Program Overview

University of Cape Town Construction Management Online Short Course

The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an eight-week online short course focusing on construction project management in the South African context. Students will gain a comprehensive view of the South African building industry, covering topics such as client relationships, project stakeholders, timing, costs, sustainability, and health and safety.

Course Overview

• The course is eight weeks long, excluding one orientation week.
• It is delivered entirely online.
• The course covers the principles and practices involved in overseeing construction projects of all sizes.
• It includes topics such as client relationships, project stakeholders, timing constraints, budgets, sustainable practice, and health and safety risks.

Course Objectives

• Equip students with the skills needed to manage construction processes effectively from start to finish.
• Improve understanding of the essential daily practices in overseeing projects of all sizes.
• Enable site managers, contractors, site supervisors, quantity surveyors, and junior architects to make well-informed, strategic decisions for the successful execution of construction projects.

Course Modules

• Orientation Module: Welcome to your Online Campus
• Module 1: Introduction to the South African construction industry
• Module 2: Compliance, contracts, and regulation
• Module 3: Implementing health and safety, and environmental management
• Module 4: Tendering for construction work
• Module 5: Pricing the project
• Module 6: Planning the project
• Module 7: Protecting the cash flow
• Module 8: Quality management

Course Details

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Effort: 79 hours per week
• Language: English
• Price: R 14,100

Career in Construction Management

• Construction managers oversee building projects from planning to completion, playing a pivotal role in ensuring successful, on-time, and within-budget results.
• The duties of a construction project manager include project planning, team coordination, budget management, risk management, quality control, timeline management, communication, site inspection, permitting, and compliance.
• To become a construction project manager, individuals typically need a formal qualification in construction management or a related field, as well as practical experience in the construction industry.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Organisation
• Negotiation
• Technical knowledge
• Risk management
• Adaptability
• Budgeting and cost control
• Team collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Conflict resolution
• Client relations
• Knowledge of construction technology

Accreditation

• The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has accredited this construction management course.
• The course is also certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points.