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Apply by 20 Jan 2026 to start 23 Feb 2026
The quality of our buildings is vital to our economy, environment, health, and lifestyles. Explore the process and business of building great structures. Learn about construction methods, materials, and systems—along with project management and contractor relations. Use that knowledge to help create a more sustainable world.
Become a building scientist
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is an international leader in the field of building science. Our Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) is the country’s leading programme devoted to the science of buildings.
In the BBSc, you’ll study the theory and practice of building construction and sustainability. While considering architectural design issues, you’ll develop the knowledge to promote the construction of durable, economic, and healthy buildings.
The BBSc has five majors, with each major focusing on a different area:
- Building Surveying
- Built and Natural Heritage Conservation
- Project Management
- Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments
- Sustainable Engineering Systems.
At the end of three years of study, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to begin a satisfying career in the building industry—or to continue your study at postgraduate level. Along with an understanding of architecture, you’ll graduate with expertise in the human factors, science, and technology of building.
Download our handbook
Fill in a form to find out more about your study options at the School of Architecture in our qualification handbook.
How you’ll study
First year
In your first year, you will study four core introductory courses, around which you may select elective courses. You’ll also select up to two majors, or one major and two minors.The core courses will introduce you to sustainability in the designed environment, design communication, built environment technology, and environmental design sciences.
Your elective courses can be chosen from Building Science, Construction, Architectural Studies, or an entirely different area of study.
Second year
This is the year you will start to hone your skills in your selected major or majors. You’ll take two core courses, and fill the rest of your progamme with courses from your selected major(s) and electives.
Third year
By this stage, you’ll have developed a good understanding of building science and your major. You will appreciate the important questions related to sustainability, price, quality of construction, and the skill 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 move into postgraduate education.
Bachelor of Construction
The Bachelor of Building Science is closely related to our Bachelor of Construction (BConst). Any BConst major can be taken as a second major in your BBSc.
If you want to focus on the science and technology of buildings—and the mechanics behind how buildings work and perform—then the BBSc is right for you.
If you want to get your hands dirty and focus more on managing construction projects from start to finish—including safety, planning, and sustainability—then the BConst could be a better fit for you.
Flexibility in your degree
The Bachelor of Building Science is incredibly flexible—both in the degree itself and in the way it overlaps with the related Bachelor of Construction (BConst).
You’ll need to take at least one major from the five majors offered in the BBSc. On top of that, you can take a second major or one or two minors. Your second major can be another one from the BBSc, or it can be one of the BConst majors.
BBSc majors
The BBSc has five major subjects to choose from:- Building Surveying / Aromātai Hanganga
- Built and Natural Heritage Conservation / Te Whāomotanga o te Hanga ā-Ringa me te Hanga ā-Taiao
- Project Management / Whakahaere Kaupapa
- Smart Cities and Digital Built Environments / Tāone Atamai me ngā Whaitua Hanga Matihiko
- Sustainable Engineering Systems / Pūnaha Pūhanga Toitū.
Second major
If you want to add a second major, you can add another one of the BBSc majors. Or you can choose from these three majors in the BConst:- Construction Health and Safety / Hauora me te Haumaru
- Construction Management / Whakahaere Hanganga
- Sustainable Construction / Hanganga Toitū.
You can even choose a second, ‘outside’ major from another degree offered at this University—this may need to be approved.
Find out more about your study options, how long it takes to complete them, and what kind of other subjects you could major in. Our page on flexible study offers specifics on what subjects are available as a double major from an ‘outside’ degree.
Get a Master's degree
If you want to become an expert in a particular area of Building Science that fascinates you—say, energy efficiency, acoustics, or building information modelling—a Master’s degree will help you reach your career goals.
You’ll gain deep insights and highly marketable skills. And you’ll have the qualification you need to be professionally recognised by Building Institute Aotearoa.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to hundreds of first-year students each year. They help with living costs and accommodation costs at the University's halls of residence.
Our Tangiwai, Totoweka, and Kahotea scholarships are available to school leavers, and there are several other first-year scholarships on offer in our scholarships database.
You can also apply for a TeachNZ Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on specific areas where teachers are needed.
We strongly recommend applying for our scholarships, as they often don’t receive enough applications.
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Requirements