Heriot-Watt University MSc Construction Project 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 Construction Project Management as a supported Distance Learning programme through Approved Learning Partners (including B&B) worldwide. 

Course Overview

The discipline of project management has become central to the management approach adopted by numerous organisations today.   The MSc CPM provides knowledge of the issues involved in strategic project management and its relevance to the success of construction initiatives.  In particular, students will master the issues in the interplay between time, cost and quality that good project management practice requires. 

Using principles that are applicable in all industrial sectors, this course provides students with access to both a solid theoretical base and current and future strategies in practical project management.   It is focused on industrial relevance, ensuring that graduates of the course are quickly able to make a positive and effective contribution to the success of their working environment, and the development of their own professional careers.

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 in Construction Project Management 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 Construction Project Management course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.   

There is a strong global demand for project managers, particularly in countries with large and developing construction industries.    Graduates of the MSc CPM 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

Construction Financial Management; Project Management strategy; Business Management; Project Management Case Study; People and Organisations; Value & Risk Management; Contracts & Procurement; 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 Construction Project Management.   Passes in 6 courses lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project 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