This innovative postgraduate construction course is aimed at graduates who are already in, or have been in, construction-related employment, and who aspire to senior positions in the fields of project management. This course aims to develop your awareness of the importance of construction projects to clients, and the context and constraints within which projects are procured and undertaken.
You will gain greater knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts, principles, techniques, and intellectual and practical skills needed for the project management of construction projects. You will have the opportunity to plan and implement a personal research project related to project management. The course utilises web -based technologies in its delivery and extensive use is made of enquiry-based learning to enhance lifelong learning skills.
The blended learning approach offers flexible access to the core content, while still providing the discipline and structure of regular attendance at the University. The design of the part-time course recognises the significant challenges of combining postgraduate-level study with full-time professional employment.
Modules:
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules:
CONSTRUCTION DISSERTATION OR WORK-RELATED PROJECT
In this module you will identify a topic or project directly related to construction management which will provide a basis for a research study. You will develop explicit goals and devise an appropriate methodology, undertake the research study and produce a dissertation/project.
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT
In this module you will investigate strategic management issues in relation to organisations that commission and deliver construction projects.
ECONOMICS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
In this module you will look at the economics of the construction sector, the economic environment in which construction firms operate, and the economic role of the construction industry both nationally and internationally.
PROCUREMENT
You will look at the key stages in the process of procuring consultants and contractors for construction projects, the critical success factors, client requirements, the statutory and legal framework, and the concept of best value, short-listing and pre-qualification.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT DELIVERY
In this double module you will examine the key stages in the lifecycle of a construction project from inception to disposal. Topics you will cover include the principles of client requirements, critical success factors, sustainability, evaluation of project options, structured methodologies, and the concept of whole-life costing.
RISK MANAGEMENT FOR PROJECTS
You will investigate the management of uncertainty and risk in a construction project environment, examining qualitative, but mainly quantitative, techniques.