Building Science

With their practical skills and knowledge of the science, technology and economics of creating buildings, Building Science graduates are in high demand.

The study of Building Science covers a wide range of building theory, research and development as well as practice. Students learn about everything from construction processes and project management to building technology, energy efficiency, lighting and acoustics. In response to climate change and rapidly changing demographics, there is an urgent need for building science professionals in New Zealand in built environment research and development, planning and regulatory controls, construction and property management.

Roles and career pathways

Architectural Studies and Building Science students share a common first year with core courses, where they are introduced to a broad range of subjects that will give them a solid understanding of the built environment— including design, technologies, architectural history, environmental science, and urban design. From the second year, students can proceed with a Bachelor of Building Science. Graduates with an undergraduate Building Science qualification can go into the construction, building, or engineering sectors. They often start out as a graduate project manager, or BIM (building information management) coordinator before progressing into management roles, such as project lead.

In both public and private sectors graduates can find roles as building service coordinators. Others move into policy and regulatory advice roles in central government and local government. They may start out in local bodies as building review officers or project coordinators in planning or consents before progressing to senior roles as project or policy leads.

A postgraduate building science qualification such as a Master of Architectural Science can lead to a more advanced specialist roles in building and construction research, such as acoustician, fire research technical officer, heating and ventilation systems engineer, sustainable systems engineer, quantity surveyor, building information specialist, project managers or building scientist.

Completing a postgraduate diploma in secondary teaching (limited entry) may lead to roles teaching Technology in secondary schools. A postgraduate building science qualification can lead to tutoring in tertiary education and a PhD in building science will often lead to research and teaching.

Where Building Science graduates work

Recent Building Science graduates have worked for organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Throughout their courses, Building Science students have many opportunities to learn from industry, with guest lecturers, workshops and career seminars. A number of employers offer internships for penultimate year or postgraduate students. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help your learn more about career and networking opportunities.

As well as strong industry connections, the School of Architecture has partnerships with the NZIOB (New Zealand Institute of Building) and BRANZ (Building Research Association of NZ). The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations who provide services to the construction industry. All of these associations have student membership and regular networking events and provide the opportunity to network and explore career possibilities and specialist areas. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.