MSc in Construction and Project Management
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
16 Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for EU and international
Introduction
Develop the intellectual, practical and professional skills of the learner in the critical acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of the management of construction projects and organisations
Apply appropriate theoretical and practical management methods in the analysis and solution of design, engineering and construction problems
Develop a holistic approach to the planning, monitoring and control of construction projects by integrating the technical knowledge of design, engineering and construction with financial, legal, IT, commercial leadership and managerial skills of business administration in the management of simple to complex projects through their various stages from inception, feasibility, strategy, design, construction, commissioning and into maintenance; and in construction organisations; e.g. construction economics and finance, strategic management, information systems, construction law, international construction markets and competitive advantage
Develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills across a broad range of subjects and transferable skills that relate to literacy, numeracy, computing, teamwork, group work, and personal presentations and interactions to prepare graduates for more general employment
The course’s primary focus is on project management, which will give you the chance to take your career forward in any industry, not just in construction.
We teach the principles of project management
– the distinct discipline of working to agreed deadlines, starts and finishes on a given project – with an awareness of the global challenges facing the industry, not least the need to make construction sustainable.
You will learn to apply management methods to design, engineering and construction problems, and be able to plan, monitor and control construction projects by integrating technical knowledge with leadership, commercial and managerial skills.
What's Involved
Through guest lecturers, case studies and optional site visits, you’ll get an insight into how industrial companies work. Our graduates have been well-received by local, national and international companies.
The Environment
You’ll be in a class of around 90 if you are a full-time student, alongside people from places like India, Nigeria, China, Vietnam and Egypt. Our teaching starts in the early afternoon as we know some of you will need to take time off work to attend classes.
You’ll have the beautiful new Graduate School at your disposal as well as a dedicated base room and computer lab in the Elmwood building.
Academic Literacy Module
An optional, complementary module for non-native speakers of English. Designed to support English language and academic skills development with a focus on specific academic skills related to the student's area of study.
Course Structure
Students may enrol on a full-time or part-time basis.
The programme is delivered on Mondays and Fridays for full-time delivery and 1 day per week for part-time students (Monday for the first year, Friday for the second year). Nine modules (including Dissertation) totalling 180 CATS points are included in the programme, with no optional modules available.
Lectures are delivered by industry-orientated lecturers and external experts within the field of Project Management. Assessment is undertaken through coursework and presentations.
Duration
1 year (Full Time)/3 years (Part-time)
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Applicants are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK, for example, international students may find funding is available from sources within their own countries.
The funding set out in this section includes funding available from the University and from some external sources. Information provided in this section is intended to highlight some sources of funding: it is not a comprehensive list of funding sources.
Applying for funding which is available from the University is part of an integrated, online, postgraduate admissions process. An offer of a place at Queen’s does not constitute an offer of financial support.
For 2023 entry, Faculties and Schools in the University will be setting their own deadlines for postgraduate applications for admissions, studentships and scholarships. Applicants who wish to apply for postgraduate funding available from the University for 2023 entry should refer to the relevant Faculty and School websites for information.
- The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
- A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas.
Curriculum
Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.
The programme is delivered on Mondays and Fridays for full-time delivery and 1 day per week for part-time students (Monday for first year, Friday for second year). Nine modules (including Dissertation) totalling 180 CATS points are included in the programme, with no optional modules available.
Lectures are delivered by industry orientated lecturers and external experts within the field of Project Management. Assessment is undertaken through coursework and presentations.
Course Details
The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics:
Compulsory Modules
Procurement Contract Administration and Law (20 CATS)
Procurement, contract administration and the understanding of contract law is one of the 'keystone skills' for Project Management. This module provides an understanding of construction procurement and contract routes, and contract and tort law, and their application within the construction context.
Project Management, Planning, and Control (20 CATS)
This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of construction project management coordination emphasizing the wide range of demands made on construction professionals as managers and the skills required to program, monitor and control various aspects of a construction project from inception to completion.
Research Methods for Managers (10 CATS)
The module deals with principles of BIM and construction management research from the formulation of research questions, hypotheses, and objectives, through literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to the presentation of data and report writing.
Project Planning for Sustainability (20 CATS)
The need for infrastructure to be sustainable is one of the driving factors behind project planning, design, construction, and operation. This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of sustainable project development and construction including the need for a connected approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Construction Economics & Construction Finance (20 CATS)
This module will cover both construction finances and construction economics. The ability to understand and manage finances is essential to a project manager in any field. We will examine some of the issues and tools used in financial management. We will also build an awareness of the wider global economic context within which construction operates.
Organisations, People & Leadership (10 CATS)
This module is designed to equip students to efficiently lead and manage in various leadership positions within the structure of any organization. Instead of having weekly lectures, the class will be taught in small groups over four all-day sessions.
Optional Modules
Building Information Modelling in Practice (10 CATS)
This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of BIM implementation in practice, particularly in relation to the utilisation of intelligent 3D models. It explores the standards and processes that help to govern the huge range of information generated by the diverse teams who must collaborate to make BIM a success.
Emerging Digital Technology (10 CATS)
This module explores the new technologies which are emerging in the field of BIM and Digital Construction, examining the potential of technology to disrupt the construction industry.
Facilities Management & Asset Management (10 CATS)
This module looks at the practical management of both facilities and infrastructure assets, for example dealing with sustainability, building performance, and evaluation of the physical, environmental, and health and safety aspects.
Construction Law 2 (10 CATS)
This module covers dispute resolution in construction, including mediation, arbitration, and adjudication. This module ties closely with Procurement, Contract Administration and Law, and Project Management Planning and Control.
Research Module
Individual Research Project (Dissertation) (60 CATS)
For the Dissertation, students are required to undertake an independent research project, producing a written dissertation focusing on a particular issue within the realm of construction project management.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
There are excellent career opportunities for our graduates as project managers, contract managers, design managers, project architects, project engineers, planners, etc., within project management consultants, construction companies, property developers and government agencies, amongst others.
Graduates are also well prepared for PhD research, which may lead to careers in research establishments and universities.
Where Could You Be In Five Years Time
Where do you want to be? This programme opens doors, not only in construction, but also into other industries. Having completed a dedicated Project Management programme, you can work anywhere in the world, with anyone looking for a project management orientated viewpoint.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business
experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Employment after the Course
You could be anywhere in the world as a project manager with any of the major design, project management or construction consultants.
Countries such as India, China, Canada and the GCC countries are investing heavily in their infrastructure – with trillions of dollars of investment planned over the next few years - and they need project managers like you to make it happen.