OVERVIEW

BUILT FOR LIFE

Construction managers have the critical role of organising and planning complex construction projects, ensuring that safety standards and procedures are met. Construction managers are highly trained professionals who are involved in a wide spectrum of projects ranging from simple residential dwellings to complex infrastructure projects. This profession involves a suite of skills which are essential to transforming the client’s brief through the management of the construction process up to the readiness for operation of that project.

This is an industry-recognised qualification that provides you with the academic preparation you need for a career as a chartered builder. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility to earn while you learn, giving you the ability to study anywhere in the world.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOU IF:

  1. You want to begin or further your career in construction management
  2. You want to study an accredited programme and gain professional membership
  3. You want to learn the principles of construction management and strengthen your skills in the practice

About your programme

The details

This programme provides the academic underpinning and skills necessary to prepare you for a career as a construction manager up to Bachelor’s degree standard. You will have the flexibility to study either a part-time or full time option.

Part-time route

Designed for busy working professionals, supported online education offers the flexibility to fit your studies around your work, enabling you to fast-track your career and directly apply your learning to your work.

The part-time route is for you if:

  • You want to earn while you learn, picking up new skills or upskilling whilst balancing your work and life
  • You want to get ahead in your industry while you study
  • You want to put your learning into practice within your industry

Part-time route duration:

Students will be automatically registered on the 4.5 year programme duration from Autumn 2021 onwards. You may wish to complete your programme in four years. Students will be offered the opportunity to manage their final year of study once on programme.

Full-time route

If you want to study full-time and complete your studies within three years, then this route is for you.

The full-time route is for you if:

  • You want to complete your studies faster than our part-time route
  • You have the ability to focus completely on your studies
  • You want to be in demand in your profession even sooner

To consider:

You’ll have the flexibility to go part-time at a later date if you decide you want to slow down the pace or study alongside work.

Assessment:

Given the intensive nature of the full-time route, applications will be reviewed by a member of the academic team who may contact you for a discussion about your application.

  • This undergraduate degree programme comprises 17 modules including a project module
  • Our programmes are flexible and can be started in either autumn or spring
  • You may be able to get apprenticeship funding through your employer to study this programme
  • All modules are worth 20 credits, except the project module which is worth 40 credits
  • Accredited by globally renowned professional bodies RICS, CIOB, CABE, ICES and HKICM
  • Registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR registration number 252715)

The modules

What you’ll study

If starting in Autumn 2024

PART-TIME

Year

Semester

Autumn entry

1 1 Introduction to the Built Environment 1

Introduction to Sustainability

2 Professional and Business Practice

Construction Technology 1

2 1 Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law

Introduction to the Built Environment 2

2 Construction Technology 2

Retrofit Concept and Practice

3 1 Contract Administration and Practice

Measurement and Costing

2 Procurement and Tendering

Construction Site Management

4 1 Commercial Management in Construction

Facilities Management

2 Research Proposal

Construction Project Management

5 1 Integrated Management Project

Contemporary Issues Case Study

FULL-TIME

If you are studying this programme on the full-time route, the module table will vary. You can find more information on this in the programme specification below.

If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

*Revalidation

To make sure our programmes are always high quality and relevant for our students we review and update our programmes on a regular cycle. This is known as “periodic review and revalidation” and this year this programme will be going through this process. Therefore, the programme information presented here may change in Autumn 2024. Information about any changes will be published in Spring 2024.

If starting in Spring 2025

PART-TIME

Year

Semester

Spring entry

1 1 Introduction to the Built Environment 1

Introduction to Sustainability

2 Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law

Introduction to the Built Environment 2

2 1 Professional and Business Practice

Construction Technology 1

2 Construction Technology 2

Measurement and Costing

3 1 Procurement and Tendering

Construction Site Management

2 Contract Administration and Practice

Retrofit Concept and Practice

4 1 Construction Project Management

Commercial Management in Construction

2 Facilities Management

Research Proposal

5 1 Integrated Management Project

Contemporary Issues Case Study

FULL-TIME

If you are studying this programme on the full-time route, the module table will vary. You can find more information on this in the programme specification below.

Sustainability

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The SDG’s are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

How does this course align?

This course has been designed with the UN SDG’s in mind. The following SDG’s are of particular significance for this module:

How you’ll learn

Study methods

Studying online means taking control of when and where you study so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education so you can earn while you learn.

When you study at UCEM, you’ll be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.

You’ll be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone as you’ll be fully supported by tutors and a community of students throughout your journey.

The online learning experience

Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on our VLE. You’ll also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.

Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):

Directed study time (45%)

Participating in webinars and online discussion forums

Watching videos and voice-over presentations

Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme material

Self-directed study time (25%)

Reading textbooks and study papers to develop your subject knowledge

Assessment study time (30%)

Planning and writing coursework

Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.

The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer-based assessments and computer-marked assessments (CMAs). The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Part-time route

Your expected time commitment for the part-time route is around 15-20 hours per week. This is based on you studying two modules per six-month semester.

Full-time route

The expected time commitment for the full-time route is around 25-35 hours per week This is based on you studying three modules per six-month semester.

Support

How you’ll be supported during your studies

PROGRAMME LEADER

Rob Otter

While studying with UCEM, you’ll be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They’ll assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support and be there for you if you have any disability or wellbeing support needs.

Student engagement team

This team is your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within UCEM.

Support tutors

This team will help you navigate the world of online learning and the VLE. Whether you need help with online learning or managing your workload, this team is here to support you all the way through your journey.

Academic support

Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.

Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers (AOO)*

This team will support you throughout your apprenticeship journey. They will provide you and your employer information, advice and guidance and monitor the progress made against the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

*Only applicable for apprentices.

Module team

Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.

Disability and wellbeing team

This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.

Rob is an experienced construction manager with a wide range of experience in a range of different types and sizes of construction projects. He has spent over twenty years in the construction industry moving into education in 2017. He has worked on a number of construction projects including several PassivHaus type residential, residential developments and light commercial projects.

Rob started his teaching career at Peterborough Regional College/University Centre Peterborough delivering HNC/HND and Degrees in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University.

“The use of e-books works really well along with the variety of study materials to suit learning styles. I was surprised how connected I feel with both tutors and other students through webinars and discussion forums. Each module being broken down into weekly blocks of study provides a helpful structure and study plan. I have been really impressed that the tutors and module leaders have a very current understanding of their topic. The relevant industry experience they have is a positive factor. I also found the study skills material on the VLE very helpful. The best thing about studying with UCEM is the ability to be able to truly apply the learning to my job. It helps me understand the roles of legal teams, designers and quantity surveyors who I interact with.”

Gary Worthington, BSc (Hons) Construction Management
National Store Development Manager, Screwfix Ltd, Yeovil, UK

Entry requirements

and access options

You are required to be 18 years or over at the start of your programme.

Don’t meet the entry requirements listed below?

If you do not the meet the entry requirements but would like to be considered for this programme, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team. Your application may still be considered or an alternative programme offered. We also offer a BSc Access Module which helps those who don’t currently meet the entry requirements to progress onto their chosen degree on completion.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Assessment for full-time route:

Given the intensive nature of the full-time route, applications will be reviewed by a member of the academic team who may contact you for a discussion about your application.

Contextualised Admissions Policy (UK domiciled students)

UCEM is committed to widening participation in higher education and enabling students to achieve their full academic potential. We recognise that some students are more likely to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school/college than others, through no fault of their own. Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities. It compliments and supports our existing Access and Participation Plan.

Read more about the UCEM Contextualised Admissions Policy.

Standard Entry

Academic requirement

96 UCAS tariff points (or an equivalent level of attainment through recognised qualifications not included in the UCAS tariff)

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.
  • Grade 5.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 79 or above in the Internet option, 213 or above in the computer-based option or 550 or above in the paper-based option, of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong

 

Maths requirement

GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in Mathematics or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.

Alternative entry

Academic requirement

You should have:

Completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying** or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical* through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile was obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile was obtained or an equivalent qualification

Or

A current RICS Associate qualification (AssocRICS) and be in relevant employment**

Or

Successfully completed the UCEM BSc Access Module

And

GCSE Grade C (or 4) or above in English and Mathematics or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.

* Recognised qualifications having an equivalent level of attainment as those recognised by UCAS include: Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), professional qualifications from recognised institutions, certain armed forces qualifications and partially completed degrees. There are also a wide range of international qualifications that are deemed to have UCAS point equivalent values.

For more information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ucem.ac.uk.

** Completion of this apprenticeship will need to be evidenced through a verified copy of the apprenticeship completion certificate as issued by the apprenticeship certification body.

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in  English can be considered for entry in the absence of the English language qualifications detailed above.

Fees and funding

Financial options

2023/24 academic year

£1,320 per module x 17 modules (usually students undertake two modules per semester).

Total programme fee £22,440

2024/25 academic year

£1,500 per module x 18 modules (usually students undertake two modules per semester).

Total programme fee £27,000

You can find out more on our payment options page.

You may be eligible for funding for your studies. This programme is designated for Student Finance, and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for an Undergraduate Loan. Eligible students can apply for funding each academic year. The loan is then paid in three instalments throughout the academic year. It is also registered with the Skills Funding Agency for Professional and Career Development Loans. You can find out more on our student finance page.

Your programme fees are fixed for the duration of your studies. This means that the fee you pay per module will not increase from one year to the next, as long as you remain registered on the same programme. All learning resources required for successful completion of each module are provided as part of your fee. The core reading resources within each module and additional reference material and supplementary resources to support your studies will be provided via the specific VLE module pages and within the e-library.

Alternative options

Sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor/part-sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship webpage.

Apprenticeship route

This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment. To find more information, head to our become an apprentice webpage.

Bursaries

Need a helping hand with your fees?

New Student Bursary Scheme

Our bursary scheme is designed to assist those new students who are able to demonstrate financial need. The bursary is open to new undergraduate students from all countries and will provide a discount on fees for the duration of the programme.

You can find out more and apply for the New Student Bursary Scheme on our financial support page.

Your career

Unlock your potential

Studying this programme can enhance your career with greater job opportunities and promotion prospects, while increasing your skillset and confidence. You can work overseas in the many construction management roles available, forge a career in the industry if you are new to it, and gain professional membership of respected professional bodies, such as the RICS and CIOB. This programme is most suitable for you if you are working in construction management with a view to moving into a more senior position.

Successful completion of the programme satisfies the academic requirements of the CIOB, therefore, with enough experience, you can apply for corporate membership of that institution. You will also be able to progress onto a Master’s degree programme.

YOUR CAREER AT A GLANCE:

  • Construction site management
  • Estimation
  • Site engineering
  • Contracts surveying
  • Planning
  • Local authority surveying
  • Maintenance manager
  • SME  building company ownership/management

This programme is designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and allows entry to:

You can find out more about your potential with our careers service.

Graduate

This undergraduate programme offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond

Ethical

You’ll also have UCEM career support for the three years after graduating so you can have confidence in taking the next steps in your exciting career

“The BSc (Hons) Construction Management helps you forge a new career in construction or enhance it if you are looking to upskill. This highly recognised and accredited programme develops your skillset in construction technology, project management, procurement and commercial management to mention a few. The programme builds your competence and confidence to excel in challenging job opportunities domestically or overseas in many construction management roles available. You will also be eligible to gain professional membership of respected professional bodies such as RICS and CIOB.”


Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) Construction Management

Application process

It’s time to apply

Autumn 2024

Apply by 26 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024