Course Overview
Course summary
Whether tackling the housing crisis, improving the world’s infrastructure or adding to the city skyline, a career in construction management means you will be building the places we work, homes we live in, venues we relax at, the roads we commute on and much more. Taught by qualified professionals with industry experience, our professionally oriented degree is your first step to shaping our world and leaving a lasting legacy.
Construction management is integral to the success and smooth running of a construction project, from effectively tracking development and staying on budget, to improving communication across all levels of the project. Fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), our degree incorporates real-life professional practice from the outset with the opportunity to learn direct from industry professionals and experience projects first-hand.
Our central London location and numerous industry contacts, which include Great Portland Estates, Mace, Lendlease, The Portman Estate and The Crown Estate, enable us to invite practising professionals to give guest lectures and regularly contribute to the course. They provide buildings as case studies for coursework, learning materials (drawings, reports, client briefs etc.) and come into the University to give face-to-face formative feedback on students’ work. We aim to create authentic learning activities to ensure you are business-ready for employment.
You will learn about the technologies of domestic, industrial and commercial building, construction processes, planning and programming, construction health and safety, and project life cycle assessment. Our rounded curriculum means that you will also gain the knowledge of people management, leadership and the business management of construction that organisations need to succeed in this dynamic profession.
Our construction courses share a common first year, allowing you to gain knowledge of the different professional roles and the interdisciplinary nature of the modern construction industry. At the end of the first year, should your interests change, it is possible to switch pathway. You will mix with students from across the various pathways, broadening your social circles and networks, and be taught by our professionally qualified lecturers, who will share their experience of working in the property, construction and surveying sectors prior to joining academia.
The course also offers practical experience opportunities, with the option to spend a year in industry between your second and third year of study. Alternatively, you'll have the chance to explore international perspectives through a year abroad, providing you with valuable real-world experience.
While this degree equips you with the professional and technical skills to work in construction management, you may also follow a career in project management, financial management or property development.
Top reasons to study with us
- Fully accredited by CIOB and CABE
- Courses are professionally oriented, producing graduates capable of dealing with the technological and managerial processes associated with the production and post-construction life of buildings
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
- Programmes are delivered by a multicultural and international teaching body, who come from professional practice and/or regularly publish in top international journals
- Take part in site visits to major construction sites and infrastructure projects, in UK and abroad – 45 final-year students visited Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Landlease and CIOB in 2020
- Street walks and talks – a series of guided walks around Marylebone, Fitzrovia and Kings Cross, which have a wealth of historic buildings, modern buildings, examples of regeneration and the adaptation and reuse of buildings, such as Coal Drop Yard in Kings Cross
- Outstanding facilities include the Fab Lab, which is used to build models, test construction materials, 3-D and laser printing, photographic facilities, and robotic arms etc
Course structure
The principles of construction technology, professional practice, ethics, health and safety, and the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) are fundamental to the delivery of the built environment and are covered at each level in the programme. You will also gain knowledge of the professional, managerial and legal aspects of construction and digital practice, which is increasing in construction and will affect working practices, decision-making and efficiency in project delivery, and sustainability.
Please note: this course is also offered as part of a degree apprenticeship programme. Further details are available on our Degree apprenticeships page.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
In the first year, we will introduce you to the principles that underpin the study of construction, specifically in relation to simple building forms, the key theories and concepts of building design, building science, construction technology, site surveying and data analysis. You will learn about the immediate and long-lasting effect that construction activities have on the environment and discover sustainable and environmentally sound construction methods and innovative management practices. Right from the start, we will introduce real-world projects and case studies, visiting construction sites, which in the past have included Marble Arch Place, the exciting new development that includes a spectacular 18-storey, 54-apartment residential building overlooking Hyde Park, Mayfair.
Subjects of study include:
- Building Design
- Building Science and Structures
- Construction Technology and Services
- Introduction to the Built Environment
- Project, Commercial and Organisational Environment
- Site Engineering and Management
Credit Level 4
As the course develops, we consider the technology and environmental design of multi-storey and wide-span buildings and their services, including structural form and construction. You will develop detailed knowledge of management practice in a construction context, construction site production management, the centrality of health and safety in the design, planning and construction of buildings, the ethical demands of sustainable development and the implications of design on the wider community. The construction technology mode at this level focuses on long span high rise commercial construction.
Subjects of study include:
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Construction Project Based Learning
- Environmental Science and Services
- Project and Commercial Management
- Project Procurement, Management and Law
- Structural Principles
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6), you may choose to undertake either a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
Professional Experience
You’ll have the option to take a placement year in industry. During the year, you’ll identify goals to work towards achieving whilst on placement; carry out research to develop awareness of the sector you are working in and gain the commercial skills required within the contemporary business environment.
International Experience
Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an international experience year at one of our partner overseas institutions. During the year, you’ll study and reside in the country of a host institution. The content of your study is agreed through a Learning Agreement between you, the home institution and Westminster Business School.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
The final year of study considers some of the innovations in construction technology, such as low environmental impact technologies and their incorporation within the built environment. Deepening your knowledge of professional practice, we examine some of the current issues and challenges within the industry, such as the impact of a fabric first approach on a building’s performance. Your studies culminate with the Dissertation, in which you conduct your own research into a current industry related topic. Previous students have researched the impact of climate change, urban flooding, green roofs, modern methods of construction.
Subjects of study include:
- Current Issues in the Built Environment
- Construction Technology and Innovation
- Construction Management
- Contract Administration and Practice
- Professional Practice
- Project Management
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
This course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership, which has granted Westminster Business School ‘Accredited Centre Status’. Construction Management graduates from Westminster can apply, with appropriate experience, for membership of CIOB and the designation MCIOB. The course is additionally accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), an internationally recognised awarding professional body for building engineering in the UK and overseas.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
There is a huge demand for construction managers, with employment projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations up to 2026 as population and business growth requires the construction of new residences, office buildings, retail outlets, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures. Alongside the knowledge and understanding of construction management theories and the practical and technical skills needed to become a construction manager, transferable skills and competencies are embedded and developed throughout the course. For example, a professional standard of presentation is required for all coursework, which must meet high standards of written English. Projects and studies based on real-world cases help students learn how to solve problems and act with realistic constraints on time, information and resources. Examples of employment entered into by recent graduates include large and small contractors, chartered surveyors, property companies, local authorities, housing associations, developers, and many other construction and property-related areas.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
The Duke of Edinburgh award
Undergraduate students within the School of Applied Management can undertake their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals and, to retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from the School’s Employability Advisory Board. Current members include practitioner representatives from the multinational construction, property and infrastructure company Lendlease, commercial property experts Chase and Partners, and CABE.
We are proud of our excellent industry links with a host of property companies and key professional bodies, including CIOB, CABE and RICS. They enable us to host a highly successful Annual Property and Construction Careers Fair, which in 2019 attracted 40 employers including CBRE, Mace, JLL, Barratt Developments, Bouygues UK, Savills, Carter Jonas and Grainger. Immensely popular with our students, the fair provides a unique opportunity to meet with leading employers in the property and construction sector, learn first-hand about their organisations, secure work experience or receive guidance from a panel of speakers on the graduate scheme application process for some of the larger employers.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Construction manager
- Facilities manager
- Property manager
- Site manager
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Balfour Beatty plc
- Bowmer & Kirkland plc
- Kier Group plc
- Galliford Try plc
- Gardiner and Theobald
- Lendlease Europe Holdings Ltd
- Mace Ltd
- Morgan Sindall
- Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
- Laing O'Rourke
- Skanska UK plc
- Turner and Townsend
- Wates Group Ltd
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Mohammad Abedi
Lecturer
Mohammad joined the university as a lecturer in construction in 2022, after gaining valuable experience as an academic at various international universities, along with extensive professional experience in the construction industry.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, an MSc in Integrated Construction Project Management from University Technology Mara (UiTM) in 2010, and a PhD in Civil Engineering (Construction Management) from University Technology Malaysia (UTM) in 2016. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). At the University of Westminster, Mohammad teaches a wide range of built environment subjects, including building science, materials and structures, construction technology and innovation, sustainability, and construction management, across various levels of study.
Mohammad's research interests encompass Construction Management Research Methodology (CMRM), Sustainable Construction Management (SCM), Construction Supply Chain Management (CSCM), and Construction Collaboration Technologies/Tools (CCT).
As a Fellow of the HEA, I am committed to applying effective pedagogical strategies and utilizing technology-enhanced environments in both the design and delivery of modules and learning activities. My aim is to deliver a high-quality learning experience that prepares students for further studies and future employment.
Course Team
Meet Senior Lecturer Krystal-Kay Dyer
Have you ever wondered what our lecturers did before joining the University of Westminster? What their first job was or what inspired them to teach? What music they listen to, and what shows they enjoy?
In this video series, we chat to various colleagues from across the University and ask them questions about their interests, their passions, and Westminster. In this episode, we chat to Krystal-Kay Dyer, Senior Lecturer in Property and Construction at Westminster Business School.
Why study this course?
An accredited course
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, project, field trips and insight from practitioners.
Expert teaching staff
Expert teaching staff will share their professional experiences of working as building surveyors in the property and construction industry.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Victor Rotari
Construction Management BSC - 2024
I chose the University of Westminster for its prime location in the heart of London, providing an exciting and dynamic environment for my studies. The vibrant city life, combined with the university's diverse course offerings and strong industry connections, particularly appealed to me. This university not only offers a global perspective through its multicultural environment but also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the educational experience.
Learn new skills
Develop key skills
Develop time management, dispute resolution, communication and ethical skills needed in property & construction.
Learn to critically evaluate
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Develop your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
Download our additional costs guide for information on what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately on this course:
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
Download our additional costs guide for information on what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately on this course:
Student work
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to visit real sites, so you can directly relate the classroom topic to actual building forms and sites. It helps you make the important connection between the intention and the reality. For example, we might pose the question: How do you plan, prepare then construct a building such as The Shard? Within the classroom you will conduct research and explore the methods and tactics used in the industry for advanced construction methods such as top down construction - then visit similar sites to see these methods in reality!
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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