Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Construction Project Management (Work Based Distance Learning) (Pre-2008 entry)

Academic Year: 2015/16

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different) The Programme is run as a joint programme with Heriot-Watt University. Successful students will graduate from: (i) the University at which they registered for the programme; or (ii) the partner University supervising their Research Project if different from (i). Administrative responsibility, and responsibility for Loughborough University modules, rests with the School of Civil and Building Engineering.
Owning school/department School of Civil and Building Engineering
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award MSc, PGDip, PG Cert
Programme title Construction Project Management (Work Based Distance Learning)
Programme code CVPT34
Length of programme The Programme requires study for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 7 years. This comprises a minimum of: (i) four semesters devoted to taught (distance-learning) modules with a total weighting of 120 credits; and (ii) two semesters devoted to the Postgraduate Research Project (CVP107) with a module weighting of 60 credits. Submission of the Postgraduate Research Project is mid September, as advised by the Programme Director.

Successful students will graduate from: (i) the University at which they registered for the programme; or (ii) the partner University supervising their Research Project if different from (i).
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

 

The programme is being discontinued. No students have been taken since 2010.

Date at which the programme specification was published Sun, 02 Aug 2015 10:06:50 BST

1. Programme Aims

i)  Provide the opportunity for candidates to apply critical and reflective thinking and analysis to complex and advanced problems by valuing one’s own positive achievements, developing the ability to recognize one’s own strengths and weaknesses, and to develop plans for new action and self development based on previous reflection.

ii)  Provide an academically sound and vocationally relevant postgraduate education for those seeking to advance their career as professional project managers in the built environment within the national or international contexts through the acquisition of deep specialist knowledge.

iii)  Enable candidates to attain the best intellectual development and gain the maximum degree performance compatible with their abilities.

iv) Ensure that our courses are professionally relevant and provide the educational base to meet the current and future needs of industry, and continue to receive full exemption from the written examinations of the relevant professional institutions.

v)  Provide the opportunity for intellectual, personal and inter-personal skills development.

vi) Enable candidates to maximize their academic and professional potential by developing transferable as well as core skills.

Benefits

i)   Enhanced career development for the individual who is unable to take time off work and attend full time education – i.e. the programme provides flexible learning opportunities.

ii) Direct and indirect benefits to employer organisations as the products of the work-based projects can be put to practical use within the organisation.

iii) Better informed future Departmental programme design through feedback from industry.

iv) Closing of the theory-practice gap in teaching and learning.

v)  Improved efficiency and higher productivity within the construction industry as a result of more qualified and competent construction managers.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

2.1 External References

  • The programme outcomes have been formulated with reference to the QAA benchmark statements in Engineering and Business and Management; and
  • The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. 

2.2 Internal References

  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy; and
  • Departmental matrix of criteria for postgraduate management programmes developed from the external reference points listed above.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  1. the role of the Construction Project Manager;
  2. the various forms of construction procurement option available;
  3. sustainability with regard to the construction sector;
  4. how to ensure construction clients obtain good value;
  5. the management of the design process;
  6. project planning and control techniques;
  7. client requirements and value management;
  8. the strategic challenges facing construction project organisations;
  9. management competencies and personal professional development;
  10. risk management in construction projects;
  11. application of human resource management approaches to construction projects; and
  12. application of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in construction projects and related construction management infrastructures. 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. identify the skills required for a construction project manager;
  2. identify the advantages and disadvantages of different types of procurement methods;
  3. design a robust research methodology;
  4. distinguish between different data collection and analytical techniques for the investigation of particular research problems;
  5. collect data, analyse data and communicate findings of a research exercise;
  6. identify the sustainability issues to be considered on a construction project;
  7. describe the process of briefing, design and construction;
  8. use process mapping techniques for design, analyse and optimise the design process, develop design plans; and
  9. determine the economic viability of a project based on whole life costs; evaluate different investment scenarios; challenge simulated construction design and management proposals; and formulate innovative and creative alternative design and management options.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. identify the most appropriate procurement methods for a specific project;
  2. conduct a literature search and present its findings;
  3. identify the impact of construction projects on the environment;
  4. select and use evaluation and decision support tools and techniques and appropriate change management techniques;
  5. apply design planning and management methodologies;
  6. develop cost plans;
  7. analyse clients' requirements and develop appropriate change strategies;
  8. apply Total Quality Management tools to develop appropriate change strategies;
  9. identify techniques for optimising team and leadership performance;
  10. develop a range of technical, managerial and practical skills;
  11. distinguish between construction contract forms used in industry and evaluate contract provisions in relation to common law;
  12. assess current and future information technologies relating to the construction environment and plan the implementation of a new system;
  13. produce a construction programme;
  14. evaluate the effectiveness of HRM tools and techniques applied within a construction project context; and
  15. model information flows within organisations. 
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. communicate effectively and professionally using written skills;
  2. apply critical reasoning;
  3. collect and record research data;
  4. utilise appropriate investigative and research methods;
  5. effectively present research findings;
  6. use IT appropriately and effectively;
  7. solve problems in a logical and systematic manner;
  8. manage workloads and time effectively;
  9. work independently;
  10. work in a team environment;
  11. lead and facilitate team activities;
  12. identify relevant sources of information;
  13. work with limited and / or contradictory information;
  14. recognise teamwork and leadership skills; and
  15. apply reflective and life-long learning skills.

4. Programme structure

4.1  The programme is designed to permit flexibility in its delivery timing, in order for students to design their own study plan around personal and / or work commitments. Accordingly, students may take:

  • up to a maximum of three years to complete the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert);
  • up to a maximum of five years to complete the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip); and
  • up to a maximum of seven years to complete the Master of Science (MSc).

Notwithstanding this inherent flexibility, for students wishing to complete the MSc in the shortest possible time frame, the study templates presented below will apply.

Note that the shortest possible time to complete the MSc:

  • for students commencing their studies at semester 1 start date is three years; and
  • for students commencing their studies at semester 2 start date, is three-and-one-half years.

 

4.1.1 Study Template for Semester 1 Programme Start Date

Year 1

Code

Module

Credits

Responsible

D31PA

(CVP108) Project Management Theory, Practice & Applications

Or

D19PT

(CVP108) Project Management Theory, Practice & Applications

15

Heriot-Watt

 

 

24

Heriot-Watt

CVP106 

Management and Professional Development(No longer offered)

10

LU

D31CW

(CVP109) Construction Financial Management

Or

D19CF

(CVP109) Construction Financial Management

15

Heriot-Watt

 

12

Heriot-Watt

D31PS

(CVP110) Project Management: Strategic Issues

Or

D19PS

(CVP110) Project Management: Strategic Issues

15

Heriot-Watt

 

12

Heriot-Watt

D31VS

(CVP111) Value and Risk Management

Or

D31VS

(CVP112) Value and Risk Management

15

Heriot-Watt

 

12

Heriot-Watt

 

Year 2

Code

Module

Credits

Responsible

CVP101

Construction Contracts (No longer offered)

10

LU

CVP102

Project Estimating and Planning 

10

LU

CVP103

Managing People on Construction Projects (No longer offered)

10

LU

CVP104

Management Information Systems for Construction (No longer offered)

10

LU

CVP105

Research, Innovation and Communication

10

LU

 

Year 3

Compulsory Module

CVP107

Postgraduate Research Project

60

LU or HW

 

4.1.2 Study Template for Semester 2 Programme Start Date

Students joining the programme in semester 2 generally follow the same template as above although overall time to MSc completion takes a minimum 3.5. years. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

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