To qualify as a quantity surveyor you can either gain a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (QS) or National Diploma in Quantity Surveying (NDQS), or one of two Bachelor's Degrees in Quantity Surveying.
Each offers you a different career path. Your choice will depend on your goals.
You can take on entry-level roles with either kind of qualification. If you get a National or New Zealand Diploma, you can go on to complete the degree programme, and you’ll probably be able to cross-credit some of your papers.
With a Bachelor’s degree you you can go on to study for a Postgraduate Diploma and then a Masters.
You can study as you begin your career, or retrain for a new career. You can study part- or full-time, and can study while gaining experience in the construction industry.
What you should study before you enrol
If you’re at secondary school, we recommend you study to Year 13 level in at least one maths and one science subject. Other useful subjects include English, computing and economics. Get information about entrance requirements from Individual education providers.
Studying for a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (QS)
The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (With QS strand) has replaced the former National Diploma of Quantity Surveying at tertiary institutes in 2016.The diploma is equivalent to 2 years full-time study at NZQA Level 6. You can also study part-time at any of the education providers, and study via distance learning at the Open Polytechnic.
Most providers will allow for Recognition of Prior Learning if you have extensive knowledge and skills from practical experience.
While studying you can become a Student member of NZIQS
Student-Studying membership of the institute
Once you have completed the NZ Diploma, you can apply to be an Affiliate member of NZIQS.
Affiliate membership of the institute
Where you can study for the New Zealand/ Diploma (Quantity Surveying)
Read these links for the latest information on the NZ Diploma course at each institute:.
Auckland — UNITEC Institute of Technology, Future Skills Academy, Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus and Northtec Auckland International Campus
Tauranga — Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (formerly Bay of Plenty Polytechnic)
Hamilton — Wintec — Waikato Institute of Technology
Palmerston North - UCOL
Wellington — Weltec — Wellington Institute of Technology
Christchurch — Ara Institute of Canterbury (formerly CPIT)
Dunedin —Otago Polytechnic
Invercargill — Southern Institute of Technology
Distance learning anywhere — the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Studying for a degree in quantity surveying
The following quantity surveying degrees are accredited by NZIQS for membership:
Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) –Massey University (Albany) (also accredited by the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors)
Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics) – UNITEC, Auckland (also accredited by the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors)
Student-Studying membership of the institute
If you graduate, you can apply to be Graduate member of NZIQS.
Graduate membership of the institute
Studying for a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in quantity surveying
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction - Massey University (Albany)
Candidates are admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction if they have a completed Bachelor of Construction degree or similar.
They have a choice of construction-related papers, both management and technical, and can elect to complete an endorsement, including quantity surveying.
The diploma equips graduates for senior positions in the industry once they've had the relevant experience. Or they can continue to the Masters provided they meet the required academic performance.
Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying – Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch
The Graduate Diploma in Construction Management is a practical option for degree-qualified construction industry professionals (e.g. architectural technologists and civil engineers) who wish to change pathway within the construction industry.
Studying for a Master of Construction
The Masters is for quantity surveyors who hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction. It offers papers in Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Law.
The Masters builds on mid-career skills in construction commercial management, in both consultancy and contracting roles. It also suits quantity surveyors who want to develop skills in quantity surveying.
Master of Construction (QS) - Massey University (Albany)
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Get more information
Find out more about quantity surveying as a career from these two websites:
CareersNZ — Information on careers
MBIE - Occupation Outlook for Quantity Surveyors developed by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
BCITO —The Industry Training Organisation for the construction trades. It’s responsible for developing the National Diploma in Quantity Surveying.
School Connect Website
Next Steps magazine advertisement for quantity surveyors
School Connect website page on quantity surveyors