MSc Construction

Management
Programme Specification

Reference:
Version:

V2.00

Status:

Final

Author:

Gordon Browne

Date:

02/10/2014

MSc Construction Management

Summary Programme Details

Final Award
Title of (final) programme award:

MSc Construction Management

Credit points:

180

Level of award (QAA FHEQ):

Interim award(s)
Interim award 1:

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction

Management

Credit points:

120

Level of award (QAA FHEQ):

Interim award 2:

Postgraduate Certificate in Built Environment

Studies

Credit points:

60

Level of award (QAA FHEQ):

Validation
Validating institution:

The College of Estate Management (CEM)

Date of last validation:

November 2013

Date of next periodic review:

November 2018

Professional accreditation
Accrediting body:

Accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building

(CIOB)

Date of last programme

accreditation:

n/a

Date of next periodic review:

n/a

Accrediting body:

Accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered

Surveyors (RICS)

Date of last accreditation:

n/a

Date of next periodic review:

n/a

Miscellaneous
QAA benchmark statement

Construction, Property and Surveying QAA (2008)

Masters Degrees in Business and Management QAA
(2007)

Start Date

September 2014

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MSc Construction Management

Programme Overview
Rationale
The Programme is designed for holders of non-cognate or semi-cognate Bachelor degrees
who wish to study a Masters level conversion Programme in order to enter or pursue a
career in construction and project management and the property profession with progression
by qualification to Chartered Construction Manager, Chartered Builder or Chartered
Surveyor status. The Programme is designed to address the essential disciplines
underpinning construction management practice.
It is intended that the Programme will provide the academic underpinning for those students
wishing to pursue membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the
Programme is presented for accreditation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS). The Programme maps closely to the Education Framework for Masters Degree
programmes (2010) of the CIOB and the competencies specified by the RICS in the
Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Pathways for the Construction aspect of the
Quantity Surveying and Construction field of practice.
Entry requirements
Entrants to this programme are normally required to have attained one of the following:

a Bachelor Degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2), or equivalent; or

a Bachelor Degree, or equivalent, plus 3 years experience in a related field or

a Level 5 qualification as defined by Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus 5 years relevant experience in
a senior position; or

a professional qualification plus 5 years relevant experience in a senior position

Students may apply to enter the Programme in either semester

Accredited prior learning (APL) or accredited prior experiential learning (APEL) routes
into the programme
CEM policy and procedures for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) are set out in CEM Code of Practice:
Accreditation of Prior Learning. This policy statement takes precedence in any such
decision.
Accredited prior experiential learning (APEL) may be used for admission onto this Masters
programme in accordance with the entry requirements stated in the section above. However
APEL and APCL do not normally enable transfer of credit into a Masters programme nor
enable exemption from any component on this programme.
Programme progression
All modules on this Programme are set at QAA FHEQ level 7 (Masters level) and there are
no co-requisites or prerequisites in the study programme.
Assessments are conducted in accordance with the CEM General and Academic
Regulations for Students and the CEM Postgraduate Programme Assessment, Progression
and Award Regulations.
Awards

MSc Construction Management is conferred upon successful completion of 180

credits of study

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MSc Construction Management

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management is conferred upon successful

completion of 120 credits of study

Postgraduate Certificate in Built Environment Studies is conferred upon successful

completion of 60 credits of study

Awards are conferred in accordance with the CEM General and Academic Regulations
for Students and the CEM Postgraduate Programme Assessment, Progression and
Award Regulations.
Career prospects
This Programme will provide a route for both non-cognate and semi-cognate graduates to
construction management related careers leading to membership of the Chartered Institute
of Building CIOB.
This programme equips students with the essential subject knowledge and postgraduate
skills and expertise to enable them to enter and work within the Construction and Project
Management areas of practice within the construction industry. The opportunities available
are fairly extensive and include the following areas of professional practice:

Property management
Construction management
Project management
Maintenance and refurbishment sector
Property development
Environmental manager

Study support
Induction module:
All students are expected to complete the non-credit bearing Induction Module before the
programme commences. The Induction Module is designed to equip students with the skills
they need to study at CEM. The topics covered include:

Studying at a distance

Understanding your learning style

How to manage your time

Reading actively and critically

Introduction to the e-library

Developing academic writing

Writing in your own words - a guide to how to reference your work

The induction topic about referencing prepares students for the online test in referencing and
citation that must be completed and passed prior to commencement of their studies.
The resources within the Induction Module are available to students throughout the duration
of their study with CEM.
Student learning support:
The Programme is delivered via the College VLE and academic teaching and support is
provided online giving students access to CEM tutors and other students worldwide.
The CEM Programme administrator will act as the main point of contact to students
throughout the duration of their Programme. The academic team will guide and support
students learning. Other CEM teams provide support for assignments, exams and technical
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MSc Construction Management

issues including ICT. Each student, whatever their location, will have access to a wealth of
library and online materials to support their studies.
English language support:
English is the common language for all programmes. It is appreciated that some students
will need additional support. Therefore, the VLE provides an interactive English for
Academic Purposes learning resource designed to help students whose first language is not
English.

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MSc Construction Management

Programme Aims
Programme aims
The Programme is designed for holders of a non-cognate or semi-cognate Bachelors
degree to study a Masters award that is focused on the core disciplines associated with
construction and project management and it develops students ability to integrate
interdisciplinary theory and practice and to research and evaluate data in order to solve
complex problems. The Programme also aims to provide students with a foundation for
further professional development and extension of their knowledge in preparation for further
academic study at level 8.

Learning Outcomes
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of:
A1 Comprehension of the wider business context and the integration of the role of
construction management within it
A2 A critical awareness and systematic understanding of issues in the construction
management sector as informed by research and practice
A3 Selection and evaluation of the theories and techniques appropriate to
constructuction management
Teaching/learning methods and strategies
Module delivery follows a standard format incorporating a range of subject appropriate
resources suitable for the online distance learner. This may include, but is not limited to,
audio visual presentations, interactive case studies and online journals. Modules will be
supported by a core e- book.
In the Postgraduate Research Project module, self-directed learning and problem solving
combined with supervisor consultation further enhances knowledge and understanding,
focusing on students own chosen research topics.
Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to undertake independent study and
enquiry to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Assessment methods
Formative assessment opportunities and feedback are provided throughout the programme.
These vary in format and may include self-assessment quizzes and tutor guided discussion.
All are designed to motivate and support the student.
Summative assessment methods and formats vary across the modules and are appropriate
to the module and its stated learning outcomes.

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MSc Construction Management

B: Cognitive skills
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Programme students should be able to demonstrate how to:
B1 Synthesis of a range of information and solve complex problems involving the creative
application of construction management knowledge together with further research and
enquiry
B2 Evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and its relevance to construction
management issues
Teaching/learning methods
Students are encouraged to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding through
a range of online activities and exercises. These require students to apply research and
analysis to construction and project management issues.
Assessment methods
Intellectual skills are assessed through a range of coursework artefacts, examinations and a
research project report.

C: Practical and professional skills

Learning outcomes
By the end of the Programme students should be able to demonstrate how to:
C1 Acquire, analyse and evaluate data and judge its relevance and validity to a range of
construction management situations
C2 Conduct research into construction management situations using appropriate
methodologies to develop and interpret knowledge in the field of construction
management
Teaching/learning methods and strategies
Students are encouraged to share knowledge and ideas in relation to construction
management. A range of online activities require students to analyse given information and
make reasoned decisions.
Assessment methods
A range of formative assessment activities are utilised to help develop the ability to analyse
problems and provide reasoned advice.
Summative assessment tests that the students have formulated appropriate strategies for
construction and project management.

D: Key/transferable skills
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Programme students should be able to:
D1: Research independently and demonstrate a structured approach to decision making
D2: Communicate and collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders within a
construction management context
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MSc Construction Management

Teaching/learning methods and strategies
The learning activities require students to undertake research, evaluate their findings and
develop solutions. Teaching of module topics will require students engagement with a range
of online activities that develop research and evaluation skills and cultivate a systematic
approach to problem solving. Engagement with the CEM learning community develops
communication and collaboration skills.
Assessment methods
Formative assessment through the VLE provides feedback and support for independent
learning as students work through the programme. Communication, collaboration and
evaluation and problem solving skills are tested through the range of formative and
summative assessments.

Programme Structure
Semester

Module

Core
/Elective

Credit
points

September

Law for Surveyors

Core

20

September

Contract Administration and Practice

Core

20

September

Management of Construction*

Core

20

September

PG Project*

Core

40

September

Managing and Leading people

Elective

20

September

Strategic Management of Change

Elective

20

March

Sustainable and Innovative Construction

Core

20

March

Procurement and Tendering

Core

20

March

Management Finance and Science

Core

20

March

Management of Construction*

Core

20

March

PG Project*

Core

40

Notes:
* Available in both semesters.
The Project module is normally studied in the final semester of the programme; however an
introduction and preparatory advice is provided in the preceding semester.
Distinctive features of the programme

The interactive Induction Module

The flexibility to choose the start date two intakes per academic year (September
or March Semester)
Syllabus maps fully to the CIOB Education Framework for Masters Degree
Programmes (2010),
Syllabus maps with the RICS competencies to the Quantity Surveying and
Construction APC pathway.
The flexibility for students to choose the pace of their study
The ability to interact with students from different Programmes and in varied
geographical locations locally and internationally via the VLE
International professional, personal and academic networking opportunities
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MSc Construction Management

Accreditation from the CIOB and the RICS

Availability of interim awards either Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

Curriculum Map
This table indicates which study units assume responsibility for delivering (X) and
summatively assessing (A) particular programme learning outcomes.

Module
A1
Law for Surveyors
Contract Administration and Practice
Sustainable and Innovative Construction
Procurement and Tendering
Management of Construction
Management Finance and Science
PG Project
Strategic Management of Change
Managing and Leading People

A2

X
X
A
X
X
A

A3

B1

X
A

X
A
X

B2
X
X
X
A

C1

C2

D1

D2

X
A
X

X
X
A
X

X
A

X
A

X
A

X
A

X
A

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