
MSc Construction Project Management
If you are engaged in a construction-related profession or you want a career in construction project management, this Masters course will develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the APM, the MSc Construction Project Management course is practice-based and research focused.
The practice element adopts a problem-solving approach to complex and strategic issues that often arise on construction projects. You will get involved in case studies utilising completed and ongoing projects. The research focus is supplied through research-active staff who are directly involved in course development and delivery, along with contributions from visiting research fellows, guest lecturers and professionals.
It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited Bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
You will study the following modules and a dissertation:
- Project Management 1 Theory and Practice
Project Management is an important skill for any professional. This module sets down the bedrock for understanding the principles of project management. The content will examine the lifecycle of a project and consider how well established management theories can be applied to provide a successful outcome. The focus will consider both a management framework and a range of effective techniques that help to plan, control and deliver a project on time, at cost and within quality scope. - Project Management 2 Planning and Control
This module builds on the knowledge previously acquired and contextualises it within a series of case studies. Students are encouraged to examine real life construction scenarios and draw conclusions as to how they would best manage the situations presented to them.
- 3D Building Information Modelling
In 2016 the UK Government made it mandatory for all publically-funded projects to use Level 2 BIM. But what is BIM? This module will explain BIM, the BIM process, and explains how BIM can be used throughout the different stages of a Project from Inception to Occupancy. Furthermore, it gives the students hands-on experience of using one of the software packages (Revit) currently used in order to produce a virtual 3D Building Information Model. - Law for the Built Environment
This module focusses on key aspects of Built Environment law relating to land and construction. It also examines aspects of corporate social responsibility. In encompasses contractual obligations and the responsibilities of key members of the construction team. The module also places strong emphasis on avoiding, managing and resolving disputes and the importance of collaboration amongst the contracting teams. - Financial Management for Construction and Real Estate
The module explores the varying factors that drive end value in a construction context, developing an understanding between costs and price. A variety of financial appraisal techniques are explored and applied using technology, in order to better understand and therefore manage the construction management process in a more informed way. -
Management Systems for Project Managers
This module will give students a detailed understanding of the requirements of effective management systems and how they apply to project managers in the construction sector. Focus will be in the three areas of Health and Safety; Quality and Environmental Management. It will explore the role of the organisation and the individual by considering both corporate and individual responsibility for the management of the various disciplines. Study will consider integrated systems as well as reflecting on the stand-alone application of arrangements to meet organisational obligations. - Individual Dissertation
The dissertation is a chance for students to work on a piece of research focused upon an individual and their interests within the course. Students will be encouraged and guided by individual supervisors to use appropriate resources to undertake a major, comprehensive, innovative piece of investigative research. Assistance will be provided to develop and demonstrate the ability to gather extensive evidence, carry out a thorough and in depth critical analysis, produce sustained argument(s) and synthesise the findings of the research in a professional manner.
Teaching
The MSc Construction Project Management course is delivered in three major blocks that offer an intensive but flexible learning pattern, with two start points each year for full time students– February and September. Part time study begins in September only. Tuition combines traditional lectures and tutorials with problem-based learning through workshops and site visits.
Assessment
Some modules are continuously assessed, while others use coursework and examination. Assessment methods also vary and include written reports and coursework, project work and presentations.
Most submissions will be your individual work, but some may involve teamwork assessment. The Masters element requires completion of a substantial dissertation based on your individual research. Part-time students have the option of a fast-track route by completing their dissertation over the summer at the end of their second year.
Accreditations
The Construction Project Management course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Association for Project Management (APM).
When you graduate with your masters, you’ll have the ability and confidence to begin a career in project management and work towards corporate membership of the RICS.
On successful completion of your degree, you will be eligible to apply for the APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) via Route 1, as your degree has been assessed as meeting the requirements for technical knowledge.
Facilities
Students have access to the latest industry BIM and CAD Design software including Revit, ArchiCAD and VectaWorks.
Lecturers
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
An Honours degree at class 2:2 or above in a discipline relevant to built environment such as architecture, building surveying, civil engineering, commercial management, construction management, project management or quantity surveying.
Alternatively, an Honours degree at class 2:2 or above in a non-construction subject with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience in the construction environment, or relevant experience and an appropriate professional qualification such as RICS, RIBA, CIOB, MICE and MIStructE.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100
Part-time UK: £1055 per 20 credits
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24
Apply directly to the University if you are applying for a part-time, professional or postgraduate course, an Erasmus/Exchange programme, the Legal Practice (part-time) course, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution.
Our strong industrial and commercial links help us tailor our courses to meet employer’s needs, and ensure you graduate with the right skills to develop an exciting, dynamic career in construction. This industry relationship has been formalised into the Built Environment Strategic Forum (BESF). The mutual benefits arising from this university/industry partnership are significant and guarantee enhanced employability potential to our students and graduates.
There is continued demand for construction project managers nationally and internationally. Our graduates have a very strong record in gaining employment and/or promotion. Graduates with a Construction Project Management degree have found employment with development, construction and building companies or government organisations and agencies, as well as commercial, management and consultancy firms.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.