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

Online MSc Project Management for Construction

Mode: 100% online (with optional face-to-face events)
Length: 2 years (part-time)
Fees: £10,900, including a £350 acceptance fee (funding and instalments available)
Start dates: January, May and September
Next start date: 23 September 2024
Application deadline: 02 September 2024
Next welcome week: 16 September 2024
Application form: Start your application for September 2024 now

Looking for a full-time course? You can also study an MSc in Construction Project Management on campus.

Discuss my options

Course overview

Embark on a transformative journey by joining our 100% online Project Management for Construction MSc course. With companies everywhere expanding globally, construction project management is a dynamic, exciting field to be in – but to succeed, you need the right blend of skills.

Our MSc programme is underpinned by cutting-edge project management theory and explores the field in-depth from every angle. Throughout your studies, we’ll equip you with both the people-skills and the project-management skills to lead organisations toward success.

Why study this MSc? 

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Access to cutting-edge technologies

Get hands-on experience with popular Building Information Management (BIM) software such as Revit and ArchiCAD.

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Advanced career opportunities

The breadth of skills and knowledge you gain will be sought-after by employers worldwide, and lead to rewarding new management roles.

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A global network

Our 100% online course will connect you with like-minded professionals from across the globe with fresh insights. The connections you make could lead to lasting friendships, mentorships, and even future job opportunities.

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Holistic perspectives

You’ll learn how your practice can address current, relevant topics such as sustainability goals, international law, and environmental issues.

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.

How will the course enhance your career?

Hear from MSc Course Leader Dr. Salam Al-Bizri for valuable insights on bridging industry expertise with academic skills. Uncover the unique approach of our programme, including student support, career prospects, and why online courses are the future.

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
John Smith

Professor

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John Smith

Professor

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John Smith

Professor

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John Smith

Professor

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John Smith

Professor

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

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John Smith

Professor

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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 9431 1545, or email info@study-online.port.ac.uk

Careers in Construction Project Management

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
Dr Salam Al-Bizri

Your Course Leader

Dr Salam Al-Bizri

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.

Face-to-face events

As a University of Portsmouth Online student, you’ll get exclusive access to our face-to-face events. These optional meetups are the ultimate chance to meet your cohort, deep-dive into your discipline, and explore niche subjects outside of your course. 

Want to learn more about face-to-face events for MSc Project Management for Construction students? Check out our dedicated Events page, which details previous event schedules. 

Explore face-to-face events 

Hear from our graduates

Discover what attracted graduate David Hands to the MSc Project Management for Construction?

 

Discover what impact has the MSc Project Management for Construction has had on David's work and career

 

Video transcipts

My background is trade. So, for most of my work in life, I've been, in the electrical side of things. So more, hands on as opposed to, management. And when I was working abroad, I was put into a position where I needed to, educate myself a bit further. And so I started doing the searches, came back to the UK, and, the Portsmouth master's degree just came up on my screen. So, I dug into it a bit further.

My family have all come to Portsmouth University. My sister and my dad both came here, and so it was a natural fit for me. And the course, when you broke down the modules in the course, it was relevant to what I'm doing and what I'm looking to do in the future.

If we go to the first point, the ability to write has exponentially grown. I think, I was managing a small email previously because you never had to put your thinking to it. Now, the dissertation, that was fifteen thousand words and I could have gone on more you know, so that two years has helped me to really understand, and think more clearly.

Opportunities wise. Yep. I work for a defense contractor and, at the moment, they know I'm graduated today and the conversation was yesterday. What can we do to keep you? So, yeah, the doors are opening already.

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 ❯

Want to join us in September 2024?

Apply now
Male construction project manager