Course summary

Do you want to develop the core skills and technical knowledge needed to pursue a successful career as a construction manager? Are you interested in learning how building projects are completed safely and within agreed budgets and timescales? This degree has been designed and developed with employers to prepare you for leading roles in the growing construction and the built environment industry. You’ll graduate with the industry-relevant knowledge, skills and experience needed to manage infrastructure projects and work efficiently within multidisciplinary teams. On this course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the principles of construction management. As well as building design and the sequential construction of building elements, you’ll learn about the efficient project management of domestic and non-domestic buildings, including skyscrapers and large-scale sports infrastructure facilities. We’ll help you to develop the essential skills needed for effective onsite project management, covering aspects of planning, how to execute the construction process, budget management, project expenses and construction safety management. You’ll consider the variety of factors that can delay a project and learn how to manage and mitigate them, including communicating with clients, negotiating delays, monitoring quality through improved workmanship on large-scale projects and management of contracting packages. As your studies progress, you’ll explore broader agendas in the construction sector, e.g. sustainability concerning energy-efficient detailing and functional optimisation of the structural performance of buildings. You’ll also study law and economics for the built environment. The theory you learn in lectures will be supported by practical experience and activities, including field trips and site visits so you can apply your learning to real-world settings. In your final year, you’ll learn about the refurbishment of heritage buildings, including wide-scale regeneration of existing buildings, and carry out your own research and dissertation into an area of construction management you find of interest. Professional work placements You’ll have the opportunity to be involved in developing and delivering various construction projects working with employers across the construction and the built environment sector, including public and private sector contractors and construction companies. Graduate opportunities You’ll graduate with the professional skills and experience you need to launch your career in construction management roles working for large, medium or small contracting organisations, project management consultancies or client-side organisations. Potential career routes may include planner for construction clients; construction manager delivering site-based management roles; site manager; or health and safety consultant advising clients as principal designers.