MSc Construction Management and International Development

Explore how building and infrastructure projects can be sustainably delivered in developing and emerging economies with our MSc Construction Management and International Development programme.

This interdisciplinary master’s course underscores the complexity of sustainable development, and focuses on development in countries undergoing rapid urbanisation.

Working with academics from our School of Construction Management and Engineering, you will learn how to manage construction programmes for sustainable development. You will also learn how to apply sustainable development principles in an integrated and holistic way across scales – from buildings, to neighbourhoods, to cities.

By understanding the frameworks that underpin the processes of design, construction, and implementation, you will be able to apply these processes in areas of rapid urbanisation – areas where there is an urgent need for infrastructure development projects to be responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

During your studies, you will also consider the current state of the sector. For example, you will examine the capacity and capability of the construction industry – and individual companies – to manage and deliver international development programmes. As you study the changing nature and practice in the management, policy and environment of the construction sector – and specifically international development – you will develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities currently facing the field.

A key component of this programme is engaging with the humanitarian issues associated with construction-sector activity, and you will examine:

international construction labour markets
the role of migrant workers
the challenges of geographical and societal inequality, cultural dislocation and labour exploitation.

You will also learn how to effect successful construction sector reform through government policy, construction companies and their supply chains, and niche technologies.

Aimed at early- to mid-career professionals, this course is suitable for:

individuals who work in the international non-governmental sector in areas such as rebuilding
individuals who have a background in construction and work in an international context
individuals who work in central, local or regional government agencies in developing and emerging economies, and who are involved in construction related to development programmes
current undergraduate students with an interest in the role of construction, infrastructure and building programmes in developing and emerging economies.

At Reading, you will benefit from our renowned teaching and research. We are a respected, leading and innovative community at the very forefront of our discipline. 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). Our academics are active researchers who incorporate their research – and its impact on industry – into their teaching, providing you with access to cutting-edge thinking.

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).

Flexible study options for MSc Construction Management and International Development students

You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or on a flexible, modular basis over several years.

The modular structure of the course allows you to select subjects that meet your own needs and interests while developing a core set of knowledge and skills.

In addition to guiding theoretical principles, there is also a strong focus on the development of critical-thinking and practical skills.

RICS logo

CIOB logo

Overview

Explore how building and infrastructure projects can be sustainably delivered in developing and emerging economies with our MSc Construction Management and International Development programme.

This interdisciplinary master’s course underscores the complexity of sustainable development, and focuses on development in countries undergoing rapid urbanisation.

A key component of this programme is engaging with the humanitarian issues associated with construction-sector activity, and you will examine:

international construction labour markets
the role of migrant workers
the challenges of geographical and societal inequality, cultural dislocation and labour exploitation.

You will also learn how to effect successful construction sector reform through government policy, construction companies and their supply chains, and niche technologies.

Aimed at early- to mid-career professionals, this course is suitable for:

individuals who work in the international non-governmental sector in areas such as rebuilding
individuals who have a background in construction and work in an international context
individuals who work in central, local or regional government agencies in developing and emerging economies, and who are involved in construction related to development programmes
current undergraduate students with an interest in the role of construction, infrastructure and building programmes in developing and emerging economies.

Flexible study options for MSc Construction Management and International Development students

You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or on a flexible, modular basis over several years.

The modular structure of the course allows you to select subjects that meet your own needs and interests while developing a core set of knowledge and skills.

In addition to guiding theoretical principles, there is also a strong focus on the development of critical-thinking and practical skills.

RICS logo

CIOB logo

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

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.

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.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

Modules

Core modules

International Development in Construction

Produce a critical appraisal of an infrastructure project of your choice. You’ll apply what you’ve learned to explore a specific issue in sustainable infrastructure development.

Infrastructure Development and Urban Sustainability

To understand sustainable development in urban settings, you’ll review the challenges of delivery and their impact on achieving goals. This explores the role of infrastructure and theoretical frameworks that underpin the process.

International Construction Labour and Construction Section Transition

Gain perspective on construction labour markets, recruitments, and management of migrant workers in emerging economies. By reviewing case studies, you’ll discover transition management approaches to successful construction sector reform.

Research Skills

To prepare you for your dissertation research, you’ll learn how to formulate a research problem, develop, and apply investigative approaches, interpret data, and present your findings.

Research Dissertation

Formulate a research problem in the field of construction. You’ll select appropriate research methods and apply recognised strategies and techniques to address the problem in a sustained and logical written piece on the topic.

Optional modules

Strategies and International Construction

Prepare for leadership roles in construction by analysing the influence of culture, climate, geology, regulation framework of codes and standard, compliance, and ethical behaviour within different global construction markets.

Building Information Management and Socio-technical Change

Explore approaches that implement socio-technical systems into the built environment, including the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). You’ll address how the potential for BIM rests on the understanding of how socio-technical systems are supported.

Innovations in Digital Practice

Sharpen your skills by engaging with the built environment using digital tools and technologies. You'll examine the relationship between people, technologies, and information by incorporating social science methods.

Organising for Innovation and Digital Transformation

Discover how to implement and manage innovation and digital technologies in the built environment. You’ll identify and assess the potential and ramifications for new technologies, assisting with your learning on how to map, define, and analyse design.

Managing Construction Projects

Strengthen your understanding of the management of resources within construction. You’ll apply your ideas to real-world contexts that address delivering service to meet targets, along with maintenance and development of the business.

Construction Contract Law and Design Management

Apply lessons from research and practice to increase your understanding of contractual relationships in construction projects, the design process in contemporary construction, and tools and techniques used for its management.

Construction Risk Management

Through discussion and case studies of the global construction market, you’ll identify risk in projects, implement methods and analyse their impact, develop strategies, prepare and uptake risk management plans.

Construction Economics and Cost Management

Learn how to estimate, plan, manage, control, and engineer building costs across stages of the development process. This includes how the economic analysis framework can be used to address problems and questions within modern construction.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

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.

See list of Construction Management and Engineering scholarships

Careers

A master’s in construction management and international development is suitable for careers in both the public and private sectors, including:

central governmental agencies
local and regional governments
non-governmental organisations
major international construction companies that are seeking to develop their international market in emerging economies
construction firms and construction clients that employ international firms.