MSc Construction Project Management

The MSc in Construction Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of construction projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as their organisational and strategic aspects. The course enables theoretical and conceptual exploration of construction project management issues whilst also stressing the essential practical aspects such as project control mechanisms, resource management, budgeting and cost management, stakeholder management, contract management, IT applications and information management.

Engagement with important and emerging construction industry issues is built into course Unit learning and assessment activities; the core Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit being delivered in partnership with industry partner organisations so that students are exposed to the challenging and exciting environment of contemporary civil engineering and construction projects.

The MSc in Construction Project Management is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JMB) as being an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer status.

Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD), the University of Manchester's new £400m purpose-built home for engineering and material science, is nearing completion. The physical move to the new development is scheduled to take place between January 2022 and December 2022. Whilst it is anticipated there may be some disruption due to power shutdowns, areas of buildings closing and reduced access during the period of the move, extensive plans are in place to ensure there is minimal interference and excellent student experience remains pivotal.

Teaching and learning

The Construction Project Management MSc is a full-time course that is studied over 12 months, starting in September each year. The course comprises eight taught course units, each worth 15 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Students on this particular MSc study four core units fundamental to project management, which are shared by students on the other MSc courses. In addition, the Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit is a programme specific unit designed to simulate the major challenges to delivering a successful construction/civil engineering project through the medium of a `live' case study approach. Students must also select three option units and carry out a Construction Project Management based dissertation.

Assessment of the taught part of the programme is via a combination of formal written examinations and coursework assignments, which will include group work and oral presentations. Some assessment is based on online material provided by the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 (a process-based method for effective project management).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Construction Project Management MSc are highly regarded by industry. This course offers students a unique blend between academic excellence, problem-based learning and industry practice. During their studies, students are required to immerse their knowledge in `live case studies', where actual construction/engineering projects are selected as part of the curriculum.

Our recent graduates go on to work with large multinational organisations globally, such as:

• Accenture, UK
• AECOM, UK
• Atkins, UK
• Balfour Beatty plc, UK
• BGS Ingenieros SAC, Brazil
• Chechen State University, Russia
• E.C. Harris, UK
• FFC Pakistan
• FDM Group, UK
• Ghandara Designs, India
• Pentecost University College, Ghana
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Korea
• Ikea, China
• Jones Lang LaSalle, UK
• Joannou & Paraskevaides, Cyprus
• KPMG, UK
• Turner & Townsend, UK
• Sapura Crest Petroleum, Malaysia
• Saleh Ibrahim Steel Contracting LLC, UAE
• Sare Group, India
• Unicon Ltd, Qatar