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Introduction

Location

Headington/ Distance learning

Course Length

Start dates: January 2023 / September 2023
Course length: Full time: 1 year

Why choose this course?

Overview

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. The 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 industries 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.

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 game play 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 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 demonstrates 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.

Compulsory modules

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 is 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.

Compulsory modules

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.

Career prospects

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
 Africa
 Canada
 Australia
 Peru
 The Middle East
 China
 The Americas

Entry Criteria

ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.

IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

Due to great interest in this course for September 2023 entry, the deadline to receive applications is Wednesday 22 March 2023 for all applicants who will require a visa to study in the UK. As long as we receive your application on or before 22 March 2023 it will be given full consideration. Those not requiring a visa to study in the UK can continue to apply beyond 22 March 2023.

The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) in a construction-related discipline.

We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can evidence substantiated & relevant experience in construction.

Industry professionals with suitable practice qualifications (e.g MRICS, MCIOB) - demonstrating ability to study at master's level, are also encouraged to apply.

For Distance-Learning study, it is recommended that applicants have at least six months work experience in the construction sector.

Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:

 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.

OR

An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.


If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.

The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.

The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:

Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.


Learning and assessment

Modes of study

There are two modes of delivery for this course:

 full-time on campus
 part-time on campus
 part-time 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 part-time on campus students, lectures are held on one set day every week.

For distance learners, the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. Students are supported by email, Zoom, Google Meet, on-line 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 on-campus study periods and a field trip, when students from all modes of study come together (attendence is optional).

Start this course in January

You can start this course in January or September.

Only the Dissertation module (independent study) runs in the summer, so course lengths for January starters will appear longer due to the summer vacation.

The summer vacation does provide a good opportunity for students to find an internship or gain work experience. Please note that there is no formal internship or placement as part of the course. We do however provide many networking opportunities and advice on how to find your own internship.

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. You learn by working through problems that are adapted from complex, real situations. We use our links with industry to help devise the problems we use in class, leading to a more exciting and relevant student experience.

Full time and part-time on-campus modes

You will receive new material weekly with intermediate tutorials or seminars. There are also intensive study weeks and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study.

Distance learning mode

The virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. You will also be invited to attend (non-compulsory) on-campus intensive study periods and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study. You will be able to contact the Programme Team by email, telephone and through online meetings/tutorials.

Assessment

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview

Assessment methods used on this course

Assessment is 100% coursework, and includes a variety of types of work, including quizzes taken remotely on Moodle (our virtual learning environment). Moodle also allows you to:

 download course material
 take part in closed discussions
 remain in contact with other students whether you are on campus or distance learning students.

Research

Many members of staff are part of the Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development (OISD). OISD is noted for its work on sustainable technology in buildings and sustainable urban form among many on-going projects.
Areas of interest include:

 sustainability, adaptation and resilience to climate change
 Building Information Modelling (BIM)
 collaborative supply networks for procurement and delivery of project
 building economics
 forecasting techniques
 risk management
 social networks in project environments
 managing complex projects
 management of knowledge and innovation as a source of competitive advantage
 adaptive re-use of existing buildings
 facilities management
 health and safety.

In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), our Unit of Assessment (UoA 16) ranked 4th within the University in terms of its Grade Point Average (GPA). We hold the 11th position in terms of Research Impact and Power Rating among the 45 institutions that submitted to our unit of assessment.

Career Opportunities

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CONTACT

+44 777 477 5759
+44 33 3303 4135

info@study4abetterfuture.uk
admissions@study4abetterfuture.uk

Hours

Monday - Friday:

09:00 am - 06:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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