MSc Construction Project Management

• Applied Research Project

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Create a considered, topical, applied research project.
• Evaluate complex ideas and analysis in their area of study.
• Formulate a complex argument within a theoretical and practical framework.
• Demonstrate self-direction, confidence, resilience, ambition, and creativity in carrying out independent and evidence informed study in an area of the built environment.
• Communicate research findings through writing clear, comprehensible narrative in accordance with academic conventions.

• Procurement and Contract Practice

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• distinguish between procurement methods with consideration of client requirements and the project governance when selecting an appropriate approach to procuring a construction project.
• demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key stages and processes in procuring services and works for various types of construction projects or programmes.
• propose project supply chain strategies, supported by cogent arguments considering a client organisation’s requirements, ESG goals, the project approach to risk, and other influencing factors.
• examine and appraise the legal context of Construction and Real Estate.
• appraise, select, and manage construction contracts, and the application of dispute resolution techniques, within a complex Built-Environment context.

• Project Management Practice

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Evaluate the processes, activities, and roles in construction projects.
• Identify and differentiate between competing internal and external constraints and formulate a project delivery plan including responding to unfamiliar contexts.
• Identify and appraise the challenges of leading a complex construction project.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of project management methods in their practical application including the management of change.
• Propose practical contributions the construction project manager can make towards a sustainable low/zero carbon built environment.

• Project Management Principles

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• investigate and critically evaluate the theories and concepts behind the Project Management discipline
• examine the nature of the Built Environment sector and the contribution professional bodies and professional ethics and values make towards sustainable construction
• appraise a project by measuring its aims and objectives against an organisation’s strategic objectives and available finance mechanisms
• design and deliver appropriate strategies to control and monitor key elements within the project lifecycle and a client setting that is complex and unpredictable
• autonomously display a deep and systematic understanding of how high performing management teams within a dynamic project environment are developed
• adopt an inclusive approach to practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equity, diversity and inclusion

• Project Planning and Delivery

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• synthesise information from a variety of sources to produce a work breakdown structure and project programme.
• interpret complex project requirements and information to develop a detailed project plan that evaluates and manages project risk and includes a programme identifying project milestones, resource requirements, critical path, and a site layout.
• propose feasible and achievable responses to project change events.
• propose critical responses to construction methodologies and measure the impacts to programme of alternative construction methodologies.
• use delay analysis techniques to assess and respond to changes to the project goals.

• Sustainable Built Environments

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• articulate the key drivers behind the need to move towards a Sustainable Built Environment
• propose responses that can be made, at different scales, to move towards a sustainable Built Environment.
• evaluate the instruments through which Sustainable Built Environments are promoted and measured around the globe, including accreditation schemes and legislation.
• appraise the contributions the Built Environment professionals and Professional Bodies make towards Sustainable Built Environments.
• formulate responses based on evidence from research and practice.

• Building a Successful Project Team

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Evidence a deep and meaningful knowledge and understanding of the role soft skills play in personal development and the role of the project manager.
• Identify and appraise the relationships of the stakeholders engaging in a project and their contributions towards the project’s success.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity, gender equality, and intercultural issues to support ethically aware, collaborative professional practice.
• Advance appropriate strategies to construct and maintain integrated project teams resilient to the internal and external constraints of a project.
• Evidence knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques for managing organisational change

• Managing Risk and Uncertainty

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Utilise advanced techniques to identify and categorise risks considering their potential impact on project and organisational value. 
• Evaluate and monitor the selected risk response strategies and consider their implications for value delivery and optimisation.
• Apply advanced quantitative risk analysis techniques while recognising their role in value driven decision making.
• Distinguish between risk and uncertainty and understand their implications for value management.