International Construction Management and Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1^st October 2024.

The MSc in International Construction Management and Engineering prepares students for the demands of modern-day construction management and engineering. The programme content develops your technical construction and engineering knowledge whilst fostering the essential soft-skills necessary for a successful career in construction management.

Through a curriculum designed by experienced construction management and engineering academics, the course produces graduates who are ready to go into the real world of construction management. This long-established programme is widely recognised by industry and professional bodies as providing the foundation for a rewarding and successful career in construction.

Based in the School of Civil Engineering, the MSc is associated with the Leeds Centre for Projects, meaning industry links with the course are strong, and continue to evolve for the benefit of our student body. The MSc course is designed to be interdisciplinary, so that the true complexity and evolving nature of construction management and engineering is understood – the programme opening up the processes and practices of construction management for analysis, examination and critique.

Our research informed teaching ensures that MSc content is at the leading edge of evolving industry policies and practices; the MSc curriculum covers procurement management, whole life asset management, project management tools and techniques, people management, risk and resilience, construction engineering, sustainable project management and contextual issues in international construction. In addition, an individual dissertation enables students to conduct a piece of detailed academic research on a topic of their choice.

Graduating students are able to make a successful transition to a rewarding career in industry, consultancy or academia.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in civil engineering and construction management.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised by industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the  Industrial Advisory Committee.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in large corporations worldwide including AECOM, UGCC and African Development Bank.
• Expand your industry contacts in the UK and internationally via industry networking events.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience in construction management and engineering.
• Conduct your own individual research project whilst building professional skills in research, decision making and planning.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after by industry such as digitalisation, risk management, procurement, sustainability and whole-life asset management.

Course details

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the different aspects of construction project management and engineering. The MSc covers a variety of essential subjects in the field, including project management tools and techniques, risk and resilience, procurement management, construction engineering and whole life asset management. During the course, you'll also develop an understanding of the international nature of the construction industry and its economic impact. The taught elements of the MSc are assessed during two teaching semesters.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read International Construction Management and Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue.

Compulsory modules

Principles of sustainable project management – 15 credits

Explore the key project management concepts, their evaluation and the application to engineering projects. You’ll develop an understanding of the project management life cycle and explore the relationship between project management and sustainable goals. You’ll also build an understanding of the ethical dimensions of planning and delivering projects.

Project Management Tools and Techniques – 15 credits

Learn the common tools used in project management. Topics covered include planning and control, quality management, scope management, schedule management, cost management, resource management and change management.

Risk and resilience – 15 credits

You willfocus on risk management and resilience in projects, being introduced to a structured risk management process, as well as the tools and techniques used to identify, evaluate, transfer and monitor risks. Most of the tools and techniques can be employed in a wide range of fields. This module focuses mostly on risk management in engineering and construction projects.

People management – 15 credits

Build a theoretical and practical understanding of key concepts relating to people working on and associated with projects. This includes an understanding of organisational behaviour in the context of projects and programmes and stakeholder management/engagement. You'll cover topics such as leadership, motivation, conflict, negotiation and ethics.

Procurement Management – 15 credits

Explore the concepts of procurement management on projects and multi-projects, whilst being introduced to alternative procurement strategies and the procurement assessment criteria relevant in their selection. You’ll explore contract strategies alongside supply chain structures in relation to the various procurement strategies.

Contextual Issues in International Construction – 15 credits

Build an understanding of the strategic management of organisations in the construction industry and their interaction with construction projects. You’ll learn the strategic management process and consider the interaction of the construction industry with the wider economy. You’ll also explore the implications of working in an international construction environment through topics such as change management, CSR and culture.

Construction Engineering – 15 credits

You will critically explore the construction engineering (operations) frameworks for delivering infrastructure projects to stakeholders' satisfaction; this module further integrates the standard frameworks into effective construction management plans. You will be taught through a variety of teaching methods (including lectures, case studies and tutorials) and learning activities (including group work, role play and peer review).

Whole Life Asset Management – 15 credits

The module aims to give you an understanding of the whole life management of infrastructure assets. It sets out how the context of an organisation influences infrastructure choices. It also examines how business strategy translates to infrastructure choices and infrastructure strategy, whilst encouraging you to evaluate the relationship between risk, cost, value and performance over the whole life of an asset.

Dissertation – 60 credits

Over the summer months, you’ll work under the guidance of your supervisor to complete your independent research project which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, focusing on a real-world problem that explores your specific interests and/or relates to your career ambitions.

To support your project, we’ll teach you theories and practices you’ll need to conduct your project efficiently. You’ll examine how to define research problems and gaps in understanding. Alongside, you’ll learn how to critically review relevant literature to your given problem and explore the research methods and instruments you’ll need to collect and analyse data effectively.

Example projects for International Construction Management and Engineering MSc students have included:

• International trends in infrastructure asset management
• Integrated project delivery and the BIM environment
• Risk in megaprojects
• Social return on investment in infrastructure projects
• Trends in the concepts of value and value management
• Futureproofing and infrastructure resilience.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork can be undertaken as an option as part of the primary data collection for the dissertation project.

Learning and teaching

You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case-based problems, small group work and project meetings. These activities are complemented by e-learning. Our research feeds directly into teaching, and you'll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Programme team

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.

Applying

Entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1^st October 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.