Taught course

Project Management

Institution
University of Reading · School of Construction Management and Engineering
Qualifications
MSc

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.

IELTS: 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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

On our MSc Project Management course you will focus on the strategic management of projects, programmes and portfolios, and become a project leader in construction.

Project management is traditionally described in terms of the overall planning, control and co-ordination of a project from inception to completion, aimed at meeting a client's requirements and ensuring completion within specified constraints of time, cost and quality.

While this definition continues to provide a good starting point, the reality of modern project management is extremely complex. Client organisations are often pluralistic, comprising multiple stakeholders with different objectives. The complexity of the construction process thus leads to inherent uncertainty.

The role of the project manager is to integrate the various sectors of the industry in order to manage key interfaces throughout the project supply chain. Therefore, the successful project manager must have the ability to integrate and lead an interdisciplinary team in uncertainty. Effective leadership and sensitivity to human issues are vital. Modern clients demand an integrated and effective approach to the management of their construction projects. The discipline of project management continues to evolve and our MSc in Project Management is at the forefront of these developments.

The distinctive focus of the course is on the strategic management of projects, programmes and portfolios.

The aim of the course is to provide a coherent framework for the discipline and practice of project management. Modules can include sessions delivered by leading practitioners, and the course is continually informed not only by the latest developments in industry, but also by on-going international research.

A recurring theme throughout the course concerns the dynamic nature of construction projects. Not only is it necessary to set clear objectives at the beginning of a project, it is also important to update them continually as the project unfolds.

A further theme is provided by the need for project managers to provide leadership. This requires a high level of interpersonal skills to motivate diverse team members towards the realisation of project success. Effective project management requires a sound knowledge of tools and techniques. It also requires an ability to think strategically. Traditionally, notions of command and control have to be matched with an ability to manage 'soft' issues. People management is central to the art of project management.

A particular emphasis is given to the early stages of construction projects and the interface with complex clients; projects are rarely carried out in isolation.

This course is offered as a one-year full-time course, or as a flexible modular course.

This course is accredited by RICS and CIOB. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of this course satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.) In addition, the course is recognised by the Association for Project Management (APM) as meeting the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard via route 1 (for assessments meeting the requirements for technical knowledge)

For more information, please visit the Construction Management and Engineering website.

Fees and funding

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,550

New international students: £26,950

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fees are calculated pro rata for flexible modular study.

Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    flexible
    18-63 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

September and January for part-time, September for full-time. Option to study flexible part-time over 24-63 months.

Course contact details

Name
Global Recruitment Team
Email
student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk