Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. apply key concepts of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, apply Construction Management and Quantity Surveying knowledge and extend this application through discipline based research.
2. think creatively and innovatively in a building construction context to generate solutions to complex construction problems.
3. access information from a wide range of sources using appropriate technologies and use decision making and problem solving knowledge to generate appropriate outcomes.
4. communicate appropriately to a broad array of construction stakeholders and the wider community audience.
5. recognise and apply the appropriate technologies to building construction processes and society.
6. develop and manage learning strategies to advance themselves in a building construction leaning community.
7. understanding the international perspective of construction management and quantity surveying and apply international practices.
8. appreciate the cultural diversity of the wider community as it impacts on building construction, recognise indigenous rights with the regard to building construction.
9. manage construction processes in an effective, ethical and professional way, recognise and apply environmentally responsible practices in a construction context.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) is a 4 year, full-time equivalent program. The first 3 levels comprised of 20 subjects (20 x 25 credit). The fourth level of study is within either a Professional or an Honours Stream involving a research based thesis (both streams comprise 7 subjects (6 x 25 credit plus 1 x 50 credit). Students will get to pick one Specialisation stream as part of the program which comprised of 4 subjects (4 x 25 credit). Overall the degree is a total of 31 subjects.

Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications. The honours component prepares students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This program is a management-orientated practice-based program which covers a broad range of interrelated disciplines including domestic, commercial and civil construction. It focuses on several core subject areas, including technology, measurement and estimating, project management, contracts administration, cost management and communication.

As part of this program, students select a Specialisation from the following:

• Animation and Game Architecture Design - Learn the fundamentals of the exciting area of animation and game design. You will create immersive experiences, learn techniques for 3D modelling and animation, develop creative and compelling visuals, and use motion graphics and game related technologies.
• Interior Architecture - Understand principles informing Interior Architecture design considerations including design elements, interior theory, philosophy, practice and aesthetics that impact and inform spatial experience.
• Planning and Geography - Understand key concepts and approaches for understanding cities as cultural landscapes, including urban and regional planning principles, governance, social geographies of cities, geographical analysis, and spatial experience at an urban scale.

The program includes a requirement to complete 80-days of industry-based work experience prior to graduation.

The final year of the program includes a capstone project, allowing students to extend their knowledge of current academic research methodology. For students invited to complete the Honours Stream during their fourth year, this project will culminate with the submission of an Honours Dissertation.

Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQs - Bachelor of Applied Science CME (PDF, 74 KB)

Recommended study pattern

The degree has been designed to be a sequential progression, meaning that students are expected to complete subjects in Level order. Students must complete any prerequisite subjects required. The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.

On completion of your Level 1 subjects, you will be required to select a Specialisation from the list. Your Specialisation consists of 4 subjects in a discipline area complementary to Construction Management. Please refer to the Description for details of the available Specialisations.

Subjects will not generally be offered in every study period and may not be available at the time that you wish to study them. If you wish to enrol in a part-time load then please select one unit from the two listed for each study period.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) is a 4 year, full-time equivalent program. The first 3 levels comprised of 20 subjects (20 x 25 credit). The fourth level of study is within either a Professional or an Honours Stream involving a research based thesis (both streams comprise 7 subjects (6 x 25 credit plus 1 x 50 credit). Students will get to pick one Specialisation stream as part of the program which comprised of 4 subjects (4 x 25 credit). Overall the degree is a total of 31 subjects.

See the enrolment planner below.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) enrolment planner (XLS)

Award requirements

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) is a 4 year full-time equivalent program. Students must complete a total of 31 subjects, comprised of:

In Levels 1, 2 and 3:

• 20 Core subjects; AND
• 4 Specialisation subjects*; AND

In Level 4, a total of 7 subjects, EITHER:

• Professional Stream - including a capstone project the double subject CME417 Integrated Construction Project 2; OR
• Honours Stream - including a research-based thesis in the double subject CME409 Building Dissertation 2.

* Please note: Students must select a Specialisation from the list provided. Please refer to the Description for details of the available Specialisations.

Please note that students can be terminated from this degree if they fail to make satisfactory progress.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Level 1 Open Enrolment Subjects

• Level 2 Subjects

• Level 3 Subjects

• Level 4 Subjects

• Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation

• Interior Architecture Specialisation

• Planning and Geography Specialisation

• Level 4 Subjects - Professional

• Level 4 Subjects - Honours

Changes in 2024:

The Interior Architecture Specialisation has undergone a major change in 2024.

• Students who have not started any subjects in the flexible zone should enrol according to the latest structure. 
• Students who have completed BIA100 (alternate core in old structure) will get credit for the unit, they must now enrol in 2 core units and any 1 elective unit from the list.
• Students who are enrolled in BIA170 (alternate core in new structure) must now enrol in 2 core units and any 1 elective unit from the list.
• Students who are enrolled in BIA250 (elective in new structure) must now enrol in 2 core and 1 alternate core unit from the list.

Curtin will provide transition table to students that might be impacted by the update. Communications to affected students will be organised by them as well.

Should students have any other questions, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888.

Changes in 2023:

This degree has undergone a major change which will be rolled out progressively commencing in 2023. 

Subjects listed below will be removed from the degree structure and retired, however these old subjects will continue to be offered for transitioning students for a limited period of time.

If you have commenced study before SP3 2022, AND:

• Have completed (or been credited for) CME105 Introduction to Measurement of Construction Works (Final Delivery SP3 2022), you MUST also complete CME201 Building Measurement (Final Delivery SP1 2023).
• Have not completed (or been credited for) CME105 Introduction to Measurement of Construction Works (Final Delivery SP3 2022), you will have to complete the new subject, CME180 Building Consutrction Measurement (Available from SP1 2023).
• Have completed (or been credited for) CME109 Construction Project Safety Management (Final Delivery SP4 2022), you MUST also complete CME416 Quality in Construction (Final Delivery SP4 2023).
• Have not completed (or been credited for) CME109 Construction Project Safety Management (Final Delivery SP4 2022), you will have to complete the new subject, CME190 Health, Safety & Quality in the Built Environment (Available from SP2 2023).
• Have completed (or been credited for) CME209 Sustainable Construction (Final Delivery SP2 2023), you MUST also complete CME301 Infrastructure Construction (Final Delivery SP3 2023).
• Have not completed (or been credited for) CME209 Sustainable Construction (Final Delivery SP2 2023), you will have to complete the new subject, CME325 Sustainable Construction Practices in Bldgs & Infrastructure (Available from SP1 2024).
• Have completed (or been credited for) CME208 Cost Planning (Final Delivery SP4 2023), you MUST also complete CME308 construction Estimating and Risk Management (Final Delivery SP3 2024).
• Have not completed (or been credited for) CME208 Cost Planning (Final Delivery SP4 2023), you will have to complete the new subject, CME215 Construction Estimating and Cost Planning (Available from SP2 2024).
• Have completed (or been credited for) CME303 Project Delivery Systems (Final Delivery SP2 2024), you MUST also complete CME309 Construction Contracts and Law (Final Delivery SP2 2024).
• Have completed (or been credited for) CME308 Construction Estimating and Risk Management (Final Delivery SP3 2024), you MUST also complete CME402 Project Development and Appraisal (Final Delivery SP4 2024).
• Have not completed (or been credited for) CME107 Site Management (Final Delivery SP2 2023), you will have to complete the new subject, BAS145 Architecture & Int Arch Methods 1B - Digital Literacy (Available from SP2 2023).

IMPORTANT: The Final Delivery is the last study period and year that you will be able to enrol in the subjects which are being "taught-out". If you do not successfully complete these subjects before they are retired, you should seek advice before you enrol in any further subjects at Ask Connect | Curtin University.

The Transition Tables below show subjects that have or will be changed in the new degree structure and recommendations regarding enrolment for transitioning students. Transitional arrangements will depend upon the subjects already successfully completed (or for which credit has been granted) prior to SP3 2022, however the Transition Tables should help you to plan your own enrolment for the remainder of your degree.

Transition Table 2023 (PDF)

Please Note: This degree also underwent a major change in 2019. If you commenced study before 2019, you are strongly advised to seek advice from Curtin Connect at Ask Connect | Curtin University.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $38,208

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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Open Enrolment Subjects

The restricted Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) degree has eight open enrolment subjects which students may enrol into without having to submit an Application Form. These subjects are: APC100, CME104, CME180, CME101, CME103, CME106, BAS145 and CME190.

Students who successfully complete two of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100 and the other either CME104 OR CME180) AND meet English language competency may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission for admission to the degree, provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria.

Students who successfully complete four of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100 and the other either CME104 OR CME180) may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission to degree, provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria.

See Entry Requirements above for more details.

Open enrolment subjects as electives

Students who do not satisfy all of the Eligibility requirements for this degree, or students who do not intend to apply for admission to this degree, may study the Open enrolment subjects as electives. Please refer to the Award Requirements or Electives sections on your degree page for information about the maximum number of level 1 electives you may include in your degree.

• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)

• Successful completion of two of the recommended eight OUA open enrolment subjects: APC100 and CME104 OR CME105, and separate evidence of English language proficiency; OR
• Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level, of which two should be APC100 and CME104 OR CME105. (This satisfies the English language proficiency requirement.)

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. Alternatively, STAT elements considered are Written English (WE) and Multiple Choice (MC), or Portfolio entry is available for this course. Desirable elements are Mathematics Applications ATAR (or equivalent).To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study; OR
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional Information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
• English language proficiency

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

Work experience requirement

It is a graduation requirement for students to complete 80 days of work experience in the construction industry. The work experience must be in approved professional roles which are relevant to the degree (e.g. quantity surveying, construction management, project management, building surveying, property development, contract administration, construction law, procurement/supply chain management etc.). This must be undertaken in an organization having valid registration, conducting their business as a construction entity or consultancy firm, or a public or private organization in which construction or project procurement is their primary business.

Professional experience must be recorded in an official logbook, to be submitted as an assessment in the Level 4 subject CME403 Integrated Construction Project 1. It is the responsibility of students to make their own arrangements for gaining the required experience, which may be undertaken during vacations or in employment while studying as a part-time student.