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Project Management (Construction) MSc

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Construction is an exciting global industry and Project Managers play a crucial role ensuring the success of construction projects - from overseeing that timeframe targets and budgets are met, through to logistics tasks, such as planning, execution, monitoring, control and closure.

Our MSc Project Management (Construction) degree underpins practice with theoretical rigour and provides you with a well-rounded view of project management, both in the context of current industry demands and the associated needs of clients.

You’ll advance your understanding of the systems and processes needed to achieve successful project outcomes, covering industry crucial aspects such as project briefing, exploring design, development issues, legal and contractual constraints, and people management skills.

Through engaging module content and project work you’ll develop exceptional skills surrounding procurement strategies — setting you up for a successful career when you graduate as a key part of this highly dynamic industry.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is aimed at professionals or graduates wishing to pursue a career as a project manager in the construction industry.

It’s suitable for those already working in broad roles in the construction industries who aspire to reach senior management positions. Additionally, this course is suitable for students in related subject areas looking to progress to a managerial or technical postgraduate programme.

  • 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).
  • NTU is ranked Top 20 for Building and Town and Country Planning subjects (Guardian University Guide 2022).
  • 100% of our MSc Project Management (Construction) students are satisfied with the quality of teaching on this course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2021).
  • 97% of MSc Project Management (Construction) full-time students would recommend studying at Nottingham Trent University to others (PTES 2023).

Course accreditation

  • Chartered Institute of Building logo
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors logo
  •  Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors logo
  • Chartered Association of Building Engineers

Part of our postgraduate construction management suite

We have a suite of postgraduate construction management and quantity surveying courses.

Take a look at our course comparison table to help find the right course for you.

What you’ll study

Your modules will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of the systems and processes necessary to achieve successful project outcomes, including legal and contractual constraints, and people management skills. .

The course is formed of six core modules, three of which are shared with other construction management courses. This provides the opportunity for multi-disciplinary group work, which aims to extend your knowledge and peer network. You’ll also be able to choose between a further two optional modules, offering the opportunity to pursue research or to undertake a work placement in industry.

Core Module Content

  • Law for Construction
  • Construction Business and Enterprise
  • Collaborative Working
  • Project Initiation
  • Lean Construction
  • Professional Practice and Procedure for Project Management

Optional Module Content

  • Postgraduate Research Project
  • Professional Practice and Procedure for Project Management

Law for Construction

15 credit points

  • This module will provide you with a framework for understanding legal processes and legal decision making in relation to the construction industry. This will provide you with a basis for understanding some key legal rights and responsibilities, and inform dispute resolution.
  • The module content includes: an introduction to the English legal systems and process, key elements of contract law pertinent to the role of the construction manager, a review of key torts, a review of health and safety law, and methods of dispute resolution, including courts, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and conciliation. You will also look at corporate social responsibility from a legal perspective, including Corporate Manslaughter legislation.
  • This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and be assessed via coursework and an examination.

Construction Business and Enterprise

30 credit points

  • This module aims to introduce you to the construction industry as a business and enterprise. You will study three main areas: economics and finance, organisations and human resources management and marketing.
  • You will develop a critical understanding of the complex economic and financial environments that construction organisations operate within, developing the necessary skills to analyse construction company accounts. The module will also introduce you to contemporary and emerging management theories and practices. You’ll appraise social, cultural, political and organisational differences, to identify how companies operate globally.
  • You will also evaluate current and evolving human resource management issues, and develop the skills to critically review the marketing of construction organisations.
  • This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and be assessed via coursework, a portfolio and an exam.

Collaborative Working

15 credit points

  • The aim of this module is to explore the business case and technological concepts for using collaborative working, and its associated information and communication technologies used on construction projects, supported by case studies from industry.
  • Module content will include demonstrations and on-the-job learning of collaborative working environments, with the key aim of the module to understand and utilise the benefits provided by collaborative working, on your projects.
  • You will study the history and background to collaborative working, and assess standards and collaborative procedures. You will also be exposed to a variety of collaborative working technologies, and look at the business implication of collaborative working, including risk analysis.
  • This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and be assessed via coursework.

Project Initiation

15 credit points

  • This module examines the development of a construction project, from the point when a client identifies a need, through the development of the business case. Client value propositions are reviewed for different client types, and methods of establishing key objectives are considered. Approaches to establishing estimated costs and project duration are evaluated, both for initial capital cost, and for lifetime costs in use.
  • The module aims to develop your understanding of the role of the project manager at project initiation, and to develop your understanding of aspects of the business case for a project. You’ll develop your ability to analyse the value propositions for different clients, and to understand how project value can be established, as well as assisting your construction clients in the identification and prioritisation of key project objectives.
  • You’ll extend your knowledge and understanding of the methods of estimating construction costs and project duration, and understand their relative reliability, and develop the ability to assess project viability and achievability.
  • This module is delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and assessd via a portfolio.

Lean Construction

15 credit points

  • Lean project production is a philosophy-based approach that requires a new way of thinking and a new culture in design and construction of buildings and infrastructure.
  • Using project simulations and real-life examples you’ll will be introduced to the new thinking and the key underlying principles of lean project production. The module will include likely benefits of transforming projects and organisations in accordance with the lean process.
  • This module will be delivered through a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups, tutorials, simulations, games and case studies, and will be assessed via a portfolio and an exam.

Professional Practice and Procedure for Project Management

30 credit points

  • This module introduces you to project environments in which project management operates within the construction industry. The module will be based around studying a live construction project, working in teams to solve a series of problems relating to project management in the construction project life-cycle.
  • Depending on the nature of the project selected, your teams may also be cross-disciplinary, including members from the MSc Construction Management and MSc Quantity Surveying courses with whom you may share some common lectures and workshops.
  • The module may also allow some personalisation of your studies, as you may be able to pursue topics or themes of your own interest and choosing within the assessment, pertinent to the project management for construction discipline.
  • This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and assessed via project work, including a submission, a portfolio and a presentation.

Postgraduate Research Project

60 credit points

  • This module's objective is to introduce students to the built environment research methodology, methods, theory, and their practical implementation.
  • You will define a research project in agreement with your supervisor, exploring connections between theories, business/industrial practice, and research in their chosen course.
  • You will conduct an independent academic inquiry, presenting findings through a postgraduate dissertation and poster.
  • The module involves a critical literature review, developing and applying a relevant methodology and research design, documented in a postgraduate research report. Regular supervisor meetings provide feedback on the approach and literature review quality, culminating in an interim academic poster showcasing research processes and preliminary findings.
  • The final research dissertation integrates literature, methodology, data collection, and findings, offering recommendations for professional practice and future research. While original knowledge contribution isn't mandatory, students must demonstrate a rigorous application of research processes in their selected topic

or

Professional or Work-based Project

60 credit points

  • You are required to complete a minimum period of work-based project and research (minimum 150 hours for full-time students), examining connections between theories, principles, and various practices in the context of your chosen programme.
  • A focused critical literature review and methodological considerations are required, with students specifying their research enquiry through a Practice Research Enquiry Proposal.
  • The module involves a focused and critical literature review, relevant methodology application, and research design development. The research results are described, analysed, evaluated, and discussed in reference to the literature review.
  • In addition to the research report, you will maintain a log and diary of work-based experience and prepare a critically reflective commentary and evaluation of their experiences. This includes the development of personal employability skills arising from the work-based project and a critical assessment of ongoing development needs, accompanied by a personal employability skills development plan.

*You will receive support in sourcing a placement through our Employability team, however it is your responsibility to source and secure your internship opportunity with a relevant company. Availability of internships is not guaranteed. If an internship cannot be secured, then you will be required to complete the Postgraduate Research Project module instead.

It is the responsibility of non-UK students to investigate the restrictions of their student visa when seeking internship opportunities and/or employment in the UK. Visit the UKCISA website for the most up-to-date visa information.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Haji Zariful

If you are hoping to come to NTU, go for it – the lecturers are experienced and good at teaching, the facilities are widely available and useful, and the course itself will be a great experience.

Yash Shah

Seeing the contributions of alumni to the field of Construction made me want to study at NTU whose core values and objectives synced with my professional goals.

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How you’re taught

How will I learn?

A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used to deliver the course content. In most modules, you’ll take part in intensive sessions of key point lectures, supported by study guides and other literature. Many modules include presentations by external industry specialists, to provide a real life perspective on the module content.

Non-contact hours include direct out-of-classroom reading and activities, and independent learning and reading is deemed necessary to achieve the learning outcomes for the course.

Study trips

Field trips and study visits are essential components of your learning. As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to go on site visits and a field trip in either the UK or Europe. Trips may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, and alternative arrangements will be made.

Other trips may include site visits and visits to practices, exhibitions and events. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, the school will cover all substantive costs, including travel and accommodation. Optional trips may also be organised providing additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. For trips outside of the UK, a valid passport and any associated visas will be required, and it is the responsibility of students to arrange and pay for these travel visas.

Studying part-time

The full-time route is usually studied for one year. The part-time route typically takes two to five years to complete, depending on your work/study balance and commitments. The part-time route is suitable for students in full-time employment.

Staff Profiles

Chris Coffey - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Chris Coffey is responsible for management of Postgraduate Courses within the Construction Management Group.

Graham Dickens - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Graham is a Senior Lecturer and Placement Coordinator

Mr Eamonn Colbert - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Eamonn Colbert is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, Construction Management Department. Academic management and Course Leader for the undergraduate Construction Management subject

Dr Anthony Ogbuokiri - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Anthony is a Senior Lecturer in Construction Management.

Emmanuel Manu (Dr) - Associate Professor

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Emmanuel Manu Dr Emmanuel Manu

Ehsan Asnaashari - Senior Lecturer

Construction Management and Quantity Surveying

Dr Ehsan Asnaashari is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University. His background is in Civil Engineering and he got his…

How you’re assessed

You'll be assessed via written assignments, projects, reports, presentations, learning portfolios and exams. Assessment methods vary from module to module, however written assignments and case studies form a significant part of the assessment process.

Assignments are investigative in nature, enabling you to develop principles, analyse, critically appraise and evaluate relevant issues, demonstrating your creativity and sustainable thinking.

Careers and employability

The skills and knowledge gained on this course opens up opportunities for application to senior management positions. Previous graduates have expanded on existing roles to incorporate project management in a wider range of activities, and are successfully pursuing careers at senior management level on a variety of prestigious projects around the world.

Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • National Grid
  • Balfour Beatty
  • Douglas Smith Construction Consultancy Ltd.
  • Tower Surveys Ltd.
  • VINCI Construction Ltd.
  • EC Harris, and many more.

Several graduates have decided to continue their academic study and have progressed to PhD research programmes.

What our accreditations mean for you

This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). These accreditations represent seals of approval that the course delivers the highest standards of teaching, and signify the quality and relevance of the course content.

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

The CIOB accreditation ensures that successful students have a clear route to become full members of the CIOB (MCIOB). To become Chartered you must apply directly to the body, and demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience in key areas of occupational, managerial and professional competence through reviews and assessments.

As a Chartered member of CIOB, you will be part of the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership, with nearly 50,000 members in more than 100 countries.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

The RICS accreditation enables you to progress to Chartered Surveyor status once you have completed your studies. To become a Chartered Surveyor, you'll need to complete at least two years of relevant professional work experience – the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

This course will prepare you for future employment in a number of the RICS APC pathways.

Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)

The course's CICES accreditation provides you the opportunity to apply for a free Student Membership, which you can then upgrade to a Graduate Membership once you've completed the course.

CICES is an international qualifying body dedicated to the regulation, education and training of surveyors working in civil engineering. As a member, you'll have access to a range of benefits and be able to progress through the membership grades as your career progresses.

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

All students on a CABE accredited course can apply for free Student Membership, and after graduating can apply for Graduate Membership (Grad CABE). Graduate Membership is a developmental grade on the pathway to becoming a fully qualified Building Engineer.

CABE is an internationally recognised professional body. As a member, you'll show your peers, employers and the public that you are a competent and ethical professional who can be relied upon to strive for the highest possible standards.

Internships

If you elect to complete the optional Internship module as part of the course, it is your responsibility to source and secure your internship opportunity with a relevant company. You will receive support through our Employability team, however availability of internships is not guaranteed.

It is the responsibility of non-UK students to investigate the restrictions of their student visa when seeking internship opportunities and/or employment in the UK. Visit the UKCISA website for the most up-to-date visa information.

Our Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. .

Throughout the year, our Employability team runs a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. This includes the Built Environment Jobs Fair, where employers advertise graduate positions to our students.

Hear from industry professionals

Regular campus events such as our Construction CPD Series provide the perfect chance to hear from and meet industry professionals.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From modernising construction supply chains to BIM implementation, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

City campus facilities

Many of your lectures and seminars will take place in the Newton building on our City Campus.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.

Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Books and library resources

Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.

Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

Workshops and laboratories

Our Maudslay building boasts a number of industry-standard workshops and facilities. Supported by a team of expert technical staff, we offer woodwork and metal workshops, model making studios, structural testing equipment, concrete, soil and materials laboratories.

Entry requirements

Applying with prior qualifications

  • 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject such as construction management, civil engineering or property management, or
  • Corporate membership of an appropriate construction industry-related professional body which has been approved for this purpose by the University, preferably alongside industry experience at managerial level, or
  • An alternative approved construction industry-related professional qualification, together with appropriate industrial experience at managerial level in the construction industry.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience

  • If you are applying for the part-time mode, you would typically have a minimum of three years’ experience at the appropriate level, and have the support of your employer who will wish to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.
  • You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure and/or building works, either as a direct employee of local or national government, or in the private sector. You will likely have experience of developing and coordinating significant infrastructure and building projects.

Advanced entry

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Applying with prior qualifications

You will need one of the following:

  • Bachelors degree grade 2:2 in a construction-related subject such as construction management, civil engineering or property management or,
  • Corporate membership of an appropriate construction industry-related professional body which has been approved for this purpose by the University, preferably alongside industry experience at managerial level or,
  • An alternative approved construction industry-related professional qualification, together with appropriate industrial experience at managerial level in the construction industry.
  • If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

International qualifications 

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements 

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2024 entry

Study route Home (UK students) fees 2024
Full-time (1 year) £9,700 per year
Part-time (cost per year of study)£4,850 per year*

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Alumni discount and scholarships

We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for courses starting between September 2024 and August 2025. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Find out more about our discount and scholarships.

Funding your studies

There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.

There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Please take a look at our postgraduate funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Additional costs

In addition, most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Fees for 2024 entry

Study routeInternational student fees 2024
Full-time (1 year) £17,500 per year
Part-time (cost per year of study)£8,750 per year*

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Alumni discount and scholarships

We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for courses starting between September 2024 and August 2025. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

We also offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Find out more about our discounts and scholarships.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees 

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

How to apply

You can apply to this course online through our NTU Applicant Portal.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our postgraduate pages.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Advice for non-standard applicants

We welcome applications from applicants without prior qualifications. However, in this instance, you must have proven experience in the construction industry, which demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills at honours degree (undergraduate) standard.

If you are applying without prior qualifications, you will need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Good luck with your application!

You can apply to this course online through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

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