Postgraduate MSc/PgDip/PgCert

Construction Management

Attendance

Full-time

Part-time

Distance Learning

Course

One year

Two year

Two year

Next enrolment

January 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

Ambitious growth targets for new housing development and transformational infrastructure put the construction industry at the heart of our post-pandemic economic recovery. Build the skill set to lead exciting projects and developments with our triple-accredited Construction Management postgraduate degree.

Developed with partners from the architecture, engineering and construction industries, our course blends sector trends and industry needs to deliver career-enhancing opportunities. Recommended for both graduates and experienced industry professionals, you will  learn how to successfully lead construction management at a senior level.

Led by experienced built environment academics and practitioners, and using advanced software tools and techniques, you will explore how to organise and plan complex construction projects, diagnose corporate problems, and manage project teams, procurement, finance and risk. 

Available in full-time, part-time and online pathways, the full MSc award is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Association for Project Management (APM), which can unlock additional career benefits and opportunities. 

International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Start your MSc Construction Management study journey

Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our campus and meet the tutors

You will:

  • Build knowledge of what is needed to successfully organise and plan complex construction projects
  • Learn how to diagnose corporate problems and manage a multitude of areas including people, finance and risk
  • Understand the significance of processes, technology and people to the ultimate success of projects in the construction industry
International

students accepted

Course accreditations

This is for you if...

1.

You are a graduate looking to gain new skills as you refocus your career interests in the built environment

2.

You want to enhance your current knowledge and develop a career in construction management

3.

You are a professional looking to build on your industry experience and gain a formal qualification for career progression

Course details

All about the course

Civil engineering project in Manchester

Course delivery

Our MSc Construction Management course is delivered through a range of industry-aligned modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises eight taught modules, plus a dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip comprises eight taught modules. The 60-credit PgCert award comprises four specified taught modules.

Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. We offer course entry each January and September. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus, or part-time via distance learning:

  • As a campus-based full-time student, you will complete four 15-credit taught modules in each of your first two trimesters on campus.  In your final trimester, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits
  • As a campus-based part-time student, you will complete two 15-credit modules in each of your first four trimesters on campus. Across two additional trimesters, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits
  • As a distance learning student, you will complete two 15-credit taught modules in each of your first four trimesters. Across two additional trimesters, you will complete your dissertation online, with tutor support
Learning experience

Harnessing our collaborative approach, flexible delivery and industry-aligned curriculum, our Construction Management postgraduate degree is designed to meet industry needs by providing you with the platform to develop an advanced construction sector skill set.

If you are studying on campus, you can take advantage of our proximity to Manchester city centre and visit live construction sites.  Distance learning students will also experience our Collaborate Ultra virtual learning environment, supported by real-time and on-demand interactive sessions. Module assessment is driven by real-world problems aligned to your workplace or role.

Alongside gaining a strong understanding of real-world construction project management, you will develop your knowledge in topics such as procurement and finance, integrated design, risk management, and scheduling and control. You will also strengthen your research and analytical skills by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice.  Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.

Course team

The Construction Management postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and subject knowledge. The team is part of a global built environment community with prominence in shaping construction industry best practice.

Course leader: Jenny Jones

Trimester one (and Trimester two for part-time and distance learning)

Construction Health and Safety and Environment

Develop your knowledge of Health, Safety and Environment management, with specific reference to construction sites. You will gain a systematic understanding of the industry, from the structure of the law to the methods of assessing risks to the concepts of sustainable construction. Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key techniques used to implement improvements and apply your knowledge to real world cases.

Procurement

Critically examine strategic procurement approaches for effective and efficient design and construction project solutions. You will learn to critically evaluate client objectives to determine an appropriate selection of procurement systems for industry systems prior to advising them on the most appropriate route. You will also learn to assess supply chain relationships and partnering schemes, develop strategies for stakeholders, and inform relevant parties on the rationale regarding procurement decisions.

Corporate Construction Finance

Apply the processes of financial management to construction and property activity on this module as you explore the new and emerging processes and practices related to these sectors. On successful completion, you will possess the ability to analyse the techniques used in the appraisal of developments; critically evaluate alternative developments; propose development budgets; and create and implement solutions to improve the effectiveness of financial management in the construction industry.

Integrated Design and Delivery Systems

Acquire a systematic understanding of the tools, techniques and key issues found in integrated design and delivery systems (IDDS), using BIM and enabling technologies. This module will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of IDDS as you examine the purpose of enabling collaboration, the benefits of integrating BIM into a construction firms’ business processes, and critically evaluate emerging innovations.

Trimester two (Trimesters three and four for part-time and distance learning)

Project and Production Management

Develop a critical awareness and knowledge of construction planning, resource and cost planning, monitoring and control. You will critically appraise and evaluate the concepts of lean production, the six sigma techniques, and the planning, monitoring and control systems used for project budgets. This module will encourage you to create and implement appropriate monitoring and tracking systems to manage change whilst monitoring the efficacy of quality management.

Construction Scheduling and Control

Expand your understanding of construction programme scheduling and demonstrate your awareness of the different techniques by applying them appropriately. During this module, you will also develop your knowledge of project control methods and learn to apply them to construction activities. You’ll critically analyse every element of a project, from the resource management to resource estimate techniques to assessing current project programme management.

Value and Risk Management

Develop your knowledge of value and risk management in construction with this module as you apply relevant processes to construction activities. You will explore new and emerging practices whilst critically analysing the concepts of risk, hazard and uncertainty. Learn to appraise risk assessment techniques and processes as you evaluate current practice in industry.

Project Management Practice

This module will provide you with a practical understanding of the tools and techniques used for assessing risk and the environmental impact of construction projects. Through this module you will learn to address challenges associated with coordinating production; organising design for manufacturing, assembly and sustainability; managing project handovers and using feedback for improvements and writing reports for senior management.

Trimester three (Trimesters five and six for part-time and distance learning)

Dissertation

This module enables you to develop a research proposal with clear aims and objectives related to your study. You will undertake critical analysis of existing research and engage in various forms of recognised research in order to produce a sustained, sophisticated, and logical argument in the form of a written dissertation.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

100%

Coursework

TEACHING

Our learning approach is driven by real-world problems experienced in construction industry workplaces and job roles.  Whether you choose campus or distance learning, you will receive high-quality teaching and support throughout your studies. 

Campus-based learners will develop knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods:

  • Lectures will introduce core construction management knowledge, with Tutorials designed to provide a forum for discussions and debate
  • Project work will enable you conduct research, develop software skills and refine your communication and collaboration skills
  • Self-directed study will form a core part of your studies outside of timetabled classes. This can be done in our multimedia libraries, which are accessible on campus or online
  • One-to-one tutorials can also be available by appointment for you to discuss any areas of the course or receive extra support with your projects

Distance learners will experience Collaborate Ultra, our virtual learning environment. The platform hosts weekly live tutorials, on-demand course materials and extensive tutor support.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods include written coursework (100%) and continuous informal assessment by your tutors during each module.

If you choose to complete the Dissertation, this will be conducted online with extensive tutor support.

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to take your career potential further.

Energy House

The way UK energy is supplied and consumed is changing fast. Consumers and small businesses will soon be able to generate, store, share, buy and sell their energy as the government encourages the transition to a greener economy.

Through commercial and grant funded research, Salford's world-class Energy House laboratories help businesses understand how effective their products and services are in lowering consumers’ carbon footprint and reducing energy bills.

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND RESEARCH

When you start this degree with Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also lead collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global built environment issues and challenges.

Discover how you are part of something bigger.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Engineer

EMPLOYMENT

Many graduates use this course to gain the skills and knowledge required to advance their careers and undertake a senior construction management role. Some graduates choose careers in the industry that specialise in project management, architectural management and engineering design management.

Our graduates have also used the course as a springboard into parallel careers in civil engineering, financial, legal and business sectors. Some of our alumni have achieved notable success, with numerous winners of the Whiting Award and also several awards in the CIOB Building Manager of the Year competition.

FURTHER STUDY

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Our Centre for Urban Processes, Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environments is home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities exploring how we can enhance our built environments at local, national and international scales. 

Explore our Doctoral School to learn more about research training, support and opportunities.

A taste of what you could become

A project manager

A construction manager

An architectural designer

An engineering designer

A surveyor

And more...

Career Links

  • We enjoy excellent links with the local, national and international architecture, engineering and construction industries.  These networks provide context for your studies and inform our curriculum development.
  • Throughout the course, we invite guest lecturers from the construction sector with expertise in relevant areas to share their knowledge and experience. We also organise field trips with local practices, providing campus-based students with opportunities to apply learning to a real-world context.
Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

This course is recommended for applicants with a desire to enhance construction knowledge, and with an aspiration to develop a successful career in construction management. You will have a strong academic and/or professional background in the built environment. Having leadership skills and knowledge of construction processes will be an advantage.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

COURSE ACCREDITATION

The full MSc award is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Association for Project Management (APM), which can unlock additional career benefits and opportunities. 

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

Applicants of this course must have a minimum of a second class honours degree.

International student entry requirements

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk 

Learn more about the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2024/25 £9,450.00per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £16,380.00per year
Distance learning 2024/25

£1,575 per 30 credits

Full-time home 2025/26 £9,800.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £17,000.00per year
Part-time 2025/26 £2,833.50 per 30 credits
Distance learning 2025/26 £1,635 per 30 credits

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International student scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

January 2025

September 2025