Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Build advanced management skills for the construction industry through multidisciplinary, industry-connected learning. You will develop the practical, theoretical and research capabilities needed to succeed, with knowledge in topics such as procurement, project economics and cost management, and sustainability. Strengthen your leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills – key qualities sought by employers.
The two-year Master of Construction Management (Professional) is designed for built environment graduates who want to take their careers to the next level. It is also an ideal entry pathway into construction management for other professionals with relevant experience. With an in-depth understanding of legal, economic and environmental issues, you will be well-suited for roles such as quantity surveyor, project manager or construction manager with construction and property firms or in consulting.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Construction Management (Professional)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S792
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Construction Management (Professional), you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as Recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Construction Management (Professional) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 14 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
You are required to complete 13 core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus 1 credit point from the course elective list
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus 1 credit point from the course elective list
Year 2 - Trimester 2
*Unit offered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 3
**Unit offered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2
# Students intending to apply for entry into Higher Degree by Research may be required to complete SRR711 Thesis instead of SRR721 Construction Research Project
~ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a co-requisite
You must choose two course elective units from this list (subject to meeting unit requirements).
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
You can apply to undertake a discipline-specific industry placement as part of your course. Visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline and 2 years of relevant professional work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- at least 7 years of relevant professional work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of related discipline include, but not limited to: architecture, building, civil engineering, property, quantity surveying, building surveying and construction management.
Examples of related work experience include, but not limited to: architect, building designer, civil engineer, construction site/project manager, estimator, quantity surveyor, contract administrator, building inspector, building surveyor, property consultant.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted for relevant postgraduate studies, in accordance with standard University procedures.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$32,200 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$10,160 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Construction Management (S591)
- Graduate Diploma of Construction Management (S691)
- Master of Construction Management (S791)
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this course, you will find career opportunities with a wide range of employers. From construction companies to consultancies and client organisations, you will find yourself at home in a variety of settings. Beyond that, you will be equipped for roles in the property development arms of government departments, and in commercial entities like banks, retailers, and manufacturers.
The Master of Construction Management (Professional) gives you the technical skills to secure roles as a:
- construction manager
- contract administrator
- estimator
- project manager
- quantity surveyor
- site manager
- property developer
- building construction supervisor
- building code and access consultant
- operations manager
- building surveyor
- safety coordinator
- project coordinator
- quality manager
- safety manager.
Construction management professionals are generally highly mobile, and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accreditation offers you an immediate passport to global recognition. Whether your ambitions lie in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or North America, your qualification will open doors to exciting possibilities across the globe.
If you are an experienced mid-career construction professional in search of your next challenge, this course is your gateway to future leadership roles within the industry.
Professional recognition
This course is professionally accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), and the Australian Institute of Building (AIB).
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Integrate broad and specialist knowledge of construction management practices in the industry and advocate sustainable management of social built environments in urban, regional and rural communities through professional practice. Apply an integrated specialised and evidence-based scholarly knowledge of ever-changing construction industry practices in order to improve construction economics and construction life cycle management. Develop and demonstrate a complex body of knowledge of construction management and practices, cost planning and control, legal and risk management in order to manage construction companies and projects. |
| Communicate clearly, professionally and responsibly with specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of contexts using oral, written, graphical and interpersonal skills to inform, negotiate, lead and motivate a project team. Engage with a variety of participants and contributing influences including legal, economic and environmental impacts in construction projects to mediate, negotiate and collaboratively resolve issues and conflicts. |
| Apply knowledge of relevant technical tools and methodologies to locate, collect, analyse and synthesise complex information from a variety of sources to prepare cost benefit plans and legal, risk and environment implication analyses for construction projects. Apply knowledge of digital technologies for modelling and scenario building, including information systems to evaluate and assess various scenarios for disseminating relevant analysis to clients. |
| Use expert reasoning and analysis skills, drawing on knowledge and information from a range of professional or scholarly sources to reflect on, analyse and synthesise complex legal, economic and environmental influences and impacts for collaboratively and independently planning and making decisions in construction. |
| Apply specialized technical skills and judgment to identify potential legal, environmental and economic risks and problems and recommend appropriate solutions for effective risk management in construction. Demonstrate professionalism, autonomy and well-developed judgement to independently and collaborative generate strategies and solutions to manage construction projects at various stages including planning, implementing, construction and evaluation of the built environment. |
| Apply critical reflection and use frameworks of self and peer evaluation to develop independent judgment, adaptability and responsibility for expert professional practice and / or scholarship. |
| Apply interpersonal skills to interact, contribute, collaborate and develop leadership skills through teamwork activities, and enhance project potential through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution. |
| Engage ethically and professionally when working in a variety of construction management situations through concern for legal, economic, environmental and social risks both nationally and globally. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
