Ara Institute of Canterbury

Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)

The 360-credit, Level 7 degree is structured across courses at Levels 5, 6 and 7.

The curriculum includes core construction, measurement, estimation, contracts, procurement, cost planning, financial administration, project management, BIM, research and sustainable property development courses, alongside elective courses.

Full-time study takes 3 years; part-time options are available. In the final year, each course requires four on-campus classes.

What you'll learn

• Measurement and quantity take-offs
• Estimating and cost planning
• Contracts, procurement and documentation
• Financial administration and cost reporting
• Research and problem-solving for industry issues

Graduate capabilities

As a graduate you’ll be able to:

• Produce cost plans, estimates and budgets
• Measure and price work accurately
• Support procurement and contract administration
• Track costs, report clearly and advise stakeholders
• Work safely, ethically and collaboratively

Career opportunities include quantity surveyor, registered quantity surveyor with experience, quantity surveying consultant, procurement manager, construction cost manager and quantity surveying academic.

Graduates may work in consultancies, contracting firms and government organisations. Advancement opportunities include progressing to registered quantity surveyor status through the NZIQS pathway, moving into senior cost management or commercial leadership roles, and pursuing postgraduate study.

Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 8.00am or 5.00pm (NZ time)

You will be part of a friendly, inclusive community 

Ara is a culturally and socially diverse community where you will enjoy a sense of belonging. You will be treated as an individual (our class sizes are small, so your tutors will know you by name) and you will be supported with an extensive range of student services and specialist support staff.

Our qualifications are world-class class

Ara is a Category 1 institute, the highest rating awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All of our qualifications are NZQA-approved and recognised internationally. Ara graduates can be found working and making a difference around the globe.

Our tutors are experts 

Our tutors come from the industry and have years of on-the-job experience in their speciality area. They are committed to sharing their knowledge with you and inspiring you to achieve your study goals.

We focus on hands-on, real-life learning

Ara is known for its practical, hands-on programmes. You will learn in environments that mimic real workplaces and undertake some form of work-based learning like an internship, industry project or work placement.

You will be work-ready when you graduate

All that you do and learn at Ara will ensure your transition to the workplace is seamless and that you have the confidence and capability to contribute from your first day on the job.