flow, interpreting cost reports,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will familiarise you with the legislation framework, Australian standards and codes of practice for construction of buildings and civil structures. Key areas covered will include construction codes, work health and safety, Aboriginal and cultural heritage, and environmental legislation.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will to apply the concepts of stakeholder and project risk management to construction projects. You will prepare a stakeholder plan, undertake a risk study on a key aspect of a construction project, and conduct a risk…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will learn project management concepts, tools and processes used in the formulation, delivery and management of construction projects. Your learning will focus on practical examples and incorporate analysis of construction project case studies. You will develop…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Select two (2) of the following units:

    The effective and efficient operation of business is human resource intensive. Strategies used to attract, motivate, manage and retain the right people are essential skills for all business managers for business success. This unit introduces you to how Human Resource…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will provide you with a practical understanding of operational budgeting and financial decision making, as well as other financial concepts, practices and tools used to measure and assess the financial performance of an organisation. The use of practical…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit focuses on the principles and tools associated with contemporary Lean Thinking and practice. Lean Thinking or ‘lean’ is a systematic method of continuous improvement through minimising waste without sacrificing productivity, creating more value for customers. It has been…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Quality management focuses on the quality of physical products as well as services and processes, and how they can be improved. The principles and processes of quality management are the key elements that businesses use to respond to market and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Effective construction program management is fundamental to controlling resources across a company’s schedule of works, and delivering multiple projects and activities within a defined program budget. In this unit you will be introduced to common tools and methods for planning…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    Entry requirements

    We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option. 

    Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

    Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)

    This course does not use ATAR as part of the admission process. To be an eligible for an offer, you must have:

    • Current employment in the construction industry; and
    • Completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.

    Domestic applicants with higher education study

    To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

    • Current employment in the construction industry; and
    • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level units completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any units, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
    • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

    Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

    To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

    • Current employment in the construction industry; and
    • Completed a Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.

    Applications on the basis of work or life experience

    Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

    Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course as well as current employment in the construction industry.

    This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.

    You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this Diploma if you:

    • Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma at the University, from TAFE or another institution;
    • Are currently studying another Diploma at the University or at another institution;
    • Have completed studies towards a Bachelor degree at the University or from another institution.

    Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Articulating into the Diploma of Construction Management will be in line with the University's standard application for credit process. Please see Recognition of Prior Learning for more information. Applications for credit can be made upon application to the course.

    Students who complete the Diploma of Construction Management will be eligible to receive between 75 and 100 credit points towards the Associate Degree in Applied Business Business Improvement or Procurement and Supply Chains streams. To receive the maximum amount of credit into the relevant stream, the following units must be completed under the Diploma:

    • Business Improvement: two of ZAA133, ZAA140, and ZAS231
    • Procurement and Supply Chains: ZAA133 and ZAA150

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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