Construction Project Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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Our BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management prepares graduates for the challenges they will face during their careers.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

K2DF

Start date

September 2024
November 2024

How to apply
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Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills, as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate level. You will put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios.

Degree

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.

We will encourage you to develop the innovation and creativity required to tackle the complex problems now facing the industry surrounding space, sustainability, cost, and technology not just in the UK but with consideration for the global nature of the industry.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

Our BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management will give you the following opportunities and benefits:

  • You will benefit from our excellent links with construction employers who support our teaching with the aid of site visits and guest speakers2.
  • Common first year makes it possible to transfer to Architectural Technology, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management in the second year if you wish (subject to meeting progression requirements).
  • Study on shared modules alongside students on a range of other courses such as architectural technology, quantity surveying, building services engineering, and civil engineering, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of today’s construction industry.
  • A diverse learning approach offers you highly practical elements such as surveying, field trips, and live assessment through case studies so that you can apply your learning to situations you will face in your post-university life2.
  • You will have the opportunity to undertake some additional qualifications as part of your programme, such as BREEAM certificates.
  • Access to our unique ‘Simulation Centre4 that replicates a realistic work environment that will help you improve and enhance a variety of skills and behaviours needed to manage a project. The facility allows us to simulate ‘real life’ construction scenarios, making you more prepared for the workplace.
  • Apply for a full-year work placement which can count towards your professional Chartered status2.
  • The course has national and international links with BRE (Building Research Establishment) and SHAPE – School for Higher and Professional Education in Hong Kong2.

Accreditation

Accreditation1 for the degree is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This exciting new course is subject to approval from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

What you'll study

This course has a common first year

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
  • Architectural Design and Technology MSci
  • Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
  • Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
  • Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons)

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 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.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

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

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

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.

How you'll learn

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

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 sites2, 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 our Simulation Centre4, 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.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2

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 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake approximately 30-35 hours of self-directed study per week depending on the demands of individual modules. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments
  • Laboratories
  • Posters 

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

International experience opportunities

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 Asia2.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2024)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Request fee information
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Other additional costs

  • Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

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Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

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The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

The £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 equipment4.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent Team provides a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career (subject to availability).

Where our graduates work

Graduates from similar courses 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.

Further study

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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