MSc Construction Project Management

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Science
Duration
12 Months [Full-Time]
Entry requirements

The minimum academic entry requirement for this Master's course is an Upper Second Class (2:1) UK honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, such as the built environment, relevant engineering, science or management disciplines.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

As there is high demand for this course we operate a  staged admissions process  with selection deadlines throughout the year. Please find more information in our  Application and Selection section.

If you are made an offer, in order to confirm your place you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,000 on or before the deadline date stated in your offer letter.

Please note, refunds are only given for a limited number of reasons, see our page on  Acceptance deposits  for more information.

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc Y N N N

Course description

The MSc in Construction Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of construction projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as their organisational and strategic aspects.  The course enables theoretical and conceptual exploration of construction project management issues whilst also stressing the essential practical aspects such as project control mechanisms, resource management, budgeting and cost management, stakeholder management, contract management, IT applications and information management.

Engagement with important and emerging construction industry issues is built into course Unit learning and assessment activities; the core Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit being delivered in partnership with industry partner organisations so that students are exposed to the challenging and exciting environment of contemporary civil engineering and construction projects.

The MSc in Construction Project Management is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JMB) as being an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer status.

Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD), the University of Manchester's new  £400m purpose built home for engineering and material science , is nearing completion. The physical move to the new development is scheduled to take place between January 2022 and December 2022. Whilst it is anticipated there may be some disruption due to power shutdowns, areas of buildings closing and reduced access during the period of the move, extensive plans are in place to ensure there is minimal interference and excellent student experience remains pivotal. If you have any questions about how the move may affect you, please contact  mop.admissions@manchester.ac.uk  

Open days

We're delighted to hear you're interested in studying with us for your master's.

Take a look at our Meet Us page to find out when our next information sessions are taking place, and when you can next join us at a study fair near you.

For any further questions, we encourage you to get in touch - we're happy to help.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £16,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £36,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our  Manchester Master's Bursaries  are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering  Fees and Funding  page or visit the University of Manchester  funding for master's courses  website for more information.

Contact details

Department
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
Contact name
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 543 4016
Email
Website
https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The minimum academic entry requirement for this Master's course is an Upper Second Class (2:1) UK honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, such as the built environment, relevant engineering, science or management disciplines.

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is:

• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test below 6.5.

• TOEFL iBT: at least 100 overall with no sub-test less than 22. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

• Pearson PTE: at least 76 overall with no sub-test below 70.

• Pre-sessional English run by the University Centre for Academic English

• An acceptable equivalent English Language qualification.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

As there is high demand for this course we operate a  staged admissions process  with selection deadlines throughout the year. Please find more information in our  Application and Selection section.

If you are made an offer, in order to confirm your place you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,000 on or before the deadline date stated in your offer letter.

Please note, refunds are only given for a limited number of reasons, see our page on  Acceptance deposits  for more information.

Staged admissions

Please note, due to the competition for places, we give preference to applicants with grades above our minimum entry requirements. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background.

If we make you an offer, you will have 6 weeks in which to accept. Offers that are not accepted within the 6 week period will be withdrawn so that an offer can be made to another candidate in the next application stage. Please only apply for one of our Management of Project MSc courses.

Stage 1: Application deadline 20 October 2023. Decision by 15 December 2023.

Stage 2: Application deadline 15 December 2023. Decision by 16 February 2024.

Stage 3: Application deadline 23 Feb 2024. Decision by 12 April 2024.

Stage 4: Application deadline 19 April 2024. Decision by 7 June 2024.

We aim to give you a decision on your application in the decision period for your application stage. However, in some instances it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next stage due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received. 

All places are subject to availability and some courses may close before the later stages. We therefore recommend that you apply early.

Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place must meet all the conditions of their offer by 31 July 2024.

Advice to applicants

We require the following documents before we can consider your application:

  • Official Bachelor degree transcripts, including official translations and original language copies if study not undertaken in English. 2+2 and 3+1 applicants must provide official transcripts and certificates from both institutions.
  • An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study.  Please note : where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade. 
  • Degree certificate if you have already graduated.
  • If still studying, please provide an official list of all the modules you are taking in your final year.
  • A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.

 References and personal statements are not required for your application for this programme.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

You must submit all these supporting documents with your application. If any of the above information is missing, we will not be able to consider your application and it will be rolled forward to the next stage or withdrawn.

Please only apply for one of the following courses: MSc Construction Project Management, MSc Engineering Project Management, MSc Management of Projects, MSc Commercial Project Management. If you wish to transfer your application or offer we can review this, please check the suitable backgrounds and entry requirements for each course as we will not automatically consider you for another stream in the Management of Projects suite of courses. 

How your application is considered

We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant course units in our final decision making.

If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.

Interview requirements

No interview is required for this course.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

CAS information

Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.

If you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.

You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.

Your CAS number is only valid for one Tier 4 application.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please be aware there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

The MSc in Construction Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of construction projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as their organisational and strategic aspects.  The course enables theoretical and conceptual exploration of construction project management issues whilst also stressing the essential practical aspects such as project control mechanisms, resource management, budgeting and cost management, stakeholder management, contract management, IT applications and information management.

Engagement with important and emerging construction industry issues is built into course Unit learning and assessment activities; the core Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit being delivered in partnership with industry partner organisations so that students are exposed to the challenging and exciting environment of contemporary civil engineering and construction projects.

The MSc in Construction Project Management is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JMB) as being an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer status.

Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD), the University of Manchester's new  £400m purpose built home for engineering and material science , is nearing completion. The physical move to the new development is scheduled to take place between January 2022 and December 2022. Whilst it is anticipated there may be some disruption due to power shutdowns, areas of buildings closing and reduced access during the period of the move, extensive plans are in place to ensure there is minimal interference and excellent student experience remains pivotal. If you have any questions about how the move may affect you, please contact  mop.admissions@manchester.ac.uk  

Teaching and learning

The Construction Project Management MSc is a full time course which is studied over 12 months, starting in September each year. The course comprises eight taught course units, each worth 15 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Students on this particular MSc study four core units fundamental to project management, and which are shared by students on the other MSc courses. In addition, the Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit is a programme specific unit designed to simulate the major challenges to delivering a successful construction/civil engineering project through the medium of a `live' case study approach. Students must also select three option units and carry out a Construction Project Management based dissertation.

Assessment of the taught part of the programme is via a combination of formal written examinations and coursework assignments, which will include group work and oral presentations. Some assessment is based on online material provided by the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 (a process-based method for effective project management).

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
People and Organisations ENGM60011 15 Mandatory
Project Management Research Methods ENGM60050 15 Mandatory
Management of Projects ENGM60061 15 Mandatory
Construction Project Management Professional Practice ENGM60092 15 Mandatory
Project Planning and Control ENGM62012 15 Mandatory
Environmental Assessment CIVL61141 15 Optional
Risk Management ENGM60032 15 Optional
Project Finance for Infrastructure Projects ENGM64011 15 Optional
Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution ENGM66061 15 Optional
Contract Management ENGM66062 15 Optional

Additional fee information

Deposit to accept your offer

Due to the competition for places and limited availability, if you are made an offer to study this course we require a deposit of £1,000 to secure your place. The deposit amount will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

You will have 6 weeks from the date on your offer letter to log in and accept your offer and make the £1,000 deposit payment to secure your place.

Refund Policy

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

  • you fail to meet the conditions of your offer (see below for further information); and/or
  • you are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK (proof must be submitted)

Proof required for Refund

If an offer has been made specifying an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken  after  the date of offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions for a refund to be approved. Any English Language certificate provided with your initial application (which is below our minimum requirement) will not be accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions, as this certificate will predate the offer.

If an offer has been made specifying an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require an official transcript/document showing that you have not met this academic condition, as evidence for a refund to be approved.

The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse to refund any deposit payments that do not fall within the exceptions outlined above.

Scholarships and bursaries

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses website for more information.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Construction Project Management MSc are highly regarded by industry. This course offers students a unique blend between academic excellence, problem-based learning and industry practice. During their studies, students are required to immerse their knowledge in `live case studies', where actual construction/engineering projects are selected as part of the curriculum.

Our recent graduates go on to work with large multinational organisations globally, such as:

Accenture, UK

AECOM, UK

Atkins, UK

Balfour Beatty plc, UK

BGS Ingenieros SAC, Brazil

Chechen State University, Russia

E.C. Harris, UK

FFC Pakistan

FDM Group, UK

Ghandara Designs, India

Pentecost University College, Ghana

Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Korea

Ikea, China

Jones Lang LaSalle, UK

Joannou & Paraskevaides, Cyprus

KPMG, UK

Turner & Townsend, UK

Sapura Crest Petroleum, Malaysia

Saleh Ibrahim Steel Contracting LLC, UAE

Sare Group, India

Unicon Ltd, Qatar

Accrediting organisations

The MSc in Construction Project Management is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer. The JBM represents the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers. This means that successful completion of the MSc will enable applicants with an accredited first degree at BEng level to become chartered engineers.

The Department has a Partnership arrangement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and this MSc is accredited by the RICS Project Management Faculty.