Construction Management MSc
About this course
Construction is an exciting global industry and Construction Managers play a crucial role at the heart of it, responsible for directing operations within building projects - from project planning, contract administration and safety management, through to cost and quality control.
This course will develop your knowledge of the fundamental principles of construction management to the processes and dynamics of live project work. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the role that management plays in industry processes, and examine the technological processes and associated business functions widely seen in the UK and across international environments.
Through the application of research methods, you'll advance your ability to identify innovation and continuous development in the industry. Our MSc Construction Management course provides you with a framework for understanding the unique role of a construction manager, with a key focus on the management of construction projects from the perspective of the construction contractor.
Who is this course designed for?
This course is aimed at both professionals or graduates wishing to pursue a career managing construction projects.
It is suitable for professionals already working in the construction industries who aspire to senior management positions. Additionally, this course is suitable for undergraduate students in related subject areas, looking to progress to a managerial and technical programme.
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This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). -
100% of MSc Construction Management full-time students are satisfied with the quality of their course (PTES 2024). -
2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024). -
Our study routes are designed to be flexible and we provide extra support to part-time learners wanting to balance further study alongside their current employment.
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
The course is formed of six core modules, four 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.
Your seven taught modules will total 180 credit points. The modules’ credit points are weighted based on the total time you can expect to spend studying the module content, both in terms of contact hours and non-contact hours.
Modules
- Law for Construction
- Construction Business and Enterprise
- Collaborative Working
- Advanced Construction Technology
- Planning and Managing Construction Work
- Professional Practice and Procedure for Construction and Engineering Management
Optional Modules
- Postgraduate Research Project
- Professional or Work-based Project
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.
Advanced Construction Technology
15 credit points
- This module aims to introduce you to the technological environments, in which the construction industry operates.
You will critically review construction systems and methods of implementation, including characteristics, constraints and difficulties, that together form the criteria for the development and optimisation of various methodologies available. - You will explore and evaluate opportunities for the rationalisation of construction systems and production methods. The module will extend you knowledge of the relationship between construction projects and the environment, including the integration of environmental protection in the planning, implementation and life cycle of the construction product.
- This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and assessed via a report and a presentation.
Planning and Managing Construction Work
15 credit points
- This module will introduce you to project environments within the construction industry. This module aims to:
- Critically evaluate the definition, planning and organisation of construction projects, including resource management and logistics.
- Demonstrate competencies in the application of management to both the overall process of project management, and to specific stages within that process, including knowledge and understanding of planning techniques, such as critical path methodology, line of balance and critical chain analysis.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cost and risk management applied to construction.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the use of information technology for project planning and risk management, including building information modelling.
- This module will be delivered via lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and be assessed via a portfolio.
Professional Practice and Procedure for Construction and Engineering Management
30 credit points
- This module introduces you to project environments in which the international construction industry operates. The module will be based around studying a live construction project, working in teams to solve a series of problems relating to the management of construction projects in the national construction market.
- Depending on the nature of the project selected, your teams may also be cross-disciplinary, including members from the MSc Project Management (Construction) 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 management of construction engineering.
- 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.
You will choose to study either:
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.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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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.
Research informed teaching
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) – the UK’s system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities – 100% of research submitted by the Centre of the Built Environment was assessed to be either world-leading or international excellent.
How you're assessed
Assessment methods vary from module to module, however written assignments and case studies form a significant part of the assessment process.
You'll be assessed via a combination of written assignments, projects, reports, presentations, learning portfolios and exams.
Careers and employability
Where do MSc Construction Management graduates from NTU work?
Our MSc Construction Management course has an outstanding reputation for producing employable graduates.
The skills and knowledge gained on this course opens up opportunities for application to senior management positions. You will graduate with improved professional and technical skills in managerial, economic, legal and business areas.
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.
Graduate job roles include project manager, construction manager and project development officer.
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. Find out more about how to complete your APC and become RICS qualified.
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.
Hear from industry professionals
Regular campus events such as our Construction CPD Series provide the perfect chance to hear from and meet industry professionals.
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.
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. Find out more
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
UK students
Academic entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject, 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.
Additional requirements for UK students
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.
Other qualifications and experience (PG)
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject, 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 accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience (PG)
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
