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MSc PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
View all

COVID-19 update


Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.

Start date: September 2021

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. 

Overview

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. 

I chose to pursue my MSc Project Management in Reading due to its leading reputation in the construction project management industry. Having worked in the project management field specialising in railway infrastructure construction, I felt that I needed something to further enhance my future employability and knowledge in managing construction projects. The best element of the course would have to be the people. Our class consisted of people from all over the world; we were able to learn from one another, as well as gaining an insight of what it was like to work in the different countries.

Jun Jing Tan

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (good second class or above) or equivalent from a university outside the UK. If you have other qualifications and a number of years’ relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.

Structure

Sample modules:

  • Research Skills 
  • Research Dissertation 
  • Principles and Practice of Project Management
  • Introduction to Project Management 
  • Human Resource Management
  • Construction Contract Law
  • Design Management

Please download our MSc Programme Guide for further module information.

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a major individual research project. Guidance will be given on choosing a research topic, research techniques and the style and presentation of the finished document. Classes in research skills are provided in relation to the dissertation module. Students will have their own carefully selected dissertation tutor whose role is to help them plan and successfully execute this key part of the programme.

Full-time

We offer a one-year, full-time modular course. It is taught with ten, one-week attendance periods at the University. The full-time programme starts in September each year.

Flexible modular

We also offer a two-year modular course. It is taught with ten, one-week attendance periods at the University.  Entry to the flexible course is available in September or January each year; please note that the January start is an early start and requires that your studies be spread over three years instead of two.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,500 per year

New international students: £20,600 per year

Tuition fee information

Flexible modular courses (price per 10-credit module):

  • UK/Republic of Ireland students: £528
  • International students: £1,145

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated, and relate to courses starting in September 2021. 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.

  • See list of Construction Management and Engineering scholarships

 

Careers

This course is intended for those who wish to progress to a project management role, or acquire a broader understanding of the project management process. The course will appeal to professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including:

  • Client representatives
  • Project sponsors
  • Architects
  • Civil engineers
  • Structural engineers
  • Quantity surveyors
  • Management consultants
  • Construction managers
  • Specialist contractors
  • Facilities managers.

The course will benefit anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of project management and underpin their practical experience with a robust conceptual framework.

Graduates will typically find employment as a project manager with public and private sector clients, consultants, architectural practices or contractors in the building, civil engineering or oil and gas sectors.

About the School


Visit the School of Construction Management and Engineering's website.

Watch a video about this course.

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Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
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  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
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  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

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  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
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  • Economics
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  • Environment

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  • Foundation programmes
  • French
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  • Healthcare
  • History
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  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
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  • Physician Associate Studies
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  • Theatre

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  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
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  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
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  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
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  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
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Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
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  • Zoology

Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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