Facilities Management MSc



You can help plug the skills-gap with a degree in Facilities Management.

Overview

Globally, there is increasing market demand for Facilities Management skills, coupled with a shortage of qualified practitioners with the expertise required to deliver the FM service. Facilities Management is a key sector of the economy and professional expertise in providing the range of FM services is in high demand.

This course, which is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), will equip you with knowledge of the principles and methods of successful facilities management, from technological processes to commercial considerations. This will enable you to operate professionally at a high level within the industry.

Distance learning study replaces campus attendance with specially-developed online learning materials. You can study at your own pace, in your own time from anywhere in the world.

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

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Mode of Study:

Distance learning

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

JanSep

Course details

Facilities Management is about integrating multi-disciplinary activities within the built environment and managing their impact upon people and the workplace. It is one of the fastest growing professions, supporting people in their work and other activities and enabling organisations to deliver vital non-core services effectively and responsively. It ensures physical assets are cost-effective, allows for future change in space use, enhances the organisation’s culture and image and helps provide competitive advantage to the core business.

From the management of technology, maintenance and engineering services within buildings to property asset management, project and change management, space management, corporate social responsibility, risk and compliance, FM covers the range of support services required in modern organisations.

All facilities require ongoing strategic management and there are opportunities to work across the world. Due to a shortage of qualified professionals with the required expertise, demand is high for suitably qualified FM practitioners.

Whatever your background, this RICS accredited programme will equip you to become a competent professional ready to enter a career in this dynamic field. The accreditation means this programme meets their academic requirements, putting you on track towards chartered status. Full chartered status can be obtained following a period of work experience after graduation and on successful completion of the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

The course is designed to prepare you to make a valuable contribution to the facilities management of any property type through the teaching of strategic and operational principles which can be customised to an organisation’s particular requirements.

The course is entirely distance learning and there is no attendance requirement other than to sit exams. Students start the course in September and the MSc will take around two years to complete.
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    How you’ll be taught

     You’ll learn through a combination of self-directed independent online learning materials, online discussion topics and independent study.
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    Assessments

    Assessment is by a mix of methods including written examinations and coursework assignments. Coursework is submitted online so campus attendance is only required for written exams. 

    For students based outside the UK, exams may also be taken by arrangement at an approved examination centre close to your location. 

    Further information about the module content, learning outcomes and assessment strategy for each module is available in the online module catalogue.

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

Building Information Modelling, Management and Evaluation ( BSV11159 )

The module focus on the significance of digitisation and information management in the built environment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of topics about the creation, extraction and management of digital data throughout various stages of construction, starting from site analysis and extending to modelling design, structural systems, material options, and modern construction processes.Within this module, you gain a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies and tools can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of architectural projects. You learn about the process of capturing and analysing site data using advanced digital surveying techniques and how digital modelling software can be utilised to develop designs and detail drawings. Additionally, you will become familiar with the integration of digital data across various disciplines involved in the construction process. You learn and evaluate how different professionals, including architects, engineers and contractors can collaborate seamlessly through BIM platforms.

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

“The Dissertation module is 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 will then be applied to their own chosen research topics. This will include developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and the writing up of the dissertation.”

Further information

Facilities Management 1 ( BSV11112 )

Facilities Management : An introduction and overview
Facilities Management Skills
Property as a facility - space management
Introduction to Quality Management for the Facilities Manager.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) as a tool in Facilities Management.
Support Services for Facilities Management.
Strategies for improving Facilities Management implementation in organisations.
Introduction to Information and Communications Technology

Further information

Facilities Management 2 ( BSV11113 )

Strategic aspects of Facilities Management
Risk Management for the Facilities Manager
Adding value through Facilities Management
Customer Service
Environmental Management
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Project Management within Facilities Management
Application of Information & Communication Technology to Facilities Management.

Further information

Law and Administration: Property and Construction ( BSV11106 )

Introduction to law and legal concepts; jurisdiction; The principles of contract law and law of negligence; Principles of property law and the law of leases; Law of health and safety relating to the construction sector; Methods of dispute resolution, including arbitration and international commercial arbitration; Forms of contract used in the construction and property maintenance sectors; Choice of procurement strategy and selection of appropriate contract types.

Further information

Property Asset Management ( BSV11109 )

The role of the property asset manager, models of property asset management, property asset management (registration, valuation and performance measurement), Information Technology for PAM, property asset management (corporate and public sectors) and corporate social responsibility.

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 Facilities Management?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 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 the 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 pgadmissions@napier.ac.uk team.

Can I get admission into Facilities Management based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

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-Taught modules *£1,105 *£1,160
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £650 £690
Overseas and EU-Taught modules £3,050 £3,205
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £2,095 £2,200

Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*. The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.

Please note 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

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 Facilities Management degree?

Enrolling in the MSc Facilities Management course from Edinburgh Napier University will equip you with a range of skills that are highly valuable from a career perspective. Facilities Management professionals are required in all sectors of global economies from airports and other infrastructure to leisure facilities, commercial organisations, consultancies, property companies, Integrated FM providers and local and central government. Possible roles following graduation could include the following:

  • Facilities Manager
  • Contract Manager
  • FM Consultant
  • Estates Manager
  • Property and Facilities Director
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Account Director
  • Business Development Manager
  • Space Planner
  • Moves Manager

You will learn fundamental principles and theories of facilities management, including strategic planning, operations management, and resource allocation. You will also gain knowledge of health and safety regulations applicable to facilities management, ensuring compliance and creating safe working environments.

What does a Facilities Management Consultant do?

As a Facilities Management Consultant, your daily tasks and responsibilities may vary depending on the specific projects you're working on and the needs of your clients. You will need to meet with clients to discuss their facilities management needs, challenges, and objectives. This could involve understanding their current facilities management processes, identifying areas for improvement, and discussing potential solutions.

You might be also conducting site visits to assess the condition of client facilities. This could involve evaluating building infrastructure, systems, and equipment to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and opportunities for optimization.

You will be overseeing various facilities management projects from inception to completion. This might involve coordinating with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. You have to keep yourself up-to-date on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to facilities management, and ensuring client facilities remain compliant.

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