International Construction Management and Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Our MSc in International Construction Management and Engineering will help you develop a “whole life” understanding of constructed facilities and infrastructure. We'll prepare you for the challenges of the ever-evolving global construction industry with a focus on the risk, planning and management aspects of the constructed life cycle. You’ll also explore construction processes from inception and feasibility, design, procurement and construction through to commissioning, maintenance, renewal and decommissioning.

At Leeds, our 'internationally excellent' research helps shape your course, meaning you’ll be learning the latest innovations in this area. Throughout the course, you’ll gain the specialist knowledge you’ll need to contribute to and manage projects in the construction industry, alongside building an extensive professional skill set sought after in the international construction industry.

Graduates who have studied this degree have utilised their advanced skills learned on the course to pursue their career goals in everything from construction project management and planning to engineering and consultancy — so the career opportunities are vast.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in civil engineering and construction management.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project and construction management, risk management, procurement, sustainability and whole-life infrastructure management.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in managing a project, whilst building professional skills in research, decision making and planning.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities that will enhance your learning throughout the course, including high-performance computing, structural remodelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) packages.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience across many relevant areas in construction management and engineering.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in large corporations worldwide including AECOM, UGCC and African Development Bank.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Committee and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Course details

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the different aspects of construction project management within the construction industry. This covers project management tools and techniques in the context of the infrastructure life cycle. You’ll also explore construction project delivery and the construction phase which includes elements of health, safety and environmental management, construction delivery systems, construction planning and sustainability. At the same time, you’ll consider risk management and its role during the project life cycle.

A feature at Leeds is the ‘Whole Life Asset Management’ module which examines the “whole life management” of infrastructure, with additional focus on operations, maintenance, renewal and decommissioning.

During the course, you'll also develop an understanding of the international nature of the construction industry and its economic impact. These taught subjects are assessed during two teaching semesters.

Project work

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.

Most projects are experimentally based and linked with companies in industry to ensure the topic of research is relevant to the field whilst also addressing a real-world problem.

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.

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.

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 life cycle management 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’ll focus 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 tool 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.

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.

Procurement Management – 15 credits

You’ll learn 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.

The International Context of 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

A multidisciplinary approach is critical to the successful completion of construction and engineering projects. As such, this module will explore this, covering environmental, quality and health & safety management. You'll also cover digital technologies such as BIM and digital twins whilst building an understanding of lean construction and MMC.

Dissertation – 60 credits

Put theory into practice by conducting your own individual research project. 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.

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.

Specialist facilities

During the course, you’ll benefit from access to our first-class laboratory and computing facilities during your research project work. These include specialist laboratories to support research in structures and materials, building physics, and public health. You may also have access to high-performance computing, industry standard CFD, structural modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) packages, along with bespoke tools developed within the school research groups.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr William Collinge, is an Associate Professor (in Construction Project Management) whose research interests include BIM (building information modelling), Digitization and complexity for health, safety and wellbeing, data-driven engineering for better asset management, Ethics and social responsibility in construction project management, and Construction waste and digitization.

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. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

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

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.
Please read our Staged Admissions page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

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 Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,750 (Total)

International: £31,000 (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 about additional costs.

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.

Find out more about career support.

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