Construction Project Management MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • January, September

Overview

Construction Project Management at Heriot-Watt University is one of the longest-running programmes of its kind in the UK, equipping graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical and technical skills to manage people and projects within the construction industry. A range of core courses covering management, procurement and technology-related subjects will give you a foundation in management principles while providing practical skills relevant to professional practice in construction. You will also choose an optional course from a range of subjects drawn from our built environment programmes, providing you with a broader understanding of built environment issues and an opportunity to tailor your studies to fit your interests and professional needs.

Scholarships Available for 2013-2014

We have a limited number of fully-funded places for Scottish applicants or applicants resident in Scotland available for this programme. Students will have their fees paid for and receive a tax-free bursary of £3195 towards their living expenses.

To apply for these scholarships, please fill out the application form.

Our students and graduates

Students tend to come from the construction industry, bringing with them practical experience in a variety of built environment roles, or from other professional backgrounds but with an interest in converting to a career in the construction industry. Students from all over the world study this programme both on campus and by Independent Distance Learning (IDL), and as a Construction Project Management student you will be part of – and learn from – a community made up of a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

This industry-focussed programme ensures graduates are quickly able to make a positive and effective contribution to their working environment, and as such are in great demand by construction industry employers. Our graduates are employed at management level in major companies in the UK and worldwide including Network Rail, Bechtel and Atkins.

Professional recognition

The MSc is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building. The University is a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Management.

Teaching and research excellence

Construction Project Management is taught by experienced, international staff from a variety of professional backgrounds and with strong links to industry. We also have a strong record in built environment research. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) 60% is classed ‘internationally excellent’ or better.

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt is one of the UK’s leading universities, and Scotland’s most international. Find out more about Heriot-Watt University’s reputation, rankings and international profile.

The Institute for Building and Urban Design

This programme is delivered by Heriot Watt University’s Institute for Building and Urban Design. As a Construction Project Management postgraduate student you will be part of the Institute’s Graduate School, connecting you with staff, research associates and fellow students engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as eco-housing, sustainability and carbon management, urban planning and regeneration, sustainable transport, health and wellbeing in the built environment and more.

SFC funded places for students resident in Scotland

A limited number of fully-funded places for applicants resident in Scotland are available for this programme. Full details of this Scottish Funding Council (SFC) funded opportunity are on our scholarships pages.

Overview

Construction Project Management at Heriot-Watt University is one of the longest-running programmes of its kind in the UK, equipping graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical and technical skills to manage people and projects within the construction industry. A range of core courses covering management, procurement and technology-related subjects will give you a foundation in management principles while providing practical skills relevant to professional practice in construction. You will also choose an optional course from a range of subjects drawn from our built environment programmes, providing you with a broader understanding of built environment issues and an opportunity to tailor your studies to fit your interests and professional needs.

Scholarships Available for 2013-2014

We have a limited number of fully-funded places for Scottish applicants or applicants resident in Scotland available for this programme. Students will have their fees paid for and receive a tax-free bursary of £3195 towards their living expenses.

To apply for these scholarships, please fill out the application form.

Our students and graduates

Students tend to come from the construction industry, bringing with them practical experience in a variety of built environment roles, or from other professional backgrounds but with an interest in converting to a career in the construction industry. Students from all over the world study this programme both on campus and by Independent Distance Learning (IDL), and as a Construction Project Management student you will be part of – and learn from – a community made up of a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

This industry-focussed programme ensures graduates are quickly able to make a positive and effective contribution to their working environment, and as such are in great demand by construction industry employers. Our graduates are employed at management level in major companies in the UK and worldwide including Network Rail, Bechtel and Atkins.

Professional recognition

The MSc is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building. The University is a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Management.

Teaching and research excellence

Construction Project Management is taught by experienced, international staff from a variety of professional backgrounds and with strong links to industry. We also have a strong record in built environment research. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) 60% is classed ‘internationally excellent’ or better.

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt is one of the UK’s leading universities, and Scotland’s most international. Find out more about Heriot-Watt University’s reputation, rankings and international profile.

The Institute for Building and Urban Design

This programme is delivered by Heriot Watt University’s Institute for Building and Urban Design. As a Construction Project Management postgraduate student you will be part of the Institute’s Graduate School, connecting you with staff, research associates and fellow students engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as eco-housing, sustainability and carbon management, urban planning and regeneration, sustainable transport, health and wellbeing in the built environment and more.

Programme content

This programme, led by Dr. Graeme Bowles, is composed of seven core courses and one optional course at PGDip level. For those looking to complete the programme at MSc level research projects are also required. Students are assessed through a combination of examination and coursework.

Core Courses 

  • Project Management: Theory and Practice 
  • Project Management: Strategic Issues
  • Contracts and Procurement
  • Value and Risk Management
  • Construction Financial Management
  • People and Organisational Management in the Built Environment
  • Construction Practice and Information Technology

Optional Courses

  • Sustainability in Civil Engineering
  • Construction Technology
  • Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources
  • Real Estate Economics
  • Spatial Planning
  • Sustainable Design and Development
  • Environmental Geotechnics

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry applicants must have:

  • Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in cognate and semi-cognate subject area. For PG conversion programmes, non-cognate degrees will be considered. Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.

 

For PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:

  • Third class honours degree in a cognate or semi-cognate subject area PLUS 2 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level completed post qualification.
  • Cognate or semi-cognate ordinary degree PLUS 3-4 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level following graduation. 
  • Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview.  Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted. 

 

There is no entry at PG Certificate level except through exceptional agreement with approved learning partners.

 

Non-graduating study at masters level:

  • Entry is based on CV or on formal academic qualifications or graduate (or incorporated) membership of a relevant professional institution. 

English language requirements

 

If English is not the applicant’s first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. 

Applicants who have previously successfully completed programmes delivered in the medium of English language will be required to provide documentary evidence of this.  Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree programme.   A minimum of one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.

Distance learning students

Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries