Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Our BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management prepares graduates for the challenges they will face during their careers.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years part-time

UCAS codes

K200

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

Ranked No.1 in the UK for Building and Town and Country Planning in the Guardian University Guide 2021, Coventry University has been educating construction professionals for over half a century.

We will encourage you to develop the innovation and creativity required to tackle the complex problems now facing the industry surrounding space, sustainability, cost, and technology not just in the UK but with consideration for the global nature of the industry.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

Our BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management will give you the following opportunities and benefits:

  • You will benefit from our excellent links with construction employers who support our teaching with the aid of site visits and guest speakers2.
  • Common first year makes it possible to transfer to Architectural Technology, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management in the second year if you wish (subject to meeting progression requirements).
  • Study on shared modules alongside students on a range of other courses such as architectural technology, quantity surveying, building services engineering, and civil engineering, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of today’s construction industry.
  • A diverse learning approach offers you highly practical elements such as surveying, field trips, and live assessment through case studies so that you can apply your learning to situations you will face in your post-university life2.
  • You will have the opportunity to undertake some additional qualifications as part of your programme, such as BREEAM certificates.
  • Access to our unique ‘Simulation Centre 4 that replicates a realistic work environment that will help you improve and enhance a variety of skills and behaviours needed to manage a project. The facility allows us to simulate ‘real life’ construction scenarios, making you more prepared for the workplace.
  • Apply for a full-year work placement which can count towards your professional Chartered status2.
  • The course has national and international links with BRE (Building Research Establishment) and SHAPE – School for Higher and Professional Education in Hong Kong2.

Accreditation

Accreditation1 for the degree is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This exciting new course is subject to approval from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).


What you'll study

This course has a common first year

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
  • Architectural Design and Technology MSci
  • Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
  • Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
  • Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons)

In this course you will be introduced to the fundamental topics of resource management, economics, design and production processes, which are essential to practitioners in all construction professions. You will have the chance to be taught alongside architectural technology, building surveying, quantity surveying and commercial management students, providing you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the professional duties of a construction manager working in a multi-disciplinary team setting to emulate industry practices.

Modules

The second year is where you explore the construction management professions in more detail and move from traditional industry practices into the more modern practices associated with building and infrastructure production today, including building information modelling, virtual reality and other advancing technologies.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of contract management, including procurement methods, tendering procedures, the contractual relationship among project participants and an awareness of all of the main standard forms of contract available in the UK construction industry.

We also focus on post-contract management practices and procedures, including construction finance. You will have the chance to gain a solid understanding of basic accounting and financial principles, preparing you to apply spreadsheet techniques to analyse financial problems and better understand financial and cost control issues from a corporate management perspective.

You have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a ‘real-life’ project that will reflect the skills required in professional practice. Past students have used a variety of actual projects both in Coventry and further afield to apply their learning. You will also be expected to perform a detailed research study with the help of an experienced supervisor. You can choose a topic to suit your interests or to assist your career aspirations, with previous dissertation topics covering the use of drones in construction, the use of mobile technology to monitor construction work, and the effects of the planning software on project success.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

We try to provide you with as much real-life experience as possible with site visits to existing buildings, current construction sites and materials manufacturing sites2, which in the past have included a variety of student accommodation projects local to the University, projects on the technology park and visits to Ibstock Brick in Stoke. We also encourage guest speeches from current practitioners, which have previously covered topics such as estimating software, site logistics and design (subject to availability).

You will have the opportunity to access our Simulation Centre4, which incorporates best practice building information modelling (BIM), now used commonly across the sector to manage the information produced during a construction project, from feasibility, through construction and operation to final demolition. Using a 3D model, you can view and walk through your project to add value, realise efficiencies and ensure every member of the construction team understands what is required of them and when. In the past, this has included the refurbishment of university buildings and new build designs.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary request further information about part-time study.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake approximately 30-35 hours of self-directed study per week depending on the demands of individual modules. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments
  • Laboratories
  • Posters 

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

The content of the course continuously refers to the international context in which construction takes place, which gives an international perspective to your studies and potential future career as a construction manager. For example, we draw on a variety of international case studies, covering contemporary topics such as sustainability in Spain and building projects like the Sydney Opera House, Channel Tunnel and Burj Khalifa, among others.

During the course, you should have the option of participating in an international field trip, which provides the opportunity to experience the built environment in other countries. If you opt for a sandwich year, you can also spend time studying abroad; we currently have links with universities in Europe, America and Asia2.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A Level BBC
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma TBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Request fee information
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Other additional costs

  • Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

The £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment4.

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Materials Laboratory

Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with 3 pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.

Three students using a virtual wall in the simulation centre.

Simulation Centre

Our interactive training centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully-equipped site cabins and observation deck. Students undertake role play exercises to help prepare them for situations in the workplace.

Female student using equipment in structures laboratory.

Structures Laboratory

Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.


Careers and opportunities

The complexity and scale of modern construction projects requires construction professionals with expertise in construction management, who can work either on site or within an office to ensure they are delivered safely, within budget, on deadline and to the highest possible quality.

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • Building technology and construction processes; management processes and systems associated with construction.
  • Building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment.
  • The legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed.
  • Economics of construction, procurement and contract administration procedures.
  • Design processes used in construction and current innovations relating to the construction of buildings,
  • How quality is achieved in construction processes and products.
  • Health and safety in building design and construction.
  • Land surveying.
  • The management of building projects, including the planning, budgeting and control of costs in all aspects of the construction process.

You will be able to:

  • Identify the aims and objectives of research.
  • Analyse, interpolate, and present information.
  • Analyse and solve construction problems of a technical and managerial nature.
  • Reflect on the interdisciplinary and team working nature of the construction industry in order to undertake and manage construction design and the construction process.
  • Analyse data and information sources in construction.
  • Apply techniques used for the analysis and surveying of existing buildings.
  • Apply CAD and manual drawing techniques, and other tools to construction design.
  • Undertake full-measured, dilapidation and condition surveys.
  • Write different types of property survey reports.

This course is designed to prepare you for employment managing the construction of building projects at home and abroad, for large multinational companies or regional businesses. You could find yourself working as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager, Site Manager or Engineer. Construction Managers have the option of aiming for self-employment, or working for large or small, regional, national or international firms that can range in work from domestic housing up to multi-million pound internationally renowned projects and ranging from new build to refurbishment; the world of Construction Manager is varied, interesting and exciting.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent Team provides a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career (subject to availability).

Where our graduates work

Graduates from similar courses have found employment in private practices, contracting organisations, commercial organisations and local/central government, regionally, nationally and internationally. They work with companies such as Mace, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty plc, Lain O’ Rourke, Barrett Home Ltd, Watts Construction Ltd, and BAM Construction.

Further study

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.

How to apply

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
EECU118

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.


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