Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This honours degree builds on foundational construction management topics and culminates in an honours research or capstone project. You will study the technical, commercial and legal aspects of delivering construction projects together with management skills required for leading teams and managing risk.

• Construction technology and materials – building methods, structural principles, materials selection and performance.
• Construction cost and estimating – quantity surveying fundamentals, cost planning, tendering and procurement strategies.
• Project and site management – program scheduling, site operations, quality control and health and safety management.
• Contracts and construction law – standard contract forms, rights and obligations, dispute avoidance and contract administration.
• Sustainability and building performance – energy efficiency, sustainable design principles and compliance with environmental standards.
• Building information modelling (BIM) and digital construction – digital tools for design coordination, project information management and collaboration workflows.
• Risk, procurement and commercial management – risk analysis, procurement models, commercial decision making and stakeholder management.
• Research methods and honours project – research design, data collection and analysis, culminating in an independent honours project or dissertation that addresses a practical industry problem.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a combination of academic qualifications and, where applicable, relevant industry experience. Typical pathways include secondary school completion with suitable tertiary entrance ranking and relevant mathematics or technical subjects, a completed vocational diploma or advanced diploma in a construction-related field, or articulation from a related bachelor degree. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements. Mature-age applicants with substantial industry experience in construction or related trades may be eligible for alternative entry.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for managerial and technical roles across residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. Common career destinations include:

• Construction manager or site manager overseeing on-site delivery
• Project manager coordinating scope, schedule and budget
• Estimators and cost planners preparing budgets and tender documents
• Contract administrators and commercial managers managing contractual obligations
• BIM coordinator or digital construction specialist
• Quality, safety and environmental managers
• Consultants in construction advisory, project controls or facilities management

The honours component also provides a pathway into postgraduate research or higher-degree research programs for those interested in academic or specialist research careers.

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers a practical, industry-oriented approach with connections to local and national construction employers. You will benefit from hands-on learning in real-world project scenarios, access to industry-standard technology and digital construction tools, and opportunities for workplace-integrated learning or placements. CQU's flexible delivery options, including on-campus and online study, suit students in regional areas or those balancing work and study. The program is taught by staff with industry and research experience, and the course structure is designed to support professional development and career readiness in the built environment sector.