Construction Project Management MSc (PGCert PGDip)

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Course structure

This course can be studied full- or part-time and consists of taught and research components. To be awarded the MSc you must obtain 180 credits. Six taught modules at 20 credits each, plus your dissertation at 60 credits. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours study time.

For the taught element you will be at the university for lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes, individual supervision sessions and team working. Modules are assessed based on learning objectives using coursework, presentations and an oral and/or written examination at the end of the semester.

You will work closely with a member of our team – who are all active in research and consultancy – on a masters dissertation that reflects your interests and career aspirations.

Syllabus 

Modules

Core modules

• Project Planning and Analysis

  This module provides a problem-solving scenario to help develop individual responses while working in a group environment. The focus is to produce and critically appraise the group’s proposal for a complex project which demonstrates the best trade-offs on time, cost and performance, and takes into consideration health, safety and welfare and ‘constructibility’. You will learn to produce plans using industry-led sophisticated computer software.

• Construction Law and Procurement

  In this module you will explore the role procurement plays in meeting a client’s need for a built facility and develop an understanding of procurement systems, client organisations and the management of stakeholders in the development and decision-making processes. You will also look at lessons provided by other industries and examine the application of construction law and construction contracts.

• Project Management for Construction

  This module explores project management in relation to construction projects. You will specifically examine how project management contributes to the success of a project by understanding the business case for the project and meeting the client’s requirements in the most efficient manner. You will also develop a range of problem-solving, interpersonal and teamwork skills to complement the theory of managing projects.

• Project Risk and Financial Analysis

  The first part of this two-part module will cover project risk in health and safety and financial terms, with an emphasis on CDM 2015 Regulations and the Management of H&S at Work Regulations 1999. This will help in comprehensively appraising health and safety risk. The second part will give you an understanding of decision-making and the appropriate decision-making tools for managing people and organisations.

• Sustainable Construction

  This module looks at how the design and construction of buildings impact the environment. It provides a critical appraisal of one planet living and the responsibilities of the individual and the construction industry, and explores the resources consumed and pollution resulting from buildings and methods by which their sustainability can be evaluated. Some of the key features of buildings acknowledged as ‘sustainable construction’ will also be appraised.

• Masters Dissertation

  In this dissertation you will consolidate your core subject knowledge to undertake an in-depth exploration of ideas, perspectives and debates in one distinct area in your field. You will demonstrate your capacity to specialise, design and conduct an in-depth, extensive, original and independent research project, leading to the submission of a concise, coherent dissertation which may form the foundation of further professional career development, in-depth study/research or lifelong learning.

Options*

• Building and Environment

  In this module you will develop strategic knowledge and understanding of the connections between of environmental science, structural systems, material performances and detailed design development. You will apply the knowledge gained from lectures and seminars to your design project. Lecture topics may include environmental, structural, computer aided design, performative modelling and component production and material design principles.

• Energy Assessment of Buildings

  During this module you will study various building energy policy issues and get to grips with the fundamentals of sustainable energy generation, distribution and building energy management systems. You will learn to apply techniques and procedures to assess building energy use and recommend improvements in enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings (mainly large-scale existing or new buildings).

• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

  This introductory course to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is for both newcomers to the field and existing practitioners. The module will give you a theoretical and practical understanding of GIS concepts, technical issues and applications using GIS software. You will develop spatial and digital computing, data handling and problem-solving skills and apply these to the identification and examination of geographical and wider environmental issues.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  This module will examine the principles behind, and the practice of, environmental impact assessment (EIA). You will study the development of EIA and its integration into EU and UK law, and the relationship between EIA and sustainable development. You’ll also explore the importance of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and the effects that it may have on UK and EU environmental management. The module will use case studies to provide local and national examples of environmental statements and discuss the importance of quality and review.

• Environmental Management in Organisations

  This module explores the evolution and philosophy behind environmental management in organisations and looks at environmental impacts and legislation. You will examine the reasons for incorporating environmental considerations into an organisation’s operations, including Net Zero, compliance with regulations, economic drivers, sustainability, resource efficiency and corporate social responsibility.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course fees

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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