About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: K90012
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Construction and Property
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: MSc 12 months full-time, 28 months part-time; study is also possible on a module by module basis.
- Delivery: Full-time, part-time block release.
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Peter Fewings MPhil, PGCert, MCIOB, MILT, FHEA
- Key fact: Ideal if you wish to develop your understanding and skills in managing projects for construction professionals in either practice or client organisations.
Introduction
In today's ever changing market, construction professionals need the knowledge and skills which are developed through postgraduate study. Successful project managers are people who can think, lead and act in an uncertain and dynamic business environment, who have access to the latest information, understand the appropriate techniques and systems and have the expertise to apply these to market needs and business opportunities.
This course will allow you to enhance your understanding of managing projects for construction professionals in both practice and client organisations, helping to support them in their professional capacity to contribute to the successful delivery of construction projects.
It is intended for architects, surveyors, services engineers, civil engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors and existing project managers who wish to formalise their training on the client and supply side.
Key course features
- Teaching and learning which meets the needs of the practising professional
- Content which reflects the diversity and change within the construction industry
- Advanced study skills modules
- Opportunities to network with those working at the leading edge of both research and practice
- Staff active in research and consultancy, through the Department's Construction and Property Research Centre
- Material which equip you and your organisation with appropriate market skills and specialisms to maximise business opportunities
- A supportive learning environment in a modern, well-equipped building on Frenchay Campus
- A course which is supported by a group of employers who contribute towards resources used in teaching, offer sponsorship and placements to students, and who are keen to employ our graduates. You can find more information at www.bne.uwe.ac.uk/cpe.
- Opportunities to improve your English language skills both academically and socially
International students
This course will help you develop skills and knowledge which can be applied in a range of international contexts. As an international student, there will be opportunities for incorporating material and examples from your home country into your studies, especially in the dissertation.
Structure
Content
You will explore the nature of projects in relation to organisations and their commercial and public environment. This includes the management of teams that have to analyse client value and risk associated with environmental issues and the forms of procurement and contract available. You will consider the use of information technology in managing projects, together with organisational change and innovation. You will look at the planning and control of projects in relation to the organisations that contribute to and manage the process.
The course comprises the following modules. These are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain up to date and relevant. These are subject to change although the overall aims and broad content of the course will remain the same.
Project Management Principles
Provides a holistic view of a generic project. It looks at the life cycle of project management and the strategic choice of project management tools and techniques to suit a particular situation and economic sector.
Built Environment Information Management
Gives a strategic awareness of spatial and project information systems, including quality of information. It provides a framework for the integration, synthesis and effective presentation of information to support decision-making.
Construction Operations Management
Examines the implementation phase of the project and the control of the project to enhance productivity and to maximise effectiveness. Considers resourcing, risk, programming and health and safety management to support integrated management decision making in design and construction. It also looks at issues of people and organisational management such as motivation, leadership, culture and communications.
Finance for Managers
Provides a critical evaluation of financial management from the point of view of the non-financial manager. It gives a firm grounding in the interpretation of published accounts and other financial data and introduces management accounting in such areas as budget control, investment appraisal and cost behaviour.
Construction Procurement
Examines the sources and remedies of conflict and dispute in the construction industry. It looks at ways of maintaining a customer focus and control over the whole supply chain.
Construction Project Management Practice
A project module integrating the skills and practice of the project manager. By selection of a case study of a current or future project, the environment, client objectives, feasibility, implementation, strategy and commissioning and success of the project are analysed and benchmarked with other projects.
Research for Policy and Practice
This module provides a critique of qualitative and quantitative research methods with guidance on appropriate sources to support the methodology you require for your own dissertation.
Construction Contract Law
Examines the conditions of standard contracts and assesses the roles, management and applications in a range of different procurement styles.
An option module is now available for the management of built environment assets for those who are more involved in the reconfiguration and refurbishment of existing buildings.
Study time
You can study the course full time over 12 months (including the dissertation) or part time over 28 months. Modules are studied between September and the following May with the period June to September being mainly devoted to work on the dissertation. Study begins with a short induction course. Teaching is delivered in 20 two-day blocks of attendance, with part time students studying 10 two-day blocks of attendance each year. Tutorial support is provided between teaching blocks.
Assessment
Most assessment is carried out by means of coursework, with some examinations.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The MSc Construction Project Management is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Study facilities
We aim to foster an active graduate community for students on both taught and research degrees. Graduate students have a dedicated space on the main campus, with teaching rooms and informal areas. Each course has a student adviser who provides pastoral support and general advice.
We have invested heavily in online and offline computer-based resources to support modules. You will have access to a vast number of journals and databases online through the UWE Bristol library. Our computer labs support software for day to day data processing as well as specialist software required to support teaching and learning. Some of the computer labs within the Department are available for you to use 24/7. Additional learning support resources are provided in our dedicated 'Project Room', which provides a wide range of facilities and equipment needed by all students, including space to work collaboratively and to complete assessment work.
Careers/further study
Project managers are valued by clients, consultants and contractors who have a role to play in ensuring optimisation of the budget time and quality. Many project management roles will be different depending on the nature of the project and working environment. However, it is a generic function that many organisations' clients will specify to ensure competent and professional management of their projects.
Entry
Entry requirements
We normally require a good honours degree in a relevant subject including construction management, quantity surveying, architecture, civil or structural engineering, building surveying, building services engineering or a related built environment subject.
If you hold a degree in an unrelated subject, it may be possible to progress to the MSc after having completed a set of pre-learning modules. If you hold an unrelated degree but have experience of working in the construction industry at management level, then it may be possible for you to come straight onto the MSc on submission of a written report.
We also welcome applications from those without the conventional entry requirements but with substantial relevant work or other experience, together with other qualifications in the construction industry. You will be required to demonstrate that you have the motivation and skills to enable you to succeed on the course.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
15% Alumni discount on postgraduate full-time courses
UWE alumni and current final year students are entitled to a 15% discount when progressing to a UWE full time postgraduate degree. (This excludes Health and Social Care postgraduate and professional development courses, the Bristol MBA, Law and PGCE courses). All you need to do is include your UWE student number in your application and the discount will be applied once your entitlement has been confirmed. Terms and conditions apply. Further information.
How to apply
Applications for both full time and part time study are made directly to us. Please follow the 'Apply for this course' link on this page. We offer both a September and January start date for this course.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011