MSc Construction Project Management
CSA010-F-UOB-MX-02 Full-time
- Awarding Institution
- University of Bolton
- Teaching Institution
- University of Bolton
- HECOS Code
- Language Of Study
- English
- Notes:
Professional Accreditation
| Professional Body | Professional Body URL |
|---|---|
| Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) | http://www.ciob.org.uk/home |
Programme Awards
| Title | Type | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's Degree (MSc) | Final Award | Level 7 | MSc Construction Project Management |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) | Interim Award | Level 7 | Postgraduate Certificate Construction Project Management |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) | Interim Award | Level 7 | Postgraduate Diploma Construction Project Management |
Benchmark Statements
The following benchmark statements apply to this programme:
- There are no benchmark statements at masters' level for construction project management or similar
Internal and External Reference Points
- UK Quality Code for Higher Education
- The University of Bolton awards framework
Other Points of Reference
- CIOB Education Framework for Masters Degree Programmes, 2010.
- UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence, 2013.
General Entry Requirements
You are normally expected to have successfully completed an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and have appropriate work experience. You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.Additional Criteria
- If English is not your first language you will need to complete a Secure English Language Test at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with no band less than 5.5.
- Honours degree in an appropriate construction discipline; or
- Professional body membership in an appropriate construction discipline e.g. Chartered Construction Manager, Chartered Builder, Chartered Surveyor, Chartered Architect, Chartered or Incorporated Engineer; or
- Qualifications and/or experience equivalent to (1) and (2) e.g. Higher National Certificate or Diploma and substantial experience at a senior level in construction; or
- A non-cognate degree, and experience working over a long period in construction e.g. construction lawyer
Additional Admission Matters
There are no additional Admission Matters associated with this Programme.
Aims of the Programme
The principal aims of the programme are to:
- Provide intellectual challenge and enhance understanding and judgement.
- Promote the value of communication and team work in a workplace environment.
- Encourage a commitment to life-long learning through continuing professional development and professional body membership.
- Develop a systems and innovative thinking in a strategic approach to problem-solving and decision making in construction project management.
- Develop understanding of the sustainability agenda, linking lower carbon to lower cost.
- Evaluate the effects of global changes on the construction industry.
- Apply theoretical knowledge and the skills of analysis and information gathering to the resolution of complex operational problems.
- Provide a platform for industry-based research and if required, further research at doctoral level
- Instil the Bolton values of internationalisation, environmental sustainability, and social, public and ethical responsibility.
- Enhance the career prospects of successful graduates
Distinctive Features of the Programme
- All staff have industry experience and develop their teaching expertise with a strong commitment to research and their own CPD. Most are members of relevant professional bodies e.g. CIOB, RICS, RIBA, CIAT, CABE, ICE, IStructE, and through their research, are actively involved with industry both locally and internationally. Many staff are qualified to doctoral level. Programme currency is supported by guest speakers from industry. The programme provides an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to vocational problems, enhancing the career prospects of successful graduates. Part-time study is outside normal working hours, thus allowing students to complete the programme without disruption to their full-time employment. Application for accreditation will be made to the Chartered Institute of Building, and the Institute of Civil Engineers through Joint Board of Moderators.
- In this MSc Construction Project Management programme, the role of project managers, adapted from the CIOB Code of Practice for Project Management 5th Edition 2014 is: ‘Project managers are positioned as client representatives. Although responsibilities may vary, project management is defined as the overall planning, coordination and control of projects from inception to completion aimed at meeting client requirements in order to produce functionally and financially viable projects completed safely, on time, within authorised cost and to required quality standards’.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge & Understanding
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:
- Management of construction organisations at a strategic level.
- Corporate planning, marketing, human resource management, financial management.
- Management of projects, client advisor, risk management, value management procurement.
- Sustainable development, environmental management, contaminated land management.
Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
- Undertake critical reasoning and analysis.
- Apply construction project management theories to practical problems.
- Develop powers of inquisition and challenge accepted norms
Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Plan and organise professional teams.
- Instigate in-depth research to solve industry problems.
- Lead and motivate others.
- Work in groups and as part of a team
Transferable, Key or Personal Skills
On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Competently use information technology tools including sophisticated software.
- Present and debate topical issues in construction project management.
- Undertake social and political assessments.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to construction project management problems
- Clearly communicate complex ideas either verbally and/or in writing, and construct coherent arguments using language appropriate to your programme of study.
Programme Structure
The programme has four study modules of 30 credits each and a dissertation of 60 credits; total award value of 180 credits. A postgraduate certificate may be awarded for any two study modules of 30 credits each, total 60 credits; a postgraduate diploma for all four study modules, total 120 credits. In the full-time mode, two study modules will be taken in the first semester, and the remaining two study modules in the second semester. The dissertation should be completed over the summer period and submitted at the end of August, though documents will be accepted without penalty at the end of semester one in the following academic year; an overall duration for the MSc of 1½ years. In the part-time mode, one module will be taken in each semester. That is four modules over four semesters in the first two years. The dissertation would normally be completed over semesters one and two of year three, an overall MSc award duration of three years. However, documents may be submitted early e.g. at the end of semester one in the third year, thus allowing completion of the MSc qualification in 2½ years. Also, submitted later without penalty at the end of semester one in the following academic year, an overall timeframe for the MSc award of 3½ years.
Validated Modules
| Title | Module Code | COE1 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | CPM7001 | C |
| Project Management | CPM7002 | C |
| Sustainable Construction | CPM7003 | C |
| Group Project | CPM7004 | C |
| Dissertation | CPM7005 | C |
1Core, Optional, Elective
Learning & Teaching Strategies
Active learning is promoted through lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, library study, guided and independent study. This programme adopts a blended style of learning and teaching including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
Learning Activities (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 15% |
| Guided independent study | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 85% |
| Placement/study abroad | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Assessment Strategy
The predominant method of assessment is coursework. Examinations comprise 50% of the assessment in two 30 credit modules; that is equivalent to 1/6th or circa 15% of the programme. Group work and peer working is assessed in one module. The dissertation is an extended piece of individual research, with a viva voce as the concluding assessment for the MSc award.
Assessment Methods (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Written exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 15% |
| Coursework | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 85% |
| Practical Exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Assessment regulations
Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes apply to this programme.
The following variations apply:
Please Note: When the programme is accredited by a PSRB the PSRB assessment and compensation requirements apply.
Grade Bands & Classifications
Master's Degree
Regulations can be found at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx
Role of External Examiners
External examiners are appointed for all programmes of study. They oversee the assessment process and their duties include: approving assessment tasks, reviewing assessment marks, attending assessment boards and reporting to the University on the assessment process.
Support for Student Learning
- The programme is managed by a Programme Leader
- Welcome Week introduces the student to the University and their programme
- Each student has a Personal Tutor who is responsible for support and guidance
- Personal Development Planning integrated into all programmes
- Feedback is available on formative and summative assessments
- The Student Centre provides a one-stop shop for information and advice
- Comprehensive guidance is available from the University Student Support Services including housing and accommodation advice, counselling, financial and careers advice, and support via the University disability team
- The Chaplaincy where Chaplains and Pastoral Assistants are available from different traditions, faiths and world-views
- Library and IT services are a very good source of advice and support with excellent study skills sessions and materials
- There are Student Liaison Officers attached to each School
- The Students' Union advice services
- Programme Handbooks and Module Guides which provide information about the programme and University regulations
- The opportunity to develop skills for employment
- English language support for international students
- The online Student Information – Policy Zone provides all regulatory and policy information in one place
- Students may register as free members of an appropriate professional body e.g. CIOB. The department is served by technician supported laboratories, if required, with PPE.
Methods of Evaluating & Enhancing the Quality of Learning Opportunities
- Student Staff Liaison Committees
- Module evaluations by students
- Programme and University Student Surveys
- Annual quality monitoring and action planning through Programme Plans including data analysis, Subject Quality Enhancement Plans, School Quality Enhancement Plans, University Quality Enhancement Plan
- Peer review/observation of teaching
- Professional development programme for staff
- External Examiner reports
Sources of Information
- Student Portal http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/Home.aspx
- Students Union https://www.boltonsu.com/
- External Examiner Report https://www.bolton.ac.uk/Quality/EEE/ExternalExaminersReports/
- Careers http://www.bolton.ac.uk/careers
- Student Information - Policy Zone http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx
- Programme Handbook http://1
- Moodle course information portal http://2
- Facebook, Linkedin alumni http://3
Audit Notes
The following changes were made from the previous version of this Programme:
Spec created to indicate approval in 2020-21 Periodic Review and Re-approval process - no changes in content Inclusion of PSRB requirements added in Regulations field