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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Construction and Project Management Higher Level Apprenticeship

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
Duration
3 years (Part-time)
Places available
n/a (Part Time)

These programmes have been designed to:

Develop the intellectual, practical and professional skills of the learner in the critical acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of the management of construction projects and organisations

Apply appropriate theoretical and practical management methods in the analysis and solution of design, engineering and construction problems

Develop a holistic approach to the planning, monitoring and control of construction projects by integrating the technical knowledge of design, engineering and construction with financial, legal, IT, commercial leadership and managerial skills of business administration in the management of simple to complex projects through their various stages from inception, feasibility, strategy, design, construction, commissioning and into maintenance; and in construction organisations; e.g. construction economics and finance, strategic management, information systems, construction law, international construction markets and competitive advantage

Develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills across a broad range of subjects and transferable skills that relate to literacy, numeracy, computing, teamwork, group work, and personal presentations and interactions to prepare graduates for more general employment


ABOUT YOU

The HLA is a work / study programme so you will already be in employment, or have a firm offer of employment from a company in the construction sector which supports your application.

You could be: a civil engineer, architect, planner, commercial manager, M&E Services Engineer, Environmental Manager/Engineer, lawyer, an archaeologist, or any other construction related discipline.

You could have been in work for a while already: some of our previous students have been many years into their career when they join us.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The course’s primary focus is on project management, which will give you the chance to take your career forward in any industry, not just in construction.

We teach the principles of project management – the distinct discipline of working to agreed deadlines, starts and finishes on a given project project – with an awareness of the global challenges facing the industry, not least the need to make construction sustainable.

WHAT'S INVOLVED

Through guest lecturers, case studies and optional site visits, you’ll get an insight into how industrial companies work. Our graduates have been well received by local, national and international companies.

FUNDING / COMMITMENT
This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is fully funded by the DfE, although places are limited. Applicants and their employers must demonstrate commitment, and ensure enough time is allocated, to attend and complete the course.


THE ENVIRONMENT
You'll be in a class of around 150, alongside people from places like India, Nigeria, China, Vietnam and Egypt, as well as from the UK Ireland and Europe. Our teaching starts in the early afternoon as we know some of you will need to take time off work to attend classes.

You'll have the McClay Library and the beautiful new Graduate School at your disposal as well as a dedicated base room and computer lab in the Elmwood building.


This course is subject to renewal approval by DfE.

Construction and Project Management Higher Level Apprenticeship highlights

Professional Accreditations

The degree has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.jbm.org.uk for further information. It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration

This course is subject to renewal approval by DfE.

Industry Links

Full time and external lecturers on this course share a wealth of experience in the construction industry across architecture, engineering and
Project Management.

Course Structure

Students must enrol on a part-time basis.

2 ¾ years (Part Time), with an option to complete in 2 years.

The programme is delivered on Mondays and Fridays for full time delivery and 1 day per-week for part time students (Monday for first year, Friday for second year). Modules (including Dissertation) totalling 180 CATS points are included in the programme.

Lectures are delivered by industry orientated lecturers and external experts within the field of Project Management. Assessment is undertaken through coursework and presentations

Course Details

The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics:

COMPULSORY MODULES

Procurement Contract Administration and Law (20 CATS)
Procurement, contract administration and the understanding of contract law is one of the 'keystone skills' for Project Management. This module provides an understanding of construction procurement and contract routes, and contract and tort law, and their application within the construction context.

Project Management, Planning and Control (20 CATS)
This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of construction project management coordination emphasising the wide range of demands made on construction professionals as managers and the skills required to programme, monitor and control various aspects of a construction project from inception to completion.

Research Methods for Managers (10 CATS)
The module deals with principles of BIM and construction management research from the formulation of research questions, hypothesis and objectives, through literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to presentation of data and report writing.

Project Planning for Sustainability (20 CATS)
The need for infrastructure to be sustainable is one of the driving factors behind project planning, design, construction and operation. This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of sustainable project development and construction including the need for a connected approach to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Construction Economics & Construction Finance (20 CATS)
This module will cover both construction finances and construction economics. The ability to understand and manage finances is essential to a project manager in any field. We will examine some of the issues and tools used in financial management. We will also build an awareness of the wider global economic context within which construction operates.

Organisations, People & Leadership (10 CATS)
This module is designed to equip students to efficiently lead and manage in various leadership positions within the structure of any organisation. Instead of having weekly lectures, the class will be taught in small groups over five all-day sessions.

OPTIONAL MODULES

Building Information Modelling in Practice (10 CATS)
This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of BIM implementation in practice, particularly in relation to the utilisation of intelligent 3D models. It explores the standards and processes that help to govern the huge range of information generated by the diverse teams who must collaborate to make BIM a success.

Emerging Digital Technology (10 CATS)
This module explores the new technologies which are emerging in the field of BIM and Digital Construction, examining the potential of technology to disrupt the construction industry.

Facilities Management & Asset Management (10 CATS)
This module looks at the practical management of both facilities and infrastructure assets, for example dealing with sustainability, building performance, and evaluation of the physical, environmental and health and safety aspects.

Construction Law 2 (10 CATS)
This module covers dispute resolution in construction, including mediation, arbitration and adjudication. This module ties closely with Procurement, Contract Administration and Law, and Project Management Planning and Control.

RESEARCH MODULE

Individual Research Project (Dissertation) (60 CATS)
For the Dissertation, students are required to undertake an independent research project, producing a written dissertation focusing on a particular issue within the realm of construction project management.

People teaching you

Lecturer

SNBE
Email: f.elghaish@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer

SNBE

Senior Lecturer

SNBE

Lecturer

SNBE

Teaching Times

12 weeks/semester. Lectures Mon 13.00 - 19.30 and Fri 12.00 - 18.30, plus additional study & group work. One first year module needs 5 full days attendance in consecutive weeks, but with scheduling flexibility.

Learning and Teaching

WHO WILL BE TEACHING YOU?

A small core of tutors with decades of academic and industrial experience.

The Programme Director is Dr Stephen McIlwaine, he is a Chartered Engineer with almost 30 years of experience in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in number of countries, mostly outside the UK, with a focus on environmental management and sustainability of construction projects.


ENVIRONMENT
You will be taught in a class of around 150 students if you're a full-time student, alongside students from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds and experience from all over the world - places like India, Nigeria, China, Vietnam and Egypt, as well as from the UK, Ireland and Europe. Our teaching starts around mid day as we know some of you will need to take time off work to attend classes. You'll have the McClay Library and the beautiful Graduate School at your disposal as well as the facilities within the School.

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Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Methods of assessment will comprise a combination of individual written and technical assignments, group reports, student presentations, and role-play exercises.

    Group coursework will also include group presentations to a judging panel. Individual coursework may, where required, be further presented at a panel Q&A session
  • MSc students who have achieved a minimum of 50 per cent in the compulsory modules and an average of 50 per cent or above overall in the taught programme, are required to undertake an individual research project and submit a dissertation to complete the programme. This dissertation must be passed at 50 per cent for the award of the MSc.

    Students who achieve an overall average for their taught modules and dissertation in the range 60 per cent to 69 per cent will be awarded a Commendation. Students who achieve an average of 65 per cent or above in the taught programme and 70 per cent or more for the dissertation, with an overall average of 70 per cent or more, will be awarded a Distinction.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Dissertation (60 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Construction Law 2 (10 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant Science, Engineering, Architecture, Management or Social Science discipline, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a relevant professional qualification and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Students wishing to apply for this Higher-Level Apprenticeship should also upload their CV and a letter of support from their employer (combined in one file). The employer’s letter of support must state that the employer supports their application, that they are prepared to release them from work for one day per week to attend the course, and that, if they are an existing employee, they need this qualification for a new role. The new role can be a change of title/role within the company.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is fully funded by the DfE therefore it is not open to international applicants. Further information on eligibility criteria for Higher Level Apprenticeships can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note this course is subject to renewal of funding by the Department for the Economy and applicants must be working for a company with a base in Northern Ireland.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

There are excellent career opportunities for our graduates as project managers, contract managers, design managers, project architects, project engineers, planners, etc., within project management consultants, construction companies, property developers and government agencies, amongst others.
Graduates are also well prepared for PhD research, which may lead to careers in research establishments and universities

Many Higher Level Apprentices take this course to aid their career progression. This course will equip you with the management skills you will need to advance your career to the next level.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the Course

WHERE COULD YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS TIME?

You could be anywhere in the world as a project manager with any of the major design, project management or construction consultants.

Countries such as India, China, Canada and the GCC countries are investing heavily in their infrastructure – with trillions of dollars of investment planned over the next few years - and they need project managers like you to make it happen.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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