Construction Management BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

If you are interested in becoming a construction manager, ensuring that projects are completed on time, to budget and to a specified quality, this course is ideal. It combines an emphasis on management with a grounding in the technical aspects of construction and engineering.

Watch a video outlining the day-to-day life of construction management student:

What you will study

Year 1 introduces skills and fundamental engineering/construction concepts; specific engineering mathematics and science for construction practice; engineering drawing, including AutoCAD; construction management; and materials, structures, computing, professional practice and sustainable issues. Construction techniques, including practical surveying, are also introduced. You will undertake model-making exercises in the structures laboratory, and use computer-aided design packages to communicate your ideas efficiently.

Year 2 includes extensive work in construction materials, sustainable design, technology, surveying, business and legal principles, and project and business management. Two residential field courses in engineering surveying and geotechnics will enhance your practical skills and develop management principles.

Year 3 involves the in-depth study and application of contractual procedures, site practice and management, including a construction site visit, and building and environmental engineering. You will carry out an individual project focused on research into a specialised subject.

Chartered builder/chartered construction manager MCIOB:

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), leading to full membership of the Institute. See the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) website for more information.

Accredited IEng degree (Full):

The course is also accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an incorporated engineer (IEng) – see the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) website for more information.

The JBM includes the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE). This accreditation means that our graduates can go on to become incorporated engineers and register as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council (UK) – the body responsible for regulating the engineering profession in the UK. It is possible to proceed to chartered engineer status later in your career.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Building Construction with Geotechnics

• Building Construction with Geotechnics

  This module covers topics essential to construction management and engineering, including the basics principles of design, construction process, appropriate selection of construction materials, methods and techniques for a range of construction uses and building types, taking into consideration building and planning regulations, health and safety, sustainability and foundation types and design. The module also examines the basic concepts of geology and soil mechanics (ie identification of rocks and soils, and their depositional environments, site investigation, excavation methods) and their impact on foundation design and construction.  Additionally, the module introduces the elements/features of building design, site management and planning, with emphasis on quantity surveying and builders' estimating.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Explain the structure of the construction industry, the role of parties commonly engaged in design and construction processes, ie cost consultant, architect, engineers, contractor.
  • Develop a knowledge and understanding of the selection of appropriate materials, taking into account the client's brief, design specifications, carry out some design, both manually and using CAD by taking into account architectural, structural and other (ie societal, planning, H&S and sustainability) considerations.
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of the construction technology of buildings.
  • Discuss the relevance of geological characterisation and effective ground investigation in enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness in ground works.
  • Develop an understanding of the function of a bill of quantities, price resources and be able to carry out a range of calculations and written assignments to a suitable standard.

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• Professional Practice and Management

• Professional Practice and Management

  This module covers essential information on a variety of topics that are relevant to the management of construction and engineering profession, including: construction law (statues and regulations), management principles and theory (ie leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation), economic, social and political considerations in the construction sector at both project and organisational levels with due consideration of quality, risk, environmental, ethics, health and safety issues.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Appreciate the legal, environmental, economic, social and political aspects of construction sector.
  • Develop an understanding of key management principles within contemporary management practice for confident management of construction projects.
  • Develop skills to support good academic and professional practice and build evidence of progression.
  • Describe the management of UK health and safety within the construction and engineering environment including relevant regulations and management systems, and carry out a risk assessment.
  • Outline the history and role of the Engineering and Construction Institutions and Engineering Council, and describe the routes to becoming an Incorporated and Chartered Engineer, and a Chartered Builder.
  • Outline issues of current global concerns, eg sustainability related matters, the influences of a global economy on the financial and economic aspects of the UK construction industry.

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• Sustainable Construction and Design

• Sustainable Construction and Design

  This module introduces the concept of sustainability and its impact upon civil engineering and construction.  he module incorporates a consideration of the stages of design including demolition, possible reuse, recycling, sustainable materials, techniques and design and construction methods.   In addition, the module introduces the basic principles of land surveying in an engineering design context and provides practical knowledge on using surveying instruments along with computer aided design (CAD).

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of a range of sustainability agenda and possible solutions when dealing with associated engineering design problems;
  • define sustainable construction principles;
  • recommend a range of sustainable materials, sustainable techniques and technologies;
  • describe the engineering design process from conception to completion through design ideas in writing, AutoCAD engineering drawings and oral presentations;
  • describe principles of land surveying in the context of engineering design project and demonstrate competence in operating basic surveying instruments; and
  • appreciate the professional roles in teamwork within an engineering design project, as well as the interpersonal skills required to work effectively.

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• Construction Mathematics and Mechanics

• Construction Mathematics and Mechanics

  This module introduces mathematical concepts, computing methods and structural mechanics. Mathematical concepts are applied to the simple modelling of structures, analysis of structural components and solving of construction problems. Computing methods will be used to analyse data obtained from laboratory exercises conducted on physical structural models and basic principles of statistics will be used in the analysis of quantitative data.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply an understanding of basic mathematical and structural mechanics principles and terms to solve simple construction related problems;
  • apply computing methods to evaluate statistical data;
  • write precise succinct laboratory reports;
  • solve simple mathematical structural models using static methods;
  • determine section properties for simple structural shapes;
  • appreciate the structures' developed internal forces and stresses as a result of external applied loads.

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Year 2

• Construction Business and Law

• Construction Business and Law

  This module develops knowledge and understanding of construction (building and civil engineering) business and law which are fundamental to the practice of a professional construction manager. The nature of business and law associated with the construction/engineering environment and allied skills are delivered to cover the law of contract, tort, criminal law, statutory requirements and business. An understanding to the legal principles, obligations, liabilities and powers of those parties involved is developed in application to procurement, estimating and tendering.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Apply construction/engineering economics and finance principles to scenarios.
  • Investigate and recommend different procurement routes for construction /engineering services.
  • Explain the obligations, liabilities and powers of parties under construction/engineering contracts.
  • Explain the roles of regulatory bodies and compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Form contract documents and price works.
  • Analyse business and legal situations, write reports and make verbal presentations.

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• Site and Engineering Surveying

• Site and Engineering Surveying

  This module covers surveying, a fundamental skill expected of any construction professional.  The module deals with the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying and develops the practical and computational skills appropriate for the undertaking of site surveys. The operating principles of surveying equipment (including GNSS/GPS) are also introduced along with a range of related themes such as the planning and subsequent reporting of site surveys. A residential field course is included.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • undertake control, detail, setting-out and levelling surveys using standard equipment including GPS;
  • calculate spatial data from field survey measurements accurately and with a full understanding of what they represent;
  • prepare and present survey data and supporting documentation in a clear and professional manner;
  • know how to locate a project with reference to national and local coordinate systems and benchmarks and understand the inherent errors and uncertainties;
  • use (design and interpret) maps, plans and original survey data to communicate spatial information for use in design or construction; and
  • undertake a risk assessment and hazard analysis for a project site to be surveyed.

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• Materials, Design and Procedures

• Materials, Design and Procedures

  This module develops knowledge of the behaviour and characteristics of construction materials; taking into account sustainability issues.  he design of civil engineering structures from a conceptual viewpoint to completion in an engineering and construction context is considered. This activity aims to promote team working, develop academic and communications skills. The module develops further understanding in ground technology and geotechnical engineering techniques. Additionally, an understanding of engineering geology, formation of soils and rocks and how the rock type controls both the landforms that result and the engineering and constructions problems that may be encountered.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Investigate and recommend the use of various construction materials as per appropriate BS/EN provisions and sustainability issues.
  • Design and appraise building superstructure elements and services for commercial and multi-storey buildings.
  • Participate in professional roles in teamwork within an engineering design project, communicating ideas relating to conceptual designs in writing, drawings and oral presentations from the conception to completion.
  • Describe the structure of the earth, the formation of rocks and soils and geological and geomorphological structures.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of groundwater and its implications for construction below ground level.
  • Apply concepts in ground technology and geotechnical engineering techniques and discuss their environmental and health and safety implications as well as geotechnical risk in relation to superstructure.

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• Project and Business Management

• Project and Business Management

  This module includes principles and commercial practices for the management of engineering projects and related wider business operations. The nature of project engineering and business management is considered in the context of quality, time, risk and sustainability. The module is contextualised for civil engineering and construction professionals to promote and broaden knowledge of how companies and organisations work in the project and business environment. This module continues effective team working as well as developing interpersonal skills.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • apply project and business management techniques to simple projects, including the use of appropriate software, in the context of wider business operations, sustainability and ethics;
  • use quality management techniques, including the application of statistical techniques;
  • describe basic legal and risk principles applicable to civil engineering and construction situations, including health and safety;
  • describe theory and practice underpinning the management of human resources and business;
  • develop the teamwork roles as well as the interpersonal skills required to work effectively in groups or independently.

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Optional sandwich year

Year 3/4

• Site Practice and Management

• Site Practice and Management

  This module develops previous learning regarding construction technology, including road construction and traffic management, services engineering, architectural and structural design, facility with drawings, estimating, quantity surveying, architectural technology, knowledge of construction law, health and safety, contracts and procurement, quality, sustainability and how to operate as an ethical and competent professional at management level in the construction industry.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Participate in simulated team meetings at industrial managerial level.
  • Apply a knowledge of technology, including road construction and traffic planning, suitable for a managerial overview of running building sites.
  • Apply a  knowledge of programming software and use of a range of planning techniques that integrate with managing and planning for building sites.
  • Apply management principles, theories of leadership, motivation, quality, Health and Safety requirements and sustainable design for a construction project.
  • Carry out report writing and produce documents for a project.

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• Contractual Procedures

• Contractual Procedures

  This module develops knowledge and understanding of the procedures and associated law when engaged in engineering and construction contracts by reference to standard, professional services and design and builds forms of contract. Understanding the roles of statutory bodies and their required procedures is covered along with relevant skills developed in contractual procedures and analysis of common contractual scenarios. The effective and efficient use of procedures in developing business sustainability is an important element of studies undertaken.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Develop construction and engineering contract procedural skills.
  • Define the obligations, liabilities and powers of parties for construction, engineering and professional services contracts.
  • Explain the notices and notifications related to statutory approval.
  • Analyse, apply relevant procedures and law, and make recommendations in the use of engineering, construction and professional services contracts.
  • Apply appropriate procedure relating to contract and applicable law.

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• Building and Environmental Engineering

• Building and Environmental Engineering

  This module aims to provide a detailed appreciation of construction processes and techniques, the design and integration of building and environmental services, the performance requirements of the building envelope, and the integration of these various factors into a cost-effective building design. The benefits of holistic building design and construction that give due consideration to the performance of the building envelope, the design and integration of mechanical and electrical installations to provide internal quality and the management of buildings during the course of their lifecycle.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Appreciate purpose and use of construction design options.
  • Recommend the appropriate forms of construction associated with industrial, residential or public buildings, using sustainable and environmentally acceptable materials and architectural styles.
  • Demonstrate the importance of the CDM regulations, building regulations, approved documents and planning law and their effect upon building design and development.
  • Describe the requirements of buildings to meet with current environmental standards; explain the concept of sustainability and the move towards zero carbon development.
  • Identify the efficient design of service systems and their influence on the form of buildings.
  • Reveal the benefits of implementing asset management strategies for the client.

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• Individual Project and Research Methods

• Individual Project and Research Methods

  The module incorporates an individual project giving you the opportunity to explore a subject of your choice in their respective field; to initiate, design and execute a small-scale research project under supervision. The work in the project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. The module allows you to work independently, study a topic in depth, review, interpret and analyse information, as well as develop research techniques to collect and analyse data.

  On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • formulate a valid and topical research proposal relevant to their field of endeavour;
  • demonstrate, through the execution of their research project, that they can  design and manage a small-scale research project competently;
  • collect and/or retrieve datasets competently with intelligence and rigour;
  • analyse datasets in a defensible manner showing understanding of research strategy and methodologies;
  • conduct critical analysis and evaluation, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods in order to draw independent conclusions; and
  • demonstrate an appropriate standard of literacy, scholarly writing and visual and oral presentation throughout showing a professional and ethical approach to research.

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You will have the opportunity to study a foreign language, free of charge, during your time at the University on a not-for-credit basis as part of the Kingston Language Scheme. Options currently include: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Most of our undergraduate courses support studying or working abroad through the University's Study Abroad or Erasmus programme.

Find out more about where you can study abroad:

• European/Erasmus exchange partners
• Worldwide exchange partners

If you are considering studying abroad, read what our students say about their experiences.