Course summary

MSc Construction Project Management gives you the vital skills and versatility required in the increasingly thriving and dynamic built environment industry. Our degree provides you with the knowledge, leadership, and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of construction projects from inception to occupation. There is a strong emphasis on construction technology, but you can also learn about important factors such as valuation and procurement.  During the master’s programme, you’ll gain a detailed and thorough understanding of the theoretical principles and practices of project management in the construction industry and, more generally, any project environment. You’ll also gain expertise of skills necessary for practitioners such as understanding clients’ needs, procurement, management of people and organisational structures, business management, and the planning and programming of building projects in the context of the established bodies. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to fully manage the design, value, risk, operational, financial, and contractual aspects of the construction process. You’ll be able to contribute to the needs of an organisation as a construction professional. This industry-focused master’s programme will ensure you have the skills necessary to make a positive and effective contribution to your future working environment. Your learning environment The MSc Construction Project Management is taught though a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. Teaching by the academic staff team is supplemented by guest lectures and input from practitioners to help understand current industry issues. You will be assessed by coursework, exams, your dissertation or project work, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme. During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our specialist equipment, computing software, and laboratories as appropriate. Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union and there are lots of ways to do so including participating in student groups, becoming a student representative or a school officer, and joining student societies. Societies provide a great opportunity to meet likeminded people, get involved in regular social and networking events, and gain insights into career prospects. Customise your learning You’ll take seven mandatory courses and can customise your degree to match your specific interests by choosing one course in semester one from a list of three options including advanced construction technology, urban economy and property markets, or a sustainability course for construction professionals. In semester three, you can further customise your learning by choosing to undertake either a research dissertation or integrated project. If you choose to do a dissertation, you’ll be required to research and report in depth on a subject of relevance to your professional career aspirations. An integrated project would provide you with the opportunity to develop and manage appraisal plans for a construction project during the precontract stage and deliver a project execution plan post contract stage. You can choose whether to study the programme full time or part time. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your career and lifestyle. You can begin the programme either in January or September, based on your availability, and the full-time course will last 12 months or 24 months part time. Accreditation Two institutes accredit our MSc in Construction Project Management:

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

• Chartered Institute of Building