Deakin sets the standard for employability
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
$160,000 average construction manager salary
Why choose construction management at Deakin
Enter the world of construction management with Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Construction Management. This course is for graduates with a built environment degree who want to take the next step in their career. It is also a pathway for graduates of other disciplines with professional experience in construction wanting to move into construction management.
The course takes a case-based approach to learning, combining theory with practice. You work in a multi-disciplinary context to gain knowledge of construction management, quantity surveying, building information modelling and environmental systems. Graduate with a solid understanding of the construction management, ready to confidently transition into the industry.
On completion of the graduate diploma, you may wish to continue your learning by studying construction management at masters level. This opens more opportunities for career advancement and specialisation.
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Industry-shaped learning
Our courses are designed with construction industry input, so your skills align with employer needs.
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Practical experience
Build capability through work-integrated learning that reflects real construction site challenges and project delivery.
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Career-ready outcomes
Develop skills in planning, cost control and risk management to step into construction and management roles with confidence.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Our flexible delivery model lets you fit study into your schedule. Students in this course can progress into masters-level study for even stronger career outcomes.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical, industry-relevant skills to take the next step in your construction career. Develop expertise in construction management, quantity surveying, building information modelling and project delivery for management and consultancy roles across the industry.
Construction manager
Plan, coordinate and oversee construction projects from start to finish. Manage budgets, schedules, contractors and resources while helping ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to required standards.
- $185k
Typical salary in Australia
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction in Australia
Quantity surveyor
Manage the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. Estimate costs, prepare budgets and monitor expenses to help deliver projects efficiently while balancing quality, resources and financial requirements.
- $110k
Typical salary in Australia
- 4.2/5
Job satisfaction in Australia
Other jobs
- Project manager
- Construction consultant
- Property development professional
- Construction estimator
- Cost planner
- Building information modelling professional
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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.
What will I study in the Graduate Diploma of Construction Management?
Build your understanding of construction management with a focus on practical, industry-relevant skills. Prepare to advance into leadership roles in the construction sector.
Develop applied construction knowledge
Explore core construction concepts
Learn about project planning, delivery methods and construction systems.
Understand project management
Build skills in managing timelines, costs and resources across projects.
Apply industry practices
Engage with industry-specific scenarios to strengthen your practical decision-making.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Construction Management, you must pass 8 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.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete seven 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 one course elective unit.
* Unit offered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 3
^ Unit offered in every trimester
~ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a co-requisite
You must choose one course elective from this list. (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete a work integrated learning unit.
Explore the SEBE WIL program
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Develop and demonstrate a complex body of knowledge of construction management, systems and practices, cost planning, economics and control, and information 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, and contribute within a project team. |
| 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 environment implication analyses for construction projects. Use digital technologies, including information systems to evaluate and assess modelling and scenario building. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate 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. |
| Engage ethically and professionally when working in a variety of construction management situations both nationally and globally. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Construction Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S691
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted for relevant postgraduate studies, in accordance with standard University procedures.
Pathways
There is strong demand for articulation by industry professionals from related disciplines such as architecture, property and engineering. This course provides opportunities for those people while also acknowledging their prior experience and knowledge.
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Construction Management you can further your studies into:
S791 Master of Construction Management
S792 Master of Construction Management (Professional)