Heriot-Watt University MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management

Introduction

Based in Scotland with three campuses around the world, Heriot-Watt University (www.hw.ac.uk) is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK.   The University focuses on delivering research and teaching of international standing, providing innovative and problem-solving capacity for business, industry and society, and exploiting novel multi-disciplinary approaches. 

The School of the Built Environment at HWU is one of only seven built environment Schools in the UK.   The SBE’s commitment to high quality and innovative research has been recognised nationally and internationally, and it is the only one in Scotland to receive a RAE Grade 5 rating in 1996 and 2001.   The School of the Built Environment offers their MSc in Civil Engineering and Construction Management as a supported Distance Learning programme through Approved Learning Partners (including B&B) worldwide.

Course Overview

The multi disciplined nature of most modern civil engineering projects produces a requirement for today’s engineers to develop a thorough understanding of construction management due to the strategic benefits it can bring to both individuals and project teams.   As the industry becomes more competitive, organisations and their clients are increasingly demanding the combined time, cost and quality assurances that good project management practice provides.  Furthermore, the industry now recognises that there is a need for engineers to gain specialist technical knowledge which compliments their academic and professional background.

The MSc in Civil Engineering and Construction Management provides an essential core of construction management material augmented by a range of specialist civil engineering options.   To obtain the MSc you must pass nine courses – eight taught modules and a research project.   Students may choose any combination of courses at any time.   As such, it is possible to do as little as one and as much as six (the maximum allowable) courses in any one year.

Exemptions can be offered for courses based on the submission to EBS of the tertiary-level qualifications held and an assessment by that body.   

Accreditation and Future Progression

The MSc CECM is accredited internationally through the Royal Charter of Heriot-Watt University.   The Royal Charter is the official recognition granted to universities in the UK.   To maintain this award, the systems of HWU are assessed and approved periodically by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (www.qaa.ac.uk) the national regulator of standards and quality in higher education in the UK. 

Aside from the national accreditation given to Heriot-Watt University, the MSc CECM is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution

of Highways and Transportation as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer.

There is a strong global demand for civil engineering particularly in countries with large and developing construction industries.    Graduates of the MSc CECM position themselves to move to a senior management position within the construction industry both locally and internationally.   They also choose to complement their knowledge with a post-graduate management degree such as the Edinburgh Business School MBA available at B&B.   Graduates may also decide to use the skills learnt to establish a successful business or consultancy firm.  

What You Will Cover

Safety & Reliability; Urban Drainage Design; Project Management Strategy; Business Management; Value & Risk Management; Indeterminate Structures; environmental Geotechnics; Project Management Theory

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirement is an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. Persons without a degree may begin the programme, but will not be formally accepted/matriculated until they pass the examinations in three courses.

Interim/exit awards

Students do not have to wait to complete the entire programme before they can be recognized for their accomplishments.   Passes in 3 courses lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering and Construction Management.   Passes in 6 courses lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering and Construction Management. 

Key Programme Dates

There are three class periods for the programme each year - January to March, May to July and September to November.   The respective registration deadlines are November 30, March 31 and July 31.  Examinations are held in April, August and December. 

Classes are held on Saturdays between 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Duration

The total time taken may vary from one year to seven years.   As mentioned, students must complete nine courses but may choose any combination of courses.   As such, it is possible to do as little as one and as much as three (the maximum allowable) modules in any one sitting.   The number of exemptions granted also affects the time to complete the programme