Bachelor of Building Science - Victoria University of Wellington

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The Bachelor of Building Science

Buildings are a big part of our lives. Their quality is vital to our economy, our lifestyle, and our environment. Building scientists contribute to the development of more enjoyable, safer, stronger, healthier, more comfortable, more durable, and overall more sustainable built environments. They understand the human, environmental, and construction issues in buildings.

Victoria’s Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) graduates have expertise in the science, technology, and economics of building, and an understanding of architecture. Their combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience is meeting an urgent need for building science professionals.

Building Science has been taught at Victoria’s School of Architecture since 1975 and the University is an international leader in the field. In the past 10 years, the building science curriculum at Victoria has evolved into the country's leading programme devoted to the science of building construction and practice. Students are now encouraged to specialise in one of four streams.

Entry into second-year Building Science is competitive, based on academic performance in first-year. Students can plan a first-year programme that gives them the option to apply for a second year in Architecture, Building Science, or one of the Design specialisations (particularly Interior Architecture).

Students who go on to do Honours obtain professional training in lighting, energy analysis, and other areas of environmental science. Some pursue postgraduate study to Masters and PhD level.

Research studies in the graduate programme at Victoria and through the contract research activities of the high-tech Centre for Building Performance Research (CBPR) have been effective in improving the quality of New Zealand's built environment over the past 20 years. All Building Science students benefit from the close relationships between the CBPR and the New Zealand building industry and its research community.

Building Science graduates have in recent years readily found careers in building project management, lighting design, acoustics, building quality management for territorial authorities, building research, and working in engineering firms specialising in structures and environmental design.

Some graduates run their own consultancies in computer simulation of lighting or energy performance, or produce animated visualisations of new designs for architecture and development teams. Other specialisations include planning, surveying, and quantity estimating. A Building Science qualification combines well with other degrees, particularly in Law and Commerce.

A BBSc at Victoria

A Bachelor of Building Science requires three years of full-time study. 360 points are required. To enrol in a BBSc you need a university entrance qualification. It is useful to have studied mathematics, physics, English, technology, and one creative subject such as art, design, or graphics. See the Course Catalogue to find out the points value of courses.

Recommended First-Year Electives

(if not taken as core courses):

BBSc Specialisations

At least two of the elective courses in your degree must be from one of these four areas. The recommended electives are shown for each area.

Environmental Science and Technology

The analysis of building performance and the simulation of unbuilt designs in order to provide environments that are healthier, more energy efficient, more sustainable and more enjoyable.

Digital Craft

The study of the tools with which the building industry presents and simulates the performance of designed environments, from simple animated 'walk throughs' of virtual environments to web-based interactive representations of unbuilt cities.

Building Practice Management

The systematic development of an understanding of the economic analysis and management practices required to deliver quality built environments that are safe, healthy and sustainable.

Construction Technology

The examination of the science and technology of making buildings better because they are, for example, easier to construct, more durable, and safer in fires.