Construction Management and Construction Law MSc

If you have a strong interest in the commercial aspects of the construction industry and would like the confidence to operate in the difficult environment of contractual arrangements, this part-time course is ideal.

The varying nature of construction, combined with the growing complexities of the industry, means that there is a demand for construction professionals who have the knowledge and skills to analyse the intricate problems that arise on most large projects. Many disputes occur in construction because the partners do not have a fundamental understanding of the branch of law involving construction that would serve to reduce and resolve disputes.

What will you study?

You will study the English legal systems, including contract law and tort law, and gain an understanding of how design and construction work is priced and how to control these costs. You will learn how to analyse the rights and liabilities of the parties involved in the construction process, and how to manage dispute resolution. You will develop a commercial awareness of inter-company relationships, as well as gaining a working knowledge of modern project management and risk management techniques in controlling construction and design work.

Your MSc research thesis will enable you to conduct a sustained, in-depth, original piece of research related to complex theoretical arguments within the field of the construction industry.

Further Learning Programme – MSc (non-technical)

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, which includes the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers, under licence from the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Please check the Engineering Council course search for more information.

Studying this course means you'll have opportunities to be involved with organisations outside the University. Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries.
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Many engineering academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Conditions of Contract

• Conditions of Contract

  In this module you will:

  • gain confidence in making judgements on matters concerning the standard forms of contract used in the construction industry;
  • demonstrate a depth of knowledge across the specialised area of construction standard forms; and
  • independently evaluate problems that can arise and deal with the complexity of the conditions of contract.
  
   
• Construction Law

• Construction Law

  This module examines the impact of the law on the construction industry and construction contracts. It gives you the ability to make decisions on legal, commercial and managerial matters.

  
   
• Construction Organisation

• Construction Organisation

  This module prepares you for the varying and changing environment of construction. It covers:

  • the economic goals of individuals and commercial organisations:
  • economic efficiency;
  • analysis of the role of the client and how construction is instigated; and
  • recognising efficiency problems in allocating risk in construction contracts.

  You will learn to be able to advise on managing risk in internal organisation.

  
   
• Dispute Resolution
• Estimating, Purchasing and Cost Control

• Estimating, Purchasing and Cost Control

  In this module you will:

  • learn how design and construction work is priced;
  • gain in-depth knowledge of how these prices are used to control the costs for the firms involved; and
  • gain an appreciation of the role of the client, the contractor, the quantity surveyor, the estimator, and the techniques used to estimate and price construction works.
  
   
• Legal Obligations

• Legal Obligations

  In this module you will:

  • acquire an understanding of the legal rules governing the law of contract, the law of tort and the administration of the English legal system;
  • apply the tort of negligence, duty of care, breach of duty and remoteness of damage; and
  • evaluate and critically analyse how a contract is discharged and identify how a contract is performed and breached.
  
   
• Further Legal Obligations

• Further Legal Obligations

  This module gives you a greater understanding of the concepts in law of contract and law of tort. This is vital when trying to reach agreements on both:

  • the commercial aspect of construction; and
  • the liability of the professionals taking part in the process.
  
   
• Research Thesis

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing teaches this course.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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The range of events and lectures in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.

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