Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The three construction programmes aim at ensuring that as a student you will: 

• Acquire a high quality educational experience that develops and sustains students' knowledge, skills and aspirations in the further advancement of your career within the construction industry;
• Engage with other students within a multi-national environment in which to discuss and debate current essential issues that relate to design, construction and project management;
• Gain an appreciation and understanding of each aspect of managing the life cycle of and the successful realisation of a construction project; and
• Achieve an excellent combination of technical and managerial knowledge in key subjects desired by most employers in the construction sector. 

 In addition, the specific aims for each of the programmes are to ensure that as a current or future construction professional: 

 MSc Construction Business Management

• You broaden your knowledge and skills to include more business management competences; and
• You acquire a range of techniques and strategies to manage successful construction business. 

MSc Construction Project Management

• You achieve the capabilities and required professionalism expected of project managers by developing a more holistic appreciation of construction project processes; and
• Acquire an innovative and forward-looking view of managing construction projects through the 含羞草视频 way. 

MSc Construction Management

• You graduate with a range of essential management skills suitable for running construction projects and business organisations.
• You develop competence in creative problem solving.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The MSc programmes are intended for students who have prior knowledge of the construction industry at honours degree level (or equivalent international degree qualification) or from a recognised UK professional body.  Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

External References

• The programmes outcomes have been formulated with reference to the QAA benchmark statements in Construction, Property and Surveying (2008) and Master’s degrees in Business and Management (2007);
• The MSc Construction Business Management, Construction Project Management and Construction Management programmes are accredited by the RICS/University Partnership Scheme for which it must meet quality thresholds as identified in the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence in Project Management (2006) and Quantity Surveying and Construction |2008).  For continued accreditation the RICS also requires statements relating to TQA, RAE and graduate employment. 
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2008)

Internal References

• The University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy;
• The School’s Postgraduate Learning and Teaching policies; and
• The research interests and specialist expertise of the contributing teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Contemporary issues facing the construction industry and the drivers for change;
• The linkages and interdisciplinary relationships between different construction professionals;
• Data collection, analysis and reporting of results;
• A critical evaluation of methodologies to solve construction problems;
• A comprehensive understanding of management principles and theory; and
• Management responsibility for running construction projects and organisations. 

Knowledge and understanding associated with particular degree paths (depending on module selection): 

MSc Construction Business Management

• The processes involved in the development of business strategy, and the appraisal of the strategic positions of construction companies;
• Management principles and theory and how they can be applied to managing people within the context of the construction project environment; and
• Various forms of procurement and contractual obligations associated with these. 

MSc Construction Project Management

• The principles of the design process, techniques used to manage construction projects and programmes as well as controlling design costs;
• Sustainability issues as they relate to the built environment; and
• Contemporary construction innovation and risk management. 

MSc Construction Management

• The principles of, and techniques for managing functional activities in construction organisations and the delivery of projects;
• Solutions for site set-up and building production.
• Principles of managing project oriented organisations 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programmes, students should be able to:

• Apply relevant techniques to produce solutions to problems;
• Evaluate data based on its importance and relevance;
• Be able to advise on design, procurement and construction options;
• Be able to provide legal, financial, human resource advice on construction projects; and
• Develop and critically evaluate solutions to routine and unfamiliar problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to:

• Use management skills to deliver effective solutions;
• Develop a structured approach to problem solving;
• Use a range of decision support tools to provide project and business solutions; and
• Competently defend, with evidence, a chosen solution.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to:

• Communicate effectively using a variety of media;
• Collate and critically review data and present findings;
• Work effectively as a team member to achieve goals;
• Participate in interactive sessions;
• Interact and liaise effectively with staff, colleagues and industrial contacts; and
• Effectively manage own time within a team environment.

4. Programme structure

4.1 NOTE: Not all non-compulsory modules will be available in each academic year.

4.1 Semester 1

FOR ALL PROGRAMMES

Compulsory Modules

Option Module (for part-time students only)

4.2 Semester 2

MSc Construction Business Management (full-time and part-time)

Compulsory Modules

 Option Modules

One module from

 MSc Construction Project Management (full-time and part-time)

Compulsory Modules

 Option Modules

 One module from

 MSc Construction Management (full-time and part-time)

Option Modules

 Group 1 options – two modules from

 Group 2 options – two modules from

Part-time students registered prior to October 2010 will be allowed to register for 10 credit versions of modules where necessary, to permit a credit total of 180 credits to be achieved.

4.3  Semester 2 and Summer Period 

FOR ALL PROGRAMMES

Compulsory Module 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Where an alternative module is taken as a re-assessment, this is to be done with tuition and with the permission of the Programme Director.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification