Taught MSc

Taught Master Courses

A Master programme in Construction and Project Management started in September 2007. Master in Sustainable Design was launched in September 2010.

MSc in Construction and Project Management

Degree Awarded
MSc in Construction and Project Management
PgDip in Construction and Project Management
Certificate in Construction and Project Management

Duration & mode of study
MSc: 1 Year full-time
2–3 years part-time
PgDip: 9 months part-time
18 months part-time
Certificate: Variable
Please contact the school directly for details for specific date of entry.

Course description
This programme provides a state-of-the-art education, new knowledge, and service in
Construction and Project Management that are responsive to the needs of students and the construction and property industries. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach in the management of construction firms and
successful completion of simple to complex construction projects. The programme is aimed at those with some previous undergraduate knowledge of architecture, building, planning, management, quantity and land surveying, civil, structural, environmental or building service (mechanical and electrical) engineering.
You benefit from teaching given by academic staff and industrial practitioners who bring extensive real-world experience to the classrooms. The programme also serves as an excellent introduction and training for further research leading to the degree of PhD.

Module Details
The syllabus aims to provide equal emphasis on both technical and management knowledge. The first semester contains modules such as research methods, project management, planning and control, construction management, procurements, contract administration and construction law (contracts, tort and evidence).
In the second semester, you take modules which include design management, strategic management and international construction finance for managers, construction law 2 (dispute resolution: arbitration and adjudication), facility management and maintenance. The final four months of the programme are devoted to independent dissertation projects for the MSc Students. Projects with industrial involvement are encouraged. First semester courses are examined in January and the second semester courses are examined in May.

Entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirement for the programme is a Lower Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science, engineering, management or social science discipline. International candidates are required to demonstrate a good standard of English, i.e. language skills (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper) or 90 (Internet-based) or better). 

Career opportunities
The distinctive needs of the construction sector for management personnel at all levels offer excellent career opportunities for graduates of this programme with design and construction companies, project management consultants, real estate firms, and government agencies amongst others.
You will also be well prepared to begin PhD research programmes, which may lead to careers in research establishments and universities.

Course fees
Further Information on current fees is given at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/TuitionFeesandStudentSupportArrangements201011/ 

Scholarship
The School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering offers a number of post-graduate taught bursaries and fee reduction scholarships for UK, EU and international students. All applicants are automatically considered for these. From time to time industry awards are available for taught MSc programmes. Further information can be obtained from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering (www.qub.ac.uk/space).
The university also offers and administers a number of awards and bursaries in the form of Fellowships, Externally-Funded Scholarships, Special Requests, Gifts and Prizes to which application can be made by students. From time to time government scholarship schemes are available for taught MSc programmes. Further information can be obtained from the Academic and Student Affairs Office (http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/) or the Post Graduate Centre (http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/Research/PostgraduateCentre/).

Further Information
Requests for further information can be addressed to:
Dr. Lukumon O. Oyedele
Queen’s University Belfast
School of Planning, Architecture & Civil Engineering
David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 4478 - Email: l.oyedele@qub.ac.uk

MSc in Sustainable Design

Entrance Requirements

For the MSc programme the minimum entry requirement is a 2.1 UK honours degree in architecture, environmental planning or a cognate discipline relevant to the urban built environment.

Additional Information for International Students

Applicants for whom English is not their first language would normally require either: an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based), or 90 (internet-based) or an equivalent qualification.

Duration

MSc: 1 year full-time

PG Diploma: 9 months full-time

Number of places

Minimum 10, Maximum 30

Teaching Times

Full-time / Daytime.

Aim

The aim of Sustainable Design postgraduate programmes (MSc and PgDip) is to develop skills, knowledge and understanding related to planning, design, construction, and management of different components of the built environment adopting the principles and practices of sustainable development.

The course will provide a challenging, exciting and dynamic learning experience, building on the students’ existing experiences and backgrounds and drawing heavily on the School’s expertise and interest in sustainable development. Consequently, to augment the students’ research and analytical capabilities appropriate for masters level study in Sustainable Design, the programme aims to address issues of sustainable design at three different scales: whole buildings, urban design, and construction elements. These scales correspond roughly to the three professional disciplines of architecture, environmental planning and construction engineering.

The core focus of the programme will be the sustainable design of individual buildings and urban spaces, which will provide a platform from which students may explore further aspects of sustainable design in greater detail.

Course Content

Each student is required to take taught modules to a total of 60 CATS points during Semesters 1 and 2. These are a combination of compulsory and optional/elective modules. A research thesis, undertaken between June and September (Semester 3), is required for the MSc. 

Assessment

Depending on the nature and requirements of each module, assessment involves a combination of one or more of the following: Course Work, Essays and Research Papers, Written Reports, Periodic and Final Exams.

Funding

The School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering offers a number of post-graduate taught bursaries and fee reduction scholarships for UK, EU and international students. All applicants are automatically considered for these. From time to time industry awards are available for taught MSc programmes. Further information can be obtained from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering (http://www.qub.ac.uk/space).

The University also offers and administers a number of awards and bursaries in the form of fellowships, externally-funded scholarships, special requests, gifts and prizes to which application can be made by students. From time to time government scholarship schemes are available for taught MSc programmes. Further information can be obtained from the Academic and Student Affairs Office (http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs) or the Postgraduate Office (http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateStudents)

The degree would be considered for accreditation by the following bodies:

  • CIOB Chartered Institute of Building - http://www.ciob.org.uk/home
  • CIOH Chartered Institute of Housing - http://www.cih.org/your_location/scot/index.php
  • IEMA Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - http://www.iema.net
  • RICS Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - http://www.rics.org

Opportunities for Careers

The programme offers students the potential to develop highly sought skills in developing and assessing sustainable design proposals. Successful graduates will be well equipped to apply the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired from this programme across a range of built environment professions.

Contact details

Dr Karim Hadjri
Queen’s University Belfast
School of Planning, Architecture & Civil Engineering
David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 4514 - Email: k.hadjri@qub.ac.uk

Applications can be made online at: