Construction Cost Management

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (good second class or above). If you have other qualifications and a number of years’ relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Construction Cost Management course provides a route for new entrants to the professional practice of Construction Cost Management or Quantity Surveying, who have taken degrees in unrelated disciplines.

What we offer

Explore fundamental topics and stay updated with the latest academic theories and research, which inform vocational practice in the financial management of construction projects.

From project inception to design and construction, we concentrate on the principles, tools and techniques of financial and cost management.

Whether you studied arts, sciences, or anything in between, our course welcomes graduates from any discipline.

Why study MSc Construction Cost Management at the University of Reading

• The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top-ranking institutions for Building. We’re ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
• 95% of Construction Management and Engineering master's students are satisfied with their experience overall. (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023).
• Overall, 89% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).
• 100% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
• Ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning. (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Management principles

Cost management comprises every aspect of a project from concept through design, production and occupancy. It involves new projects, refurbishment projects, heritage restoration and the maintenance of all built facilities.

Students will develop a broad understanding of management principles, cost, time, and quality management, with the legal and contractual aspects of project delivery.

How you'll study

Choose a one-year full-time course or a flexible modular approach that fits your schedule.

Accreditation

Our programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of this course satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.

Information for international students

IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding