MSc Construction Project Management
Skip to section
Key information
- Mode of delivery
- Online
- Start date
- September, January, May
- Duration
- Varies
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
Construction Project Management at Heriot-Watt University is one of the longest-running courses of its kind in the UK, equipping graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical and technical skills to manage people and projects within the construction industry.
A range of core modules covering management, procurement and technology-related subjects will give you a foundation in management principles while providing practical skills relevant to professional practice in construction.
You will also choose an optional module from a range of subjects drawn from our built environment courses, providing you with a broader understanding of built environment issues and an opportunity to tailor your studies to fit your interests and professional needs.
Degree duration
Online Learning: The fastest this MSc can be completed is in 2½ years. The maximum completion timeframe is 8 years. On average, most students complete a MSc in 3-4 years.
Delivery of online degrees
Our up-to-date and progressive course materials are made available online through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE links you with our expert academics and course materials through videos, webinars, articles, journals, assessments and discussion boards. Tutors will provide you, by phone, Skype or email, with academic support similar to that received by our on-campus students.
To find out more about time requirements, support and exams, view our How online learning works pages to find out more.
Course content
Year 1
The degree comprises of eight taught courses. Heriot-Watt Online students must first take exams in two entry courses, Project Management: Theory & Practice and Value & Risk Management. Based on the results from these courses students continue on the degree at MSc or at PG Diploma level. Students study seven mandatory courses and choose one optional course from a choice of electives.
All courses have timed online assessments and some have compulsory coursework elements. MSc students are also required to complete a Masters dissertation.
PG Diploma students may choose to transfer to the MSc if they meet the following progression standards: average mark of 50% or higher and no course marks below 40%.
Degree structure
Core
- Project Management: Theory and Practice
- Value and Risk Management
- Construction Financial Management
- Construction Practice and Information Technology
- People and Organisation Management in the Built Environment
- Project Management: Strategic Issues
- Strategic Commercial and Contract Management
Optional
- Sustainability for Construction Professionals
- Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources
- Advanced Construction Technology
- Urban Economy and Property Markets
- Macroeconomics, Finance and the Built Environment
- Spatial Planning
- Research Dissertation (CPMQS)
Detailed degree guide
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
- Fundamentals of project management as covered in core courses
- Fundamentals of management as covered in chosen courses
- Fundamentals of procurement and contract as covered in chosen courses
Programme options will provide students with the opportunity to study:
- Core aspects of value and risk management in design and construction of buildings
- Principles of financial management in construction projects
- Principles of management approaches in practice
- Principles of project, contract and procurement
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research Informed Learning)
Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
Analyse and interpret practice problems to develop creative solutions.
Appreciate the relevant construction project management practice standards and bodies of knowledge as detailed in the BS6079, ISO 140001, RICS, CIOB, APM and PMI BoK to determine appropriate PM services
Have the ability to carry out an extended investigation into a built environment related topic (MSc level)
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The overall approach in the programme teaching and learning is student-focussed, which is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and development.
Programme learning objectives ensure transmission of core knowledge relevant to each course. The level of competency required provides the academic rigour appropriate to Masters programmes. This is achieved through traditional methods of teaching & learning, and can be summatively assessed in examination.
Programme learning outcomes come from overarching Discipline themes. Achievement of them demonstrates skill and mastery of the subject at advanced level and requires students to make value judgements relevant to quantity surveying through reasoned application of core knowledge. This is achieved through student interaction with integrated project work which is assessed by assignment. The requisite competencies related to Subject Mastery are acquired and developed through lectures, tutorials, group work and integrated design project. The design project reinforces the development of subject-specific skills through a co-ordinated set of projects ensuring an interdisciplinary approach to developing professional skills.
Approaches to teaching and learning are continually reviewed and developed with the aim of matching them to the abilities and experiences of students, with regard for the subject area. Specific details about teaching and learning methods are provided in the appropriate course descriptors.
Assessment Policies
The assessment policy for the programme incorporates a range of assessment types. Continuous assessment during some courses and summative assessment at the conclusion of courses both contribute to the overall assessment and are used to formally measure achievement in specified learning outcomes.
Understanding, knowledge and subject –specific skills are assessed by coursework assignments, integrated design elements and written examinations.
Approaches to assessment are continually reviewed. Specific details about methods of assessment are provided in the appropriate course descriptors.
"The postgraduate Construction Project Management programme is professionally accredited and industry focussed. It will equip you with the necessary technical, business and management skills to pursue a career as a Project Manager in the building or infrastructure sector. Undertaking an MSc will give you an insight to the people and process aspects necessary for successful project management."
MSc Construction Project Management
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status | Per course [footnote 1] | Dissertation/Project [footnote 1] |
|---|---|---|
| UK / EU / Overseas | GBP1480 | GBP1910 |
- The tuition fees listed are for courses starting between September 2023 and August 2024. Fees normally increase annually. Find out more about our tuition fees.
Additional fee information
Financial support
Tuition fee loans are available to Scottish distance learning students on some taught postgraduate courses. Find out more from the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Each year, hundreds of students enhance their educational experience through a variety of Heriot-Watt and externally funded scholarships, including opportunities funded by the University's generous alumni community, based all over the world.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Masters (MSc) level entry applicants must have:
- Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related subject area.
- Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.
PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:
- An honours degree in a related subject area plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience post qualification.
Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview. Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted.
Recognition of Prior Learning
We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). For more information on RPL, please contact the Online Admissions Team (egis-idl-apps@hw.ac.uk) ahead of application. We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.
English language requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above.
Applicants who have previously successfully completed courses delivered in the medium of English language may be considered and will be required to provide documentary evidence of this. Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree. A minimum of at least one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.
We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Why Heriot-Watt?
Flexibility and affordability
Study at a time and pace that suits you, and even while you work. HW Online offers pay-as-you-study courses and fees inclusive of exams and study materials, meaning you can focus on success, not extra costs.
Ranking (Building, Complete University Guide 2023)
We are ranked 1st in Scotland and 7th in the UK for Building in the Complete University Guide 2023.
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Online events
We host online events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to speak to our academic teaching staff, meet students, find out what it is like to study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and discover how to enrol.
Lifelong connections
Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.
Study options Edinburgh - Construction Project Management
Our MSc in Construction Project Management is also available to study at our Edinburgh campus.
Study options Dubai - Construction Project Management
Our MSc in Construction Project Management is also available to study at our Dubai campus.
Study options Malaysia - Construction Project Management
Our MSc in Construction Project Management is also available to study at our Malaysia campus.
We are accredited by the following organisations
At Heriot-Watt University we develop degrees that are relevant for the world of work. We work with Professional bodies and Institutes to gain appropriate Accreditations and Professional Memberships for your industry. Find out below how this degree aligns to industry.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
This graduate apprenticeship is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) meaning that apprentices are on a pathway to becoming Chartered construction professionals. Depending on the individual's career development, this is most likely to be through the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway or the Project Management pathway.