Introduction to Project Management for Construction

A level of management expertise is critical to landing a leading role in construction. Our MSc in Project Management for Construction will help you confidently tackle the technical, commercial, organisational, financial and legal issues that can appear in a project’s lifecycle.

Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)New-CIOB-logo-edit

The University of Portsmouth holds CIOB Accredited Centre Status during the period 2022-2027 and MSc Project Management for Construction is a CIOB Accredited programme (subject to conditions) during the period 2022-2027, having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and once they have gained three to five years’ relevant work experience may enter CIOB membership as an applicant to progress towards Chartered Membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.

Course details

MSc Project Management for Construction 

6 start dates per year: January, March, May, September and November

Next welcome week: 18 September 2023

Next course start date: 25 September 2023

Application deadline: 11 September 2023. Apply as soon as possible to secure your place.

Duration: 2 years (part time)

Format: Online, with optional face-to-face events. You can also study an MSc in Construction Project Management on campus.

Total course fees: £10,500 (including a £250 acceptance fee)

Tailored support: Contact our course adviser team today for application advice 

Application form: Start your application for September 2023 now. 

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Why this MSc Project Management for Construction?

If you see yourself leading multi-organisational teams on a construction project, but need to hone your management skills first, you’ve come to the right place.

On this course, you’ll examine construction project management from all angles. You’ll consider the economic, social and environmental issues that can affect various ventures.

You’ll also familiarise yourself with the main tools and techniques available for project management, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and other essential software.

Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership abilities within your current role or move into a more senior position, you’ll leave this course with the skills and confidence to manage complex construction projects.

What you’ll study

This course examines whole projects from initiation through to delivery. You’ll be challenged to examine real case studies so you’re ready to face any obstacles construction projects can encounter.

On this course, you'll:

  • Learn to consider construction project management as an integrated process, starting when clients make the initial decision to begin a construction project
  • Develop a critical understanding of the economic, social and environmental issues that affect large construction projects, as well as the expertise to address them
  • Gain experience with BIM processes and Revit software, and understand the information management behind it
  • Examine the range of tools and techniques available for project management, including how to apply them and justify their use
  • Become familiar with the laws surrounding construction, including construction contract law and other forms of liability
Everything you need to complete the course is available on-demand, from wherever you are in the world. Find out more about how you'll learn online with us.

Hear from a student

In this Q&A Module Tutor Dr Mohammad El-Mashaleh and current student David Hands discuss collaboration, support, and why this course is an effective choice for career development. 

Want to watch the full Q&A? Register to gain access.

Read the video transcript on this page

Modules

On this module, you’ll take an in-depth look at project management processes within a project’s lifecycle. You’ll use case studies to unpack the different relationships between key participants within different project phases, and learn how to evaluate and justify the appropriate project management processes for different scenarios.

There are many tools and techniques available for managing different aspects of a project. On this module, you’ll take a closer look at how to apply them, analyse their use and justify their use for various scenarios.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an increasingly important process in project management, so having experience with it will help you progress your career. On this module, you’ll become familiar with using modern computer technology (including Revit and ArchiCAD) and develop your knowledge of effective workflows in collaborative BIM settings. You’ll extract and analyse data from a BIM model to make informed decisions about a project. You’ll also learn the importance of using computers to expedite tasks in the construction industry.

This module focuses on laws surrounding construction, with a particular emphasis on construction contract law and other related forms of liability. You’ll critically discuss the obligations most commonly imposed by law, and learn to manage and apply contract principles to matters that regularly occur during a project’s lifecycle. Critically, you’ll also evaluate dispute resolution methods and learn to make informed decisions when faced with contractual issues, including how to recommend the most appropriate procedures and resolutions available.

Through the analysis of case studies, you’ll develop the ability to formulate effective project management strategies. You’ll gain an understanding of the principles and processes of strategic management, and learn to evaluate strategic management policies and utilise a critical awareness of management constraints.

With the final project of this course, you’ll have an opportunity to display all that you’ve learned during your Master’s studies. You’ll develop a proposed project and consider its many facets, furthering your critical awareness, self-direction and independent learning skills.

How you're assessed

All assessments for the course are based on coursework submitted online. Your performance is assessed through coursework such as:

  • Written assessments
  • A dissertation

You’ll also receive feedback on formal and informal assessments to help you improve your work.

Project Managers looking at construction plans

Teaching team

 

Salam Al-Bizri

Dr Salam Al-Bizri

Course Leader

I have more than 30 years' experience in the Higher Education sector and the construction industry. I have teaching interests in the areas of construction project management, technology clusters, design management, supply chain management and process mapping.

Quan Phung

Quan Phung

Module Leader

I am the module leader and research supervisor for the Dissertation module. I have a Ph.D. degree in construction management from Heriot-Watt University. I also have two postgraduate degrees in Industrial Management and Performance Management & Control from the University of Liege.

Looking for a full-time course?

You can study an MSc in Construction Project Management on campus:

Find out more

Student insights

Discover how the MSc is having a positive impact on Jillian's construction career:

Read the full interview

Entry requirements

In order to join this course, you must have:

  • A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or equivalent industrial and work experience in the construction industry or other related field
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5 (or other acceptable proof), if English isn’t your first language

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to apply, please speak to one of our course advisers on +44 (0)23 9400 3692, or email info@study-online.port.ac.uk

Career prospects and opportunities

Our MSc Project Management for Construction is designed to develop the skills you need to succeed within a leading role in a construction project.

Alongside familiarising you with key tools and processes, the research and critical discussions you’ll participate in will help build the confidence, communicativeness, and attention to detail that organisations actively seek.

These skills, coupled with the support you can receive from our exceptional Careers and Employability Service, will help position you as a valuable hire to employers across the world.

To learn more about the paths of progression available to you after graduation, visit our Careers and opportunities page:

More on career options

Want to join us in September 2023?

Apply now
Male construction project manager

We get to work on real case examples and actual projects. It's amazing how we can apply our knowledge directly to these real-life situations. One of the highlights is learning to use industry tools like building information modeling software, which is incredibly useful in the field.

David Hands
MSc Project Management for Construction

This course has helped me to plan, coordinate and execute a project on my own with a team. It has taught me how to work with people, so it will help me work better with people in the field.

Jillian Bedeau-Callender
MSc Project Management for Construction

Read more ❯