MSc in Construction Project Management
Oxford Brookes University
Key Information
Campus location
Headington, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 15,900 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* UK students full-time: £9,400 | International/EU students full-time: £15,900
Scholarships
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Introduction
Our MSc in Construction Project Management (CPM) meets the challenging demands of the modern learner and the evolving needs of built environment professionals.
We have strong links with prominent companies in the sector, such as:
- Mace
- Willmott Dixon
- BAM Construction.
We consult with these companies to ensure course content remains relevant for the modern construction manager. They also provide advice on existing and proposed courses of study, research activities and consultancy work.
You will work on problems that the construction industry, clients and consultants experience. In doing so you will develop a broad range of management skills and knowledge including:
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- project finance
- technology
- procurement.
The course is ideal if you have a background in the construction industry and want to develop your career as a Construction Manager. Our graduates go on to further their careers locally, nationally and globally.
Please note, PGCert and PGDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not accredited by RICS or CIOB.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modes of study
There are two modes of delivery for this course:
- full-time on campus
- distance learning.
There are two entry points - September and January.
Please note, PGCert and PGDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not accredited by RICS or CIOB. Applicants interested in these should apply for the MSc in the first instance.
For full-time students, lectures are held on two set days every week.
For distance learners, the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. Students are supported by email, Skype, online lectures and telephone, and are welcome to attend all lectures on campus. Distance learners are advised to spend two evenings per week and one whole day per weekend on their studies.
There are also intensive study periods and a European field trip, when students in both modes of study come together (optional for distance learners).
Study modules
Compulsory modules
- People, Leadership and Organisations (30 credits)
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how behavioural and organisational issues influence project performance and how they can be harnessed to effectively deliver projects.
It includes an overview of management approaches, an exploration of the issues around understanding self and understanding others, team theory and leadership, communication, conflict theory and resolution, conflict resolution strategies and learning from experience in project environments and also conflict and negotiation in the context of personal and cultural differences.
To a large extent, the module adopts a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. Here, PBL is facilitated through problem-solving exercises that are based on prominent case studies and gameplay exercises. - Project Planning, Control and Risk (30 credits)
This module prepares you to manage projects within the built environment through the use of advanced planning and control techniques. You will learn and apply a range of skills in project planning, scheduling, monitoring and control that includes cash flow and capital expenditure analysis, value management, risk and opportunity management and the use of software-based decision support tools as used in industry. - Process Management (30 credits)
This module develops the necessary skills for managing procurement effectively and efficiently; the key processes which ultimately dictate project success. Starting with a critical evaluation of the project life cycle, the module explores a number of alternative procurement methods whilst placing significant emphasis on supply chain collaboration and integration. Moreover, an examination of the contractual arrangements between the parties of the supply chain as well as sources of disputes and conflict management is also made.
The module also investigates further key aspects of construction project management such as Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental Management. Project success and team performance criteria are also considered while a more efficient project delivery system is suggested by exploring supply chain development and lean thinking. - Advanced Technology and BIM (30 credits)
This module recognises that the current challenge of The UK construction industry is to find innovative solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Sustainable Construction, Off-Site Construction and Smart Technologies are some of the methods being developed to deliver a high quality, productive and more sustainable built environment for our future generations.
Though yet to be fully incorporated into standard practice, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the emergent technology that is becoming the fundamental vehicle in driving and delivering these innovations. This module, therefore, explores both advanced construction technologies and innovations and the use of BIM in managing and organising construction project information - Applied Research Methods (10 credits)
This module provides you with the fundamentals of research design highlighting the difference between qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and demonstrating how data can be both gathered and analysed and how deductive arguments can be used to produce valid generalisations from data. It also provides you with an overview of particular research techniques such that they can choose and develop those tools most appropriate to their particular research project.
Intensive Study Periods
You will attend four intensive study periods during your programme. These are normally around 3 days long. Students (and staff) enjoy these intensive sessions as they are able to share experiences and knowledge as well as renew friendships and make connections within the industry and the open-learning students get the opportunity to meet face-to-face with staff.
The organisation and the collaborative nature of these intensive study periods are always praised by our students who particularly like the site visits, workshops and guest lectures from industry experts that are some of the major features.
Dissertation (50 credits)
Your dissertation follows on from Applied Research Methods and aims not only to generate new knowledge or insights but also to develop your capacity to undertake rigorous research, to plan and execute an extended project and to communicate complex ideas effectively in words and graphically. You will work with a supervisor from within the department to produce an original piece of work of publishable quality through conducting their own primary research and presenting their findings in a professional manner.
Learning and teaching
In response to industry feedback, we have made our courses more practical by using an 'applied' approach to learning. This is sometimes called 'problem-based learning' or PBL. With this approach, you learn by working through problems that are adapted from complex, real situations. We use our links with industrial practitioners to help devise the problems we use in class. This leads to a more exciting and relevant student experience.
Full-time mode
You will receive new material weekly with intermediate tutorial or seminar sessions. There are also intensive study weeks and a European field trip where you will learn with students from both modes of study.
Distance learning mode
The virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. You will also have contact by email and telephone during the periods off-campus.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
All of our distance learning students are employed full time by prominent companies in the sector.
Full-time students find similar employment shortly after graduation. They typically hold (Assistant) Project Manager positions. However, the breadth of knowledge that our students gain gives them the flexibility to function effectively in a number of different roles.
Local and national construction companies, developers, project managers, house-builders, surveyors and housing associations regularly recruit our graduates.
Many graduates are employed globally - including in:
- India
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- Canada
- Australia
- Peru
- The Middle East
- China.