Program Overview

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Construction Engineering and Management - BSc (Hons)

Overview

The aim of the Construction Engineering and Management programme is to give graduates the professional skills demanded by major construction companies around the world. Our graduates are seen as qualified to excel in the many disciplines of construction engineering and project management.

About this course

This highly regarded course will develop your technical and managerial skills through an exciting blend of topics taught by experts. You will learn about the science, technology and materials of buildings, the legal and contractual frameworks applicable to the built environment and the financial, quality and project management of complex construction projects. On this course, you will be learning 'hands-on' with the latest equipment and software used in this exciting and innovative sector.

Associate awards

• Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
• Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
• Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week with a mix of lectures, tutorials and practicals taking place between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm, Monday – Friday. Which days will depend on the year of study.

Attendance is generally, three days per week around 15 hours of staff contact time and 35 hours self-directed study per week.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching of the main topics is delivered primarily through lectures, which often include presentations from industry professionals. You will then spend time in smaller group tutorials teasing out the details and gaining a deeper understanding. In labs and in practicals you will use the latest industry specific software and equipment to explore industry practice. Students are given opportunities to visit live construction projects to contextualise theory and practice.

Course materials are made available online, offering you the flexibility to revise at your own pace, where and when suits you. One-to-one sessions with a tutor are provided to guide your progress.

The course is assessed in a number of ways to allow us to provide you with valuable feedback on your progress including class tests, coursework and a formal examination. Generally submissions are made, marked and feedback provided electronically online.

Modules

Year one

• Introduction to the Built Environment
• Analytical Methods and Quantification
• Domestic Building Technology
• Digital Construction and Communication
• Materials and Structures
• Surveying

Year two

• Commercial Building Technology
• Quantification and Costing of construction works
• Ethically Aligned Safety, Health and Wellbeing
• Construction Law
• Building Design
• Production Management in Construction

Year three

• Professional Practice - Construction Engineering and Management

Year four

• Building Performance and Regulation
• Research and Dissertation A
• Research and Dissertation B
• Construction Project Management
• Contractor Bid Management
• Green Building Design

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

BBC; or

BCC including one form Maths or Physics at grade B

A Level Essential: One from Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Technology (including Environmental Technology, Environmental Science, Digital Technology, Technology & Design, Design & Technology), Life and Health Sciences (single or double award), Applied Science, Geography or ICT.

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering. Award profile of DDD to include a Distinction in Further Mathematics or Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering. Award profile of DDD to include a Distinction in Further Mathematics for Construction.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering. Award profile of DMM to include a Distinction in Further Mathematics for Construction.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering. Award profile of DDD to include a Distinction in Further Mathematics or Mathematics for Engineering Technicians.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering/Adv Manufacturing Engineering Award profile of DDD to include a Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering/Adv Manufacturing Engineering. Award profile of DMM to include a Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Award profile of DDD to include a Distinction in Mathematical Calculations for Science or Mathematical Tools in Science.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering/Adv Manufacturing Engineering. Award profile of DMM to include a Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering/Adv Manufacturing Engineering. Award profile of DMM to include a Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

RQF (2019) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / Extended Certificate in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering. (These qualifications will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Distinction in Further Mathematics for Construction is taken as a standalone unit or they will be accepted as grade only if accompanied by one A level which must be from the listed A level subjects).

RQF (2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / Extended Certificate in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering. (These qualifications will only be accepted as meeting the subject requirement if the Distinction in Further Mathematics for Construction is taken as a standalone unit or they will be accepted as grade only if accompanied by one A level which must be from the listed A level subjects).

If an applicant is presenting A levels from the required A level subjects then no units are required in the BTEC qualifications.

If an applicant is presenting A level Mathematics then no units are required in the BTEC qualifications.

The subject requirement must be met.

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Course Specific Subject requirements

This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one subject from Physics, Maths, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering. If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

BBCCC to include grade B in Mathematics, Physics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering.

Scottish Advanced Highers

CCD to include grade C in Mathematics, Physics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 25 points (12 at higher level) to include minimum grade 5 in HL Maths and one other HL science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% to include 63% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 40% in NICATS level 2 Maths for Year 1 entry. Access Course (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) in a Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering subject area.

Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction/ 30 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course) in a Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering subject area.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and Physical Science grade C, 4 (single/double award Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Technology, Geography, ICT).

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 level 4 credits at Distinction for year one entry in a Construction subject area.

Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 level 5 credits at Distinction for year 2 entry in a Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering subject area.

Ulster Foundation Degree Pass in Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering or Construction Engineering with Surveying with an overall mark of 50%, and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.

For further information on the requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.

The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link General Entry Requirements.

Exemptions and transferability

If you have successfully completed a Foundation Degree or HND (in a linked discipline outlined above), you will be considered for admission to Year 2.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• BAM Construction
• Errigal Construction
• Farrans Construction
• FP McCann
• Geda Construction
• McAleer and Rushe
• McLaughlin & Harvey

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Construction Manager
• Site Engineer
• Facilities Manager
• Contract Manager
• Building Control Surveyor
• Project Planners

Career options

Construction management is one of a family of disciplines concerned with the Built Environment.

A career in this sector often encompasses a wide range of roles. Options include Construction Manager, Site engineer, Facilities Manager, Building Control Surveyor and Contract Manager.

Successful graduates can continue their study on the Construction Business and Leadership Masters programme or specialise on the MSc in Fire Safety Engineering both taught on the Jordanstown campus.

Work placement / study abroad

Supervised work placement takes place in year 3 and must be completed by all students except those entering the programme in year two via the Foundation Degree.

High quality placements are offered by local and international construction companies. These companies work with us to offer an exciting and relevant work based learning experience.

Placement allows you to develop your technical knowledge and practical experience in a supported environment and is seen as a vital benefit by graduate employers.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and may enter CIOB membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,855.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,535.00

International Fees

£17,010.00

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Important Notice: Annual Fees Increase

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.

Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The Construction Programme is very well supported by industry - fabulous prizes for our students include:

• Chartered Institute of Building (Northern Centre) Prize (2 x prizes) for best overall students worth £50 each
• Concrete Society (NI Region) Prize for best overall performance in placement year worth £100
• Graham Construction Procurement Award for highest group mark for the tender in the collaborative project worth £250 per group member up to a maximum of £1250
• Graham Construction Scholarship for first and second highest aggregate mark in first year of the programme offering £2000 scholarship each for first and second placed student
• McAleer and Rushe Student Placement Prize, judged by selection interview worth 50% of the placement fee.
• Quigg Golden Construction Law Prize for second year students taking the Construction Law module worth £150

Additional mandatory costs

There are several activities which may incur an additional cost to you during your course, in addition to your tuition fees. Site visits are arranged throughout the academic year and you may be required to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to use during the site visits. Investing in such PPE will benefit you during your studies, placement and when you graduate. Other costs incurred on site visits include travel costs as you may be required to make your own way to the construction site. Site visits generally are identified within the central Belfast area for your convenience.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.