#1 Melbourne university for median graduate salary
#1 Melbourne university for facilities and resources
Top 200 globally for architecture and built environment
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
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 0101387 Waterfront (Geelong)
- 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
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the 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.
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)