Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Course overview
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- 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
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 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.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Construction Management 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)
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 course elective unit.
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 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).
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
Course duration
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.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for students to complete a work integrated learning unit.
Explore the SEBE WIL program
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 degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline and at least 1 year of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- at least 3 years of relevant professional work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of related disciplines include, but not limited to: architecture, building, civil engineering, property, quantity surveying, building surveying and construction management.
Examples of relevant 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$47,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
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.
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)
Further study options
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.
Students have the opportunity to transfer to S791 Master of Construction Management according to Deakin University regulations and processes.
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
As a graduate from a university in the top 200 globally for architecture and built environment subjects*, you will be prepared for a diverse career in the construction industry. You will be equipped with the skills to succeed in areas such as quantity surveying and construction management – ranging from positions in construction companies to roles in quantity surveying, project management, and construction consultancy.
You will also be eligible for relevant positions in the property development arms of government departments and commercial companies such as banks, retailers, and manufacturers. Not only will you find work across a range of areas, but across the globe if you wish. Get set to take your skills far and wide as you pursue a career overseas – whether it be Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or North America.
* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
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.
