Overview
The Construction Project and Cost Management MSc course has been developed in response to a rapid cultural change in the construction industry.
This course aims to prepare you to effectively manage projects and budgets surrounding the development of the built environment. Covering physical, legal, economic and technological factors, you will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the theory and practice of procurement, construction economics, cost management and best practice project management within the construction industry.
You will have the opportunity to develop high-level knowledge in both the theoretical and practical aspects of strategic management in the construction industry. The course focuses on developing the core skills and competencies identified by professional bodies for the roles of construction project managers, cost managers and quantity surveyors. It aims to prepare you for a career in one of today’s largest and most influential industries in the world.
Course information
You will have the opportunity to study the economics behind construction, examining the regulatory and legal framework within which the industry operates, as well as health and safety in construction. You will explore the corporate management processes used within the industry, such as procurement systems and construction contracts.
You will be able to examine how the built and natural environments interact, taking into account the need for sustainable construction, environmental principles and legislation. You will have the opportunity to engage in topical discussions about a wide range of issues, from sustainability demands to environmental, and review economic considerations in shaping construction trends.
You will study theory and management practices and examine real-life case studies like the Millennium Dome and the Channel Tunnel, which aim to teach you how to manage complex construction projects from the initial planning stages, to implementation and completion, managing project teams, procurement, finance, risk, health and safety.
The course aims to develop your interpersonal skills in areas such as communications, presentation, conflict avoidance, negotiation, persuasion, management and dispute resolution.
As part of your degree, you will be expected to undertake an independent research project, which can be based on a topic of your choice or from selected supervisors.
Why choose this course?
The global construction market is forecast to grow 70% in the next two decades. New talent and new ways of working need to be established in order to capitalise on this huge potential and meet the challenges, such as the shortfall of skilled labour, rising demand for lower costs, lower emissions and faster delivery.
This course combines the study of the core industry professions: construction management, project and contract management and quantity surveying. It is intended to set you on the path towards becoming a chartered surveyor or a chartered construction manager.
It is designed for students who are looking to enter the construction industry or seek career progression – as a construction professional, civil or structural engineer, architectural technologist, surveyor or building services engineering.
A popular feature of our course is the access to free continuing professional development (CPD) modules for all students, in areas such as fundamental construction, contract management and project visit (subject to application).
Many of our excellent links with local and national contractors provide direct input into course development as members of our Civil Engineering and Building Advisory Boards. You should be able to network with the construction community which can enhance your employment prospects on graduation.
Our teaching staff have both academic and professional experience in architectural practice, civil engineering and the construction industry. We also have a strong portfolio of industry-related research, particularly in the areas of low carbon building technology, sustainable construction materials and engineering education, which ensures you stay abreast of new technologies and emerging issues.
How you’ll be assessed
Mixed assessment modes offer students a range of opportunities to demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes. You will be assessed online, by watching videos, reading articles, doing tests and completing assessments online.
