Course overview

The construction industry is a dynamic environment involving unique projects that demand technical innovation and ingenuity to solve problems that inevitably arise. Technical knowledge alone is not sufficient in the modern construction industry. The ability to manage the challenges and constraints is vital for successful project completion.

Facilitating the appreciation and effective management of construction project challenges and constraints, this course is aimed at construction professionals (typically engineers, architects, quantity surveyors and other construction professionals) as well as clients who want to improve their understanding of project management and procurement issues. Practising construction managers, who may not have formal undergraduate qualifications, but who can demonstrate relevant industrial experience, are particularly welcomed. The course is also relevant to other specialists who need to improve their understanding of the construction industry.

The MSc Construction Project Management provides you with a unique opportunity to engage with the project management body of knowledge covering the entire project life cycle from project identification, feasibility study, design, construction, operation and disposal.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators' (JBM) United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), which encompasses the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Institute of Highway Engineers. It satisfies further learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) for graduates holding a CEng accredited bachelor degree.

Course content

Starting in September, this course is offered in full-time mode (one calendar year) or part-time mode (two calendar years) for your convenience. It is divided into three stages, each contained within an academic teaching period. The first two stages are generally taught through formal tuition, with stage three covering independent research in an academic and/or industrial setting.

The course provides an opportunity to broaden and extend understanding of construction industry issues not normally covered in undergraduate studies. You will build upon established fundamental civil/construction engineering and project management principles and to be able to confidently apply them to a range of complex construction project problems with due regard to related social, economic, environmental and resource issues.

The MSc is awarded for 180 credits from the core units below:

• Projects Economics and Law (30 credits): this unit deals with the legal context within which construction projects are undertaken. It also covers techniques for economic appraisal of construction projects and alternatives for financing major construction projects.
• Project Management and Software (30 credits): this unit introduces the Project Management Institute’s model, known as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK), and industry-standard project management software.
• Project Management Tools, Techniques and Processes (30 credits): this unit covers the practical employment of project management tools, techniques and processes in the construction industry.
• Strategic and General Management (30 credits): taking into account internal and external environments, this unit covers management in the construction industry, and the development of organisational and project strategic direction.
• Independent Project (60 credits – research project): this unit covers the generic research framework within which new knowledge is discovered, and involves the practical application of research skills and techniques to a chosen system within the construction industry.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching on this course will focus on small lecture, seminar and discussion groups. It will also centre on independent learning strategies, which tutorials will help to develop. Practitioners from client, contracting and consulting organisations, with which the School has strong links, deliver some of the lectures and seminars.

Assessment is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. It takes many forms, including examinations, dissertations and assessed coursework. Full details of assessment for each unit and their scheduling will be available at the start of the course.

You will be assigned a personal tutor to provide pastoral advice and guidance throughout the course. When undertaking the independent project, you will also have a personal supervisor who will provide advice and guidance relating to matters such as identifying appropriate information sources, methodologies and research instruments.

Career prospects

This course will equip you to:

• manage construction projects in client (private and public) construction and consulting organisations
• engage in construction and other business
• undertake construction management research in academic or research institutions
• pursue further studies

Previous graduates have gone on to work for client, contracting and consulting organisations in the construction industry in a variety of roles.

What the employers say

'Having recruited three Industrial Placement students from Portsmouth University, BAM Nuttall are keen to continue working closely with the University after the three students performed exceptionally whilst with us. The students demonstrated excellent standards in safety awareness, were extremely conscientious, reliable and motivated. They showed a good attitude towards supervision and all got on well with their peers on site. They were honest and punctual. As a result of their performance on site, they have now been sponsored by us for the remainder of their degree courses and will join us as graduates when they finish their degrees. Since their return to university, I have heard from the sites that they are very much missed!'
Nicola Young, Student Liaison Officer, BAM Nuttall Ltd

Facilities and features

You will have access to a large library collection of course materials (books, journals, periodicals, electronic resources etc), computer hardware and software and laboratory equipment for project work (as appropriate).

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Construction Project Management are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: The School of Civil Engineering and Surveying
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 2555
Email: technology.admissions@port.ac.uk