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If you're interested in the process and business of creating great buildings—from construction methods, materials and systems to project management and contractor relations—then this is the right degree for you.
Become a building scientist
The Bachelor of Building Science is a three-year undergraduate degree. It's designed to give you expertise in the science, technology and economics of creating buildings, as well as an understanding of architecture.
Building Science was developed to meet the growing needs of New Zealand's building and construction industry. Today, Victoria University of Wellington is an international leader in the field of building science.
Learn alongside Architecture students in your first year and specialise in Project Management or Sustainable Engineering Systems in your second and third years. And if you want, you can do a double major in both.
Studying Building Science will give you the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable world. You'll learn about the built environment, and how people interact with it. And the common first year with Architecture students allows you to explore and understand the science of building within the context of architecture and design.
First year
Your first year will give you a solid understanding of the built environment and all the areas related to it.
You'll study seven core introductory courses and one elective. Four of the courses will introduce you to the concepts, history and theory of design, as well as how design is communicated. Other courses focus on the technology used in creating the built environment and on sustainability.
By the end of your first year you should have a strong grasp of the main ideas, vocabulary and technology of the world of architecture and building Science. You'll also have good idea of where you want go from there.
Second year
This is the year you choose your major—Project Management or Sustainable Engineering Systems. You can also choose to study both majors.
You'll look more closely at areas like energy and water use, or managing a project and compliance with relevant legislation.
Third year
By this stage you'll have developed a good understanding of Building Science and your major. You'll appreciate the important questions related to sustainability, price, quality of construction and quality of people involved.
At the end of your third year you'll have the knowledge and skills to begin your career in the building industry.
Or you can stay on and begin your Master of Building Science postgraduate degree.
Medical insurance: NZD$620 per year
