MSc in Construction Project Management

Program Overview

The MSc in Construction Project Management from Oxford Brookes University equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as Construction Managers in the modern built environment industry. Through applied learning and industry collaboration, the program covers topics such as BIM, project finance, technology, and procurement. Graduates enjoy global career opportunities in various construction roles, including Project Manager, Site Manager, and Quantity Surveyor.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Construction Project Management (CPM) is designed to meet the demands of modern learners and the evolving needs of built environment professionals. The program offers a strong curriculum that is informed by collaboration with prominent industry partners, including Mace, Willmott Dixon, and BAM Construction. The program aims to equip students with a broad range of management skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Project finance
• Technology
• Procurement
The course is particularly suitable for individuals with a background in construction industries seeking to develop their career as Construction Managers. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various locations, both locally and globally.

Outline:

Modes of Study:

The MSc in Construction Project Management offers three modes of delivery:

• Full-time on-campus
• Part-time on-campus
• Part-time distance learning
Students can start the program in either September or January.

Course Structure:

• Full-time students: Attend lectures on two set days each week.
• Part-time on-campus students: Attend lectures on one set day each week.
• Distance learners: Primarily utilize the virtual learning environment (VLE) for delivery.
Support is provided through email, Zoom, Google Meet, online lectures, and phone. Distance learners are encouraged to dedicate two evenings per week and one whole day each weekend to their studies.
• Intensive on-campus study periods: Occur throughout the program, bringing together students from all modes of study (attendance is optional).
• Field Trip: An optional European field trip takes place towards the end of January, spanning five days.
The trip aims to expose students to European project management practices, fostering team development, relationship building, and international perspectives.

Learning and Teaching:

The program utilizes an "applied" learning approach, often referred to as "problem-based learning" (PBL). This method involves tackling problems adapted from real-world situations, enhancing the relevance and engagement of the student experience.

• Full-time and part-time on-campus modes: Students receive new material weekly, supplemented by intermediate tutorials or seminars.
• Distance learning mode: Primary delivery is through the VLE, with opportunities for attendance at non-compulsory intensive on-campus study periods and field trips.

Modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
• People, Leadership and Organisations (30 credits):
This module focuses on the impact of behavioral and organizational factors on project performance, emphasizing leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and cultural differences.
• Project Planning, Control and Risk (30 credits): Students acquire advanced planning and control techniques for managing built environment projects.
This includes topics like scheduling, monitoring, cash flow analysis, value management, and risk management.
• Process Management (30 credits): This module equips students with procurement management skills, exploring project life cycles, alternative procurement methods, supply chain collaboration, contractual arrangements, and dispute resolution.
• Advanced Technology and BIM (30 credits): This module explores innovative construction technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), emphasizing its role in delivering sustainable and efficient built environments.
• Applied Research Methods (10 credits): Students gain foundational knowledge of research design, exploring qualitative and quantitative research paradigms, data collection and analysis, and deductive arguments.
• Dissertation (50 credits): Building upon "Applied Research Methods," this module requires students to conduct original, publishable research, developing their research skills and communication abilities.
• Intensive Study Periods: These periods typically last three days and offer students the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning, site visits, workshops, and guest lectures from industry experts.

Assessment:

Assessment is 100% coursework and includes a variety of methods, such as:

• Quizzes taken remotely on Moodle
• Assignments
• Project work
• Presentations

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating online and face-to-face interactions. The faculty includes experienced academics and practitioners with strong industry connections, providing students with practical and relevant instruction.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a range of careers within the construction industry, including:

• Project Manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Construction Manager
• Site Manager
• Quantity Surveyor
• Building Surveyor
The program's emphasis on practical skills and industry connections provides graduates with a strong foundation for success in a variety of roles and locations. Graduates have found employment in various regions, including:
• India
• Pakistan
• Africa
• Canada
• Australia
• Peru
• The Middle East
• China
• The Americas

Other:

The program has strong links with the Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development (OISD), which focuses on sustainable technologies in buildings and urban form. The program's research interests encompass:

• Sustainability
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Supply Chain Collaboration
• Building Economics
• Risk Management
• Social Networks in Project Environments
• Managing Complex Projects
• Knowledge Management and Innovation
• Adaptive Re-use of Buildings
• Facilities Management
• Health and Safety
The program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

2023 / 24 Home (UK) full time £10,800 Home (UK) part time £5,400 Home (UK) distance learning part time £5,400 International full time £16,500 International distance learning part time £8,250 2024 / 25 Home (UK) full time £11,350 Home (UK) part time £5,675 Home (UK) distance learning part time £5,675 International full time £17,150 International distance learning part time £8,575 Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year. The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. How and when to pay Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.