Construction Project Management with Industry placement (2 years) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Our degree provides you with the knowledge, leadership, and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of construction projects from inception to occupation with the additional benefit of hands-on practical experience in the workplace. 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 fully contribute to the needs of an organisation as a confident 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 Student Experience

Our Expertise

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active construction professionals, construction managers, chartered surveyors, industry-leaders, and academics. You’ll hear from several guest speakers from industry during the degree to engage further and build your professional network.  

96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh. 

Our MSc Construction Project Management with Industry Placement programme is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. The institute’s academic team conduct high-value and high-impact research on fields covering sustainability, digital innovation, design, and management of the built environment. The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain innovative and industry focused. 

This School is also part of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, a leading body recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Centre is one of only four such centres established at United Kingdom universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment. 

Your Learning Environment

The MSc Construction Project Management with Industry Placement programme 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 begin the programme in September, the programme is offered full time at the Edinburgh campus and is 2 years in duration.  

In year one, 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.   

You’ll undertake your industry placement after the taught courses, and then complete a research dissertation. The responsibility of finding a suitable placement lies with you, but to support you, we have partnered with construction industry professionals and will provide advice on recruiters who offer placement opportunities. You’ll also have access to the University’s Careers and Graduate Futures Service. 

Your dissertation will be an extensive and specialised investigation into your chosen area of construction. You’ll be required to research and report in depth on a subject of relevance to your professional career aspirations.  

Accreditation

Two institutes accredit our MSc in Construction Project Management with Industry Placement:

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Chartered Institute of Building