Construction Management BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: K200
International Code: EECU082

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years part-time

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Ranked No.1 in the UK for Building and Town and Country Planning in the Guardian University Guide 2021, Coventry University has been educating construction professionals for over half a century.

In this course you will be introduced to the fundamental topics of resource management, economics, design and production processes, which are essential to practitioners in all construction professions.

You will have the chance to be taught alongside architectural technology, building surveying, quantity surveying and commercial management students, providing you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the professional duties of a construction manager working in a multi-disciplinary team setting to emulate industry practices.

The course content has evolved over several years, in development with our current industry partners. We have developed a course structure providing a mix of technical skills and digital/technological knowledge, to equip you for working in this growing sector and help prepare you for future developments in this fast-moving industry.

Covering a broad range of subject areas, the core themes include construction technology, building science and structures, the legal and regulatory framework of building, engineering surveying and construction processes, construction management, contractual procedures and construction finance.

Our interactive Simulation Centre allows us to provide you with not only theoretical knowledge and skills, but also the opportunity to help you develop the ability to apply this knowledge to realistic industrial situations within a safe environment.

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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • Apply for a full year work placement which can count towards your professional Chartered status with the Chartered institute of Building
  • A common first year makes it possible to transfer to our degrees in architectural technology, quantity surveying and commercial management or building surveying in the second year if you wish
  • Current collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, giving you the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad (subject to availability and additional costs)
  • Full accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which is a requirement on the path towards membership of the CIOB*
  • As part of your course and module assessments, you will have the opportunity to gain additional professional qualifications as well as your degree at no additional cost – an Autodesk certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and undergo a Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method (BREEAM) to become an Accredited Graduate (BREEAM AG)
  • Study on shared modules alongside students on a wide range of other professional disciplines such as quantity surveying, commercial management, architectural technology, building surveying, building services engineering and civil engineering, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of today’s construction industry
  • You will be taught by with academic and professional experience in project management, operations management, quantity surveying and commercial management, architectural practice, civil engineering; having worked in roles for a variety of both contracting and consultant organisations (please note staff may be subject to change).
No.1

Ranked in the UK for Building and Town and Country Planning.

Guardian University Guide 2021

Accredited by:

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

This course is currently accredited by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)* until 1 April 2023, having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications will have full academic exemption and once they have gained three to five years’ relevant work experience, may enter CIOB membership as an applicant to progress towards Chartered Membership (additional costs may apply) without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.

Chartered Association of Building Engineers logo

Chartered Association of Building Engineers

This course is accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) for intakes up to and including May 2025. All students on a CABE accredited course can apply for FREE Student Membership of CABE for the duration of their course.

The course has benefitted me in gaining a larger understanding of the construction industry processes and how the other disciplines tie in with my everyday role as a site manager.

Thomas Butcher, Construction Management BSc (Hons), June 2019
Thomas Butcher, a student at Coventry University.

What you'll study

In this course you will be introduced to the fundamental topics of resource management, economics, design and production processes, which are essential to practitioners in all construction professions. You will have the chance to be taught alongside architectural technology, building surveying, quantity surveying and commercial management students, providing you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the professional duties of a construction manager working in a multi-disciplinary team setting to emulate industry practices.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to develop and understanding and awareness of the design process as relevant to all professions within the industry. Through introduction to the various techniques used to design and develop projects in a fast growing and changing environment, the purpose is to explore the reason for current practices in design while considering innovative practices of the future.

    Compulsory

  • The module will enable students to develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of the domestic building as a system, services design, durability, comfort and indoor air quality is essential to produce high-performance low-rise buildings, providing knowledge that focuses on the analysis of the physical phenomena and modern methods of energy control and how this impacts energy efficiency.

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to inspire students to develop full understanding of the principles of construction in relation to low-rise domestic building besides an appreciation of the various aspects of the design and construction technology required for constructing a sustainable and comfortable low-rise domestic building.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces basic concepts and develops an understanding of engineering properties of construction materials, including modern construction materials and structural construction materials.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of the construction professional within the multi-disciplinary construction industry.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to give the student a knowledge of how vertical and horizontal control is established on site through levelling and traversing and how this is applied to construction site activities. It will also give the student the necessary fieldwork skills to do this using appropriate surveying instrumentation.

    Compulsory

  • This module is an introduction to the core knowledge and skills that define the role of construction professionals within the building process in the UK and in the global context.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce all professional routes to the concept of cost management, the processes and aspects of cost involved in decisions made and some of the tools used to help manage these costs.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of the construction professional within the multi-disciplinary construction industry and develop personal and team-working skills and attributes that are needed for a successful career within their chosen discipline and profession.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

The second year is where you explore the construction management professions in more detail and move from traditional industry practices into the more modern practices associated with building and infrastructure production today, including building information modelling, virtual reality and other advancing technologies. You will expand on the knowledge from Year 1 and discover new ways of working in a multi-disciplinary team in Group Project 2, which will also get you prepared for your industry placement year in year 3.

Modules

  • This module will introduce general principles and concepts of law related to the construction industry. The module's aim is to develop an ability to understand and apply these legal principles to particular legal problems that may arise in the course of construction activities.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop an advanced knowledge of construction technology and procedures of commercial developments for students who have prior knowledge of low-rise domestic scale construction.

    Compulsory

  • This module covers essential industry relevant skills and development, preparing students for the workplace promoting individual practical skills development.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on the Building services and systems for commercial and high-rise buildings. This includes the electrical, mechanical and public health systems. It also includes some fundamental aspects of building science such as building physics, building materials, thermal comfort, thermal efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to explore the concepts, theories and principles relevant to construction management and quantity surveying practices, in particular studying the pre-contract and post-contract financial and cost management procedures.

    Compulsory

  • This module is intended to enable students to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the practical principles which will need to be applied for the successful completion of construction projects in terms of time, cost, quality and stakeholder expectations to be achieved within the constraints of a changeable economic and legislative environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module will focus on further integrating your understanding and appreciation of construction management, quantity surveying, building services engineering, building surveying, architecture technology or real estate management with the process of project development in Commercial projects.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s skill base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

The optional sandwich year allows you to apply the theory learnt in Years 1 and 2 in a professional industrial placement setting, either at home or abroad. This optional placement year can provide valuable context to assist in final year completion as well as enhancing CVs, enabling smoother progression into industry on completion of the final year.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of contract management, including procurement methods, tendering procedures, the contractual relationship among project participants and an awareness of all of the main standard forms of contract available in the UK construction industry.

We also focus on post-contract management practices and procedures, including construction finance. You will have the chance to gain a solid understanding of basic accounting and financial principles, preparing you to apply spreadsheet techniques to analyse financial problems and better understand financial and cost control issues from a corporate management perspective.

You have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a 'real-life' project that will reflect the skills required in professional practice. Past students have used a variety of actual projects both in Coventry and further afield to apply their learning. You will also be expected to perform a detailed research study with the help of an experienced supervisor. You can choose a topic to suit your interests or to assist your career aspirations, with previous dissertation topics covering the use of drones in construction, the use of mobile technology to monitor construction work, and the effects of the planning software on project success.

Modules

  • This module aims to develop your understanding and critical awareness of the selection, use and interpretation of standard forms of contracts within the construction industry in the UK. The module is specifically useful to those intending to be involved in contract practice and administration of construction projects.

    Compulsory

  • This module will enable critical awareness and deliver a greater understanding of some of the advanced principles of construction management as well.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to study the influence of current legislative, contractual, cultural, scientific and technological changes in the construction industry and its impact on the process of construction design and management.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is that students will accrue a detailed understanding of some of the key stages involved in a construction projects through the operations of a simulated design and construction team. Students will, working in groups, learn how to manage, through Building Information Modelling, aspects of a project through a feasibility study.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to their discipline. Students would use different methods and research skills to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

The structure of the teaching and learning in this course encourages you to research the theories and concepts and apply them to complex construction scenarios. With a truly diverse student population, the course fosters diversity, equality and equity through transformative learning, a focus on sustainable development, and integration of digital skills. Our mission is encapsulated by the Coventry Way, a philosophy that underpins continued investment in encouraging and supporting fair access and outcomes to all students through widening opportunities.

Gopal Gomathinayagam, Course Director, Construction Management BSc (Hons), 2022
Gopal Gomathinayagam leaning on a balcony

How you'll learn

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst:

  • Personal tutorials and small group teaching
  • Medium group teaching (seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops)
  • Large group teaching (lectures)

In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.

We try to provide you with as much real-life experience as possible with site visits to existing buildings, current construction sites and materials manufacturing sites*, which in the past have included a variety of student accommodation projects local to the University, projects on the technology park and visits to Ibstock Brick in Stoke. We also encourage guest speeches from current practitioners, which have previously covered topics such as estimating software, site logistics and design (subject to availability) .

You will have the opportunity to access to our Simulation Centre, which incorporates best practice building information modelling (BIM), now used commonly across the sector to manage the information produced during a construction project, from feasibility, through construction and operation to final demolition. Using a 3D model, you can view and walk through your project to add value, realise efficiencies and ensure every member of the construction team understands what is required of them and when. In the past, this has included the refurbishment of University buildings and new build designs.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, practical or project work, coursework, essays, group work and presentations, posters, Sim Centre etc.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • Building technology and construction processes; management processes and systems associated with construction.
  • Building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment.
  • The legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed.
  • Economics of construction, procurement and contract administration procedures.
  • Design processes used in construction and current innovations relating to the construction of buildings,
  • How quality is achieved in construction processes and products.
  • Health and safety in building design and construction.
  • Land surveying.
  • The management of building projects, including the planning, budgeting and control of costs in all aspects of the construction process.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Identify the aims and objectives of research.
  • Analyse, interpolate, and present information.
  • Analyse and solve construction problems of a technical and managerial nature.
  • Reflect on the interdisciplinary and team working nature of the construction industry in order to undertake and manage construction design and the construction process.
  • Analyse data and information sources in construction.
  • Apply techniques used for the analysis and surveying of existing buildings.
  • Apply CAD and manual drawing techniques, and other tools to construction design.
  • Undertake full-measured, dilapidation and condition surveys.
  • Write different types of property survey reports.

International experience opportunities

Construction is a global industry with the demand for building professionals overseas set to rise dramatically. The United Nations has identified nine countries, which will account for half the world’s population growth between now and 2050: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the US, Indonesia and Uganda.

The content of the course continuously refers to the international context in which construction takes place, which gives an international perspective to your studies and potential future career as a construction manager. For example, we draw on a variety of international case studies, covering contemporary topics such as sustainability in Spain and building projects like the Sydney Opera House, Channel Tunnel and Burj Khalifa, among others.

During the course, you should have the option of participating in an international field trip*, which provides the opportunity to experience the built environment in other countries. If you opt for a sandwich year you can also spend time studying abroad*; we currently have links with universities in Europe, America and Asia.

Entry requirements

Requirement What we're looking for
A Level BBC
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English and Mathematics

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

Fair Access Scheme

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment.

Two students pouring materials into a hopper.

Materials Laboratory

Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with 3 pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.

Three students using a virtual wall in the simulation centre.

Simulation Centre

Our interactive training centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully-equipped site cabins and observation deck. Students undertake role play exercises to help prepare them for situations in the workplace.

Female student using equipment in structures laboratory.

Structures Laboratory

Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.

Careers and opportunities

The complexity and scale of modern construction projects requires construction professionals with expertise in construction management, who can work either on site or within an office to ensure they are delivered safely, within budget, on deadline and to the highest possible quality.

This course is designed to prepare you for employment managing the construction of building projects at home and abroad, for large multinational companies or regional businesses. You could find yourself working as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager, Site Manager or Engineer. Construction managers have the option of aiming for self-employment, or Working for large or small, regional, National or international firms that can range in work from domestic housing up to multi-million pound internationally renowned projects and ranging from new build to refurbishment; the world of Construction Manager is varied, interesting and exciting.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates have found employment in private practices, contracting organisations, commercial organisations and local/central government, regionally, nationally and internationally. They work with companies such as Mace, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty plc, Lain O’ Rourke, Barrett Home Ltd, Watts Construction Ltd, and BAM Construction.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).