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Overview
Establish yourself in the global construction sector with a Master's that trains you to handle challenges within the industry, then to change and improve the industry itself.
On this accredited MSc Construction Project Management, you'll build the professional skills you need to tackle the technical, organisational, commercial, legal and financial issues that arise across the construction sector. You'll work with lecturers who contribute to current projects in the industry, looking at construction projects from the client side and the contractor side, and you'll be digging into the social, economic and environmental issues that can affect large-scale construction projects.
When you graduate, you'll have gathered the tools and knowledge to go further in the international construction sector, or to go on with further study in the field.
Study online
If you need flexibility with your studies, you can study MSc Project Management for Construction online. Find out about studying this degree online.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Study real-life practical problems and active construction industry issues through site visits and case studies, using our local and global partnerships with construction organisations
- Take on an independent research project and apply your learning and research skills to examining your choice of area within the construction area
- Master the technical, organisational, commercial, legal and financial issues involved in successfully completing a project, and use your mastery to improve the industry
- Hear from construction professionals in informal lectures – recent talks featured engineers and business owners who worked on the Shard Project and 22 Bishopsgate, the second highest building in London
- Learn from expert academic staff with industry connections in a globally focused international student community
Accredited by:
The University of Portsmouth holds CIOB Accredited Centre Status during the period 2022-2027 and MSc Construction Project Management is a CIOB Accredited programme (subject to conditions) during the period 2022-2027, having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and once they have gained three to five years’ relevant work experience may enter CIOB membership as an applicant to progress towards Chartered Membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.
* It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree 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.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsModules
Full-time
All modules on this MSc Construction Project Management are core.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise the importance of using computers to expedite tasks in the architectural, engineering and construction industry
- Appraise how computer software can be used to plan, programme, monitor, and control construction projects
- Create and develop BIM models using current BIM technology as part of a team project to demonstrate BIM (as an integrated platform) adoption between different stakeholders in AEC projects throughout the use and maintenance of buildings
- Extract and analyse data from a BIM model to make informed decisions about a project
- Show a critical appraisal of the multidisciplinary dimensions of AEC projects and its associated articulation procedures
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appreciate the mechanisms by which the law relevant to a construction professional is enacted and developed.
- Critically discuss the obligations most commonly imposed by law; those arising from statutory provisions, the contract or resulting from the negligence of the parties.
- Manage and apply contract principles to the regular matters which occur during the life of a project.
- Assess and evaluate contract principles and relevant case law relating to construction disputes and differences and assess the management needs resulting from these particular issues.
- Appraise the available dispute resolution methods and make an informed selection when faced with a contractual issue; recommend the most appropriate procedures and remedies available to the parties.
- Apply health and safety law to construction situations.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Summarise the principles of project management
- Apply and evaluate project management strategies
- Propose project management strategies to suit different project scenarios
- Critically discuss the relationship between health and safety management and general management and the importance of a positive health and safety culture
- Evaluate the importance of the CDM regulations and assess their impact on anticipating risks and the proactive management of health and safety within the UK construction industry
- Critically review and discuss the methods by which common health and safety risks can be controlled
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the principles and processes of management
- Appraise the importance of corporate governance, ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in developing a sustainable business
- Make use of appropriate data and analytical tools to recommend suitable options
- Critically discuss issues related to managing people and organisational behaviour
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assemble and apply a wide range of project management tools and techniques
- Critically appraise the use of a wide range of project management tools and techniques
- Justify appropriate project management tools and techniques for different scenarios
- Critically appraise the use of a wide range of project management processes
- Justify appropriate project management processes for different scenarios
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different project management processes
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the principles of strategic management
- Appraise implementation issues in management of construction organisations
- Make use of appropriate data and analytical tools
- Recommend and justify new strategic options
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and evaluate key research tools and techniques
- Organise library searches effectively to identify key source material and review such material to establish a well-informed context for the project and appropriate justification for the topic
- Assemble a viable research methodology, recognising the quantitative and/or qualitative elements that are generic to such methodologies. Classify, analyse and develop the facts, principles and theories relevant to the project and apply them so as to present and justify an innovative solution or design, often in areas where information and practice are undeveloped
- Recognise and discuss any ethical considerations presented by the proposed project and formulate transparent procedures to protect participants and environments
- Analyse and synthesise the data collected to draw appropriate qualified conclusions linked to objectives set within research design
- Organise and plan work independently on a topic over an extended time frame and report progress regularly and effectively to a supervisor
Part-time
All modules on this MSc Construction Project Management are core.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise the importance of using computers to expedite tasks in the architectural, engineering and construction industry
- Appraise how computer software can be used to plan, programme, monitor, and control construction projects
- Create and develop BIM models using current BIM technology as part of a team project to demonstrate BIM (as an integrated platform) adoption between different stakeholders in AEC projects throughout the use and maintenance of buildings
- Extract and analyse data from a BIM model to make informed decisions about a project
- Show a critical appraisal of the multidisciplinary dimensions of AEC projects and its associated articulation procedures
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the principles and processes of management
- Appraise the importance of corporate governance, ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in developing a sustainable business
- Make use of appropriate data and analytical tools to recommend suitable options
- Critically discuss issues related to managing people and organisational behaviour
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the principles of strategic management
- Appraise implementation issues in management of construction organisations
- Make use of appropriate data and analytical tools
- Recommend and justify new strategic options
All modules on this MSc Construction Project Management are core.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appreciate the mechanisms by which the law relevant to a construction professional is enacted and developed.
- Critically discuss the obligations most commonly imposed by law; those arising from statutory provisions, the contract or resulting from the negligence of the parties.
- Manage and apply contract principles to the regular matters which occur during the life of a project.
- Assess and evaluate contract principles and relevant case law relating to construction disputes and differences and assess the management needs resulting from these particular issues.
- Appraise the available dispute resolution methods and make an informed selection when faced with a contractual issue; recommend the most appropriate procedures and remedies available to the parties.
- Apply health and safety law to construction situations.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Summarise the principles of project management
- Apply and evaluate project management strategies
- Propose project management strategies to suit different project scenarios
- Critically discuss the relationship between health and safety management and general management and the importance of a positive health and safety culture
- Evaluate the importance of the CDM regulations and assess their impact on anticipating risks and the proactive management of health and safety within the UK construction industry
- Critically review and discuss the methods by which common health and safety risks can be controlled
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assemble and apply a wide range of project management tools and techniques
- Critically appraise the use of a wide range of project management tools and techniques
- Justify appropriate project management tools and techniques for different scenarios
- Critically appraise the use of a wide range of project management processes
- Justify appropriate project management processes for different scenarios
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different project management processes
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and evaluate key research tools and techniques
- Organise library searches effectively to identify key source material and review such material to establish a well-informed context for the project and appropriate justification for the topic
- Assemble a viable research methodology, recognising the quantitative and/or qualitative elements that are generic to such methodologies. Classify, analyse and develop the facts, principles and theories relevant to the project and apply them so as to present and justify an innovative solution or design, often in areas where information and practice are undeveloped
- Recognise and discuss any ethical considerations presented by the proposed project and formulate transparent procedures to protect participants and environments
- Analyse and synthesise the data collected to draw appropriate qualified conclusions linked to objectives set within research design
- Organise and plan work independently on a topic over an extended time frame and report progress regularly and effectively to a supervisor
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
As a successful graduate of this course, you'll have an accredited qualification in construction project management, which can build your path to careers across the construction sector, such as quantity surveying or contractor work.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Project director
- Project manager
- Design manager
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take 1 year (full-time study) or 2 years (part-time study).
Currently, full-time students are on campus on Tuesday and Thursday; part time students do the Tuesdays in their first year, then Thursday in the second year.
You can expect:
- 10 hours of teaching time every week (5 hours for part time students). We do our best to keep all teaching within three days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 20 hours of independent study each week (10 hours for part time students)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- discussion groups
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- examinations
- coursework
- projects
- a dissertation
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
Feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £8,500 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £4,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
- Full time: £8,500 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £4,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
International students
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £5,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £5,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
International students
- Full-time: £20,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £10,100 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students
January 2024 start
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or equivalent industrial and work experience in construction management or other related field.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2024 / January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or equivalent industrial and work experience in construction management or other related field.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
When you're ready to begin your application, choose your start date.
Start this course in September 2024
Start this course in January 2025
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.