Construction Project Management MSc



Any construction project needs to be expertly managed to ensure its successful completion.

Overview

The role of a Construction and Project Manager is to take responsibility for this outcome, managing all elements of the job, including contractors, materials, budgets and timelines.

A complex and often high-pressure role, requiring a methodical mind and excellent coordination skills, it's also one that can be hugely satisfying.

You'll graduate ready to take on major ventures, and be able to co-ordinate them efficiently and effectively.

You will gain an industry-recognised qualification as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.  

 
 
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Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

(available as Online-learning)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

SepJan

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Course details

You will study six taught modules. A standard module is equivalent to 200 hours of learning and on successful completion of each module, you will achieve 20 credits towards your chosen award. 

You will also undertake personal research and complete a dissertation to gain 60 credits towards your masters degree.


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    How you’ll be taught

    The core material is delivered through lectures and tutorials taught by professionally qualified academic staff and industrial specialists. Independent study is required for each of the modules. Lectures present concepts, theory, techniques and background information.

    Students will undertake three taught modules in each of Trimesters 1 and 2 of the academic year and complete their dissertation in the final trimester.

    You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

      • September starts: 12 months
      • January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)

    You will generally attend the university two days a week.

    Term dates are available through the website. This course can also be studied part-time and by online learning. 
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    Assessments

    Assessments

    Assessments are by a mixture of coursework, case study assignments, projects and exams. This can consist of a variety of tasks including report writing, essays, research briefs and posters. You will be provided with formative feedback throughout the modules. This will enable you to assess your progress and level of understanding. Full details of the assessment strategy for each module can be found in the module catalogue by clicking on further information for modules listed and then click on the down arrow beside the delivery date of the module.


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    Facilities

    All teaching will take place at the Merchiston Campus of Edinburgh Napier University. This is situated at the heart of the beautiful city of Edinburgh allowing the student easy access to one of the most desirable cities in the world.

    The campus is a modern and vibrant facility with state of the art teaching and student support facilities.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Building Economics ( BSV11111 )

This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the macroeconomic factors that influence the construction industry and the innovative practices that drive its growth and sustainability. You'll start by exploring the macroeconomic overview of the national economy, focusing on the five significant components: banks, households, government, firms, and the external sector. You'll learn how each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring economic growth. However, the focus will be on the firm which is described as the construction industry in this module. You'll explore the role of the construction industry in driving other components of the macroeconomy.Additionally, you will delve into economic models of urban location and growth, learning about urban land economics and the theories that support urban development. You will examine the economic challenges that arise from construction activities in urban areas, providing you with insights into the economic aspects of urban problems caused by the construction industry. Furthermore, you'll explore the innovative practices adopted by construction firms to overcome urban economic challenges. You'll learn about balancing cost and value in construction projects, covering principles such as developers' budgets, whole-life costing, cost geometry, and value management. Also, you will explore how technologies driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution are utilised by construction firms to reduce costs and enhance the value of their projects.Throughout this module, you'll engage in interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on projects designed to stimulate critical thinking and collaboration. By the end of the module, you'll have a solid foundation in macroeconomic principles as they relate to the construction industry, urban economic models, and innovative construction practices, preparing you for a successful career in the construction industry.

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

The Dissertation module constitutes a substantial piece of independent work executed within the traditions of scholarship and research characteristic of a particular discipline. Students will learn various research skills which they will then apply to their own chosen research, including developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and writing up of the dissertation. The choice of a dissertation topic is left to individual students and as long as the proposal can be developed into a dissertation, students shall be allowed to proceed. Each student is allocated a dedicated supervisor to guide the student in the various stages of the research.

Further information

Procurement Strategy ( BSV11104 )

In this module, you will critically evaluate construction procurement methods and analyse how client objectives influence procurement decisions. You will develop strategic skills to select suitable procurement approaches for construction projects. Additionally, you will examine key clauses and documentation in construction contracts, focusing on effective cost management, quality assurance, and timely project delivery. You will also learn how to apply these contractual clauses practically to resolve contractual issues encountered in professional construction practice.

Further information

Production Management ( BSV11103 )

This module is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the production management role in construction project management. The module addresses a number of topics that are vital to the production of buildings. You will find that the lectures presented during the module will have an overall focus on a the strategic issues that those concerned with construction production must concern themselves with. However as you progress your study through the course notes that are presented to accompany the module you will also find a wide range of important operational tools that are necessary to underpin strategic production decisions. The module encompasses a range of topics under 10 principal units of study. In Unit 1 you will learn about production management in general, different types of production system, and you will learn about why the construction industry differentiates itself from other sectors in terms of its production methods and evaluate whether or not this differentiation is justified or not. In Unit 2 you will study various ways in which the construction industry could improve its performance - this will include learning about productivity analysis, work study and lean production methods. In Unit 3 the module will start to examine the first of the main productive resources, specifically human resources; you will learn that based on the present production strategies, the construction industry is heavily reliant on human resources and you will learn about the human resource planning cycle which is needed to evaluate the future requirements for human resources. Unit 4 will investigate the various strategies available to acquire the plant and equipment that is necessary for construction production and you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages associated with each strategy. Unit 5 will examine conventional and future subcontracting trends within the construction industry. In Unit 6 we will complete our examination of resources for production by studying construction materials - you will learn about the main ways in which materials are procured, managed and specifically you will consider how materials waste can be prevented in future construction production. In Unit 7 the module will return to considering more strategic industry level production issues starting with an examination of the present performance of the industry at a macro level and considering various previous attempts that have been made to improve the situation together with their effectiveness. Unit 8 will consider construction as a manufacturing process and you will study to what extent the construction industry can learn from and implement production methods adopted in more productive manufacturing sectors. Unit 9 will examine the present methods used to schedule construction production and you will consider whether or not these present methods remain fit for purpose going forward. Finally, Unit 10 will examine Building Information Modelling (BIM) and consider its usefulness in improving construction industry production performance.

Further information

Project Appraisal and Finance ( BSV11102 )

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to appraise and finance projects effectively, exploring the project life cycle from the feasibility stage to financial closure. Also, it will provide you with an indepth understanding of economic appraisal techniques, project finance instruments, and the role of financial institutions in domestic and international markets.The module is structured around two key areas. First, you will explore project appraisal techniques and learn how to evaluate construction projects using methods like the Discounted Cashflow Techniques, Capital Asset Pricing Model and Cost-Benefit Analysis. You will understand how to assess project feasibility, calculate required rates of return, and consider environmental impacts in your decision-making process. More so, you will also understand how to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with construction projects. This knowledge will enable you to make well-reasoned recommendations about project investments.Moreover, in relation to project finance, this module will provide you with practical insights into how construction projects are funded in both domestic and international markets. Also, you will explore a range of financial instruments, such as bonds, syndicated loans, and derivative products. You will also examine real-world applications through case studies focused on infrastructure projects in both emerging markets and developed economies.The knowledge and skills you develop will be directly applicable to real-world situations, which will prepare you for roles in project management, financial analysis, and investment decision-making within the construction sector. Whether you aim to work in project development, financial institutions, or consultancy, this module will provide you with the analytical skills and financial knowledge needed to evaluate and finance major construction projects.

Further information

Project Management ( BSV11101 )

This module is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the project management discipline. The module addresses a number of topics that are vital to the contemporary construction project manager. Project Management in construction and in general has three major components. The first is managing and leading the client organisation. The second is managing and leading the project team and the third is planning, managing and controlling the project. It is not possible to cover the whole project management discipline in one single module, and many of the other subjects you need to know about are covered in the other five modules that are part of the MSc Construction Project Management Programme. This module serves as an overall foundation for the project management discipline in construction. The module is divided into three major parts. Part 1 presents the basic foundations of the project management discipline. In Part 1 you will study Units 1 and 2 which define project management and consider what is necessary for a project manager to be successful in their role. Part II deals with managing people which incorporates many of the strategic, managerial and leadership issues that are of tremendous importance to the contemporary construction project manager. In Part II you will study Units 3, 4 and 5 and these investigate various aspects of the project managers role in relation to managing the client, managing stakeholders and leading, managing and controlling the project team. Lastly, Part III concerns itself with managing the project. You will study Units 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Part III and these each focus on different and important operational tools that are necessary for effective project planning and control. As you can see some units focus on the strategic project management role in terms of managing the client, and managing the project team and others focus on the operational management of the construction project itself. The modern project management discipline recognises the significance of both the strategic and operational aspects of the construction project manager’s role. In the past, too much emphasis was placed on operational tools and too little on strategy. A series of high profile construction project failures has led to a wider understanding and appreciation of the project management discipline and an awareness that the PM must be a ‘strategist’ and a people person as well as a ‘technician’ if projects are to be managed towards the accomplishment of successful outcomes. You should have a sound understanding of this when you have completed your study of the materials in this module.

Further information

Project Risk Management ( BSV11105 )

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the risk management methodologies as well as an advanced understanding of the techniques used in risk management and analysis of construction projects in UK and worldwide (where applicable). The module introduces various risk analysis techniques applicable in construction-related businesses. On completion of the module, you are expected to have an improved knowledge on the following: - Principles and methodology of risk management - Decision analysis, evaluation and methods for Risks and Uncertainties - Theory on types of risks and the rational approaches to managing risks in national and international projects- Application of Utility Theory to construction and other projects- The Health and Safety Risks in Construction projects and advances in relevant legislation and regulations.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Construction Project Management? 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Ordinary) degree if they have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry. There may also be an additional essay requirement if they apply with less than an Honours degree, this would be confirmed on submission of the application to the Admissions Team.

As this course is accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the minimum level of qualification to be considered will be at Bachelor (Ordinary) degree level. To check the equivalence of your qualification or experience, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Construction Project Management degree?

The MSc Construction Project Management course at Edinburgh Napier University provides a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry and equips students with a range of skills that are highly valuable in building a successful career in construction project management. You'll learn the fundamental principles and techniques of project management tailored specifically to the construction industry, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and quality management.

Construction projects are inherently risky, and managing risks effectively is crucial for project success. You'll learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle.

By acquiring these skills through the MSc Construction Project Management course, you'll be well-equipped to pursue a successful career in various roles within the construction industry, such as:

  • Project manager
  • Construction manager
  • Site manager
  • Quantity surveyor
  • Contracts manager

What does an Construction Project Manager do?

As a construction project manager, your daily life can be quite varied and dynamic, involving a mix of office work, site visits, meetings, and communication with various stakeholders.

You may start your day by reviewing your schedule, emails, and any updates or issues that need immediate attention. Plan out your day and prioritize tasks accordingly. You will spend time in the office working on project planning, scheduling, and coordination activities.

Then depending on the stage of a project, you might visit construction sites to oversee progress, address any issues or concerns, and ensure that work is being carried out according to the plans, specifications, and quality standards. You also have to attend meetings with project team members, clients, contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.

You have to constantly monitor project costs and expenditures, review invoices and change orders, and ensure that the project is staying within budget. You will also have to monitor the quality of workmanship and materials on the construction site, conduct quality inspections, and address any deficiencies or non-conformities.

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