Top 10 UK Universities for a Master’s in Construction Management

A degree in construction management involves planning, budgeting, coordinating, and supervising construction projects from start to finish. You learn to handle various construction projects, including the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and commercial structures. Studying for a Master’s in Construction Management in the UK can help you understand cost-cutting fundamentals, effective management skills, quality control, safety measures, and other related skills. In addition, you will also gain a deeper understanding and conduct research in the related field. 

Candidates holding a master’s degree in construction management can pursue careers as project managers, asset management engineers, and sustainability consultants. 

With many postgraduate degrees having different entry requirements and application processes, we recommend you seek advice with your applications through SI-UK. Our experienced consultants can take you through all the options to find a suitable course.

Top Universities to Study Master’s in Construction Management

Learn more about the top UK universities that offer master’s degrees in construction management below.

1. University of Nottingham

Founded in 1881, the University of Nottingham is a public research university among the UK’s top 30 higher educational institutions. The master’s in construction management is a collaboration between the Department of Civil Engineering and Nottingham University Business School (NUBS). 

The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering has state-of-the-art facilities for transporting engineering materials (roads, rails, and airports), soils and fluid labs, and modern labs where you can conduct research and do structural testing of the materials. Graduates in this field can easily pursue careers as site engineers or project managers or enter research or academic work. 

• Suggested course: MSc in Civil Engineering and Management
• Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in the relevant subject field with at least 60%| IELTS overall score 6.0 (no less than 6.o in reading and writing, no less than 5.5 in listening and speaking)| Other English language qualifications like TOEFL or PTE are also acceptable
• International fees: £28,600

2. Loughborough University

Loughborough University’s Department of Architecture, Building, and Civil Engineering offers a master’s in construction management. The MSc in Construction Management is considered one of the oldest delivered by the university and comprises flexible module selection. During the course, you will learn and study the fundamentals of Building Information Modelling (BIM), design and project management principles, and research methods. You will then write a dissertation in a specialised area of the relevant study programme. 

Besides the multi-faceted learning and hands-on practical assessments, you will also develop your skills in teamwork, managing the life cycle, creative thinking, problem-solving, and realising a construction project. Graduates in MSc construction management have gone to work at companies like Asite and Laing O’Rourke. 

• Suggested course: MSc in Construction Management
• Entry requirements: First-class or upper-second-class honours in a subject related to the built environment |IELTS overall score of 6.5 with 6 in each category or equivalent
• International fees: £28,750

3. University of Reading

MSc in Construction Management of the University of Reading’s School of Construction Management and Engineering offers distinctive facilities that include digital technologies and software advancements, such as building information modelling (BIM), 3D laser scanning, and virtual reality headsets. The university is ranked 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 for construction.

During the course, you will gain expertise in a wide range of construction topics, such as business models for construction firms and mapping of smart buildings, modern methods with a particular focus on Design for Manufacturing Assembly, and project management. You will also work closely with industry experts to develop new thinking methods for construction management. Graduates can enter careers like architects, design managers, and portfolio managers. 

• Suggested course: MSc in Construction Management
• Entry requirements: Good undergraduate honours degree with minimum work experience| IELTS 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5
• International fees: £26,950

4. Heriot-Watt University

An MSc at Heriot-Watt University is one of the longest-running courses in the UK, equipping students with theoretical and practical knowledge and experience. The MSc Construction Project Management offers a wide range of core modules covering management and technology-related subjects.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Institute of Building accredits the programme, which aims to demonstrate and exchange best practices in teaching and research for a sustainable built environment. 

• Suggested course: MSc Construction Project Management
• Entry requirements: Minimum 2:1 honours degree or equivalent with minimum work experience| PG Diploma entry-level applicants must have an ordinary degree in the relevant subject discipline| IELTS overall score of 6.5 or equivalent
• International fees: £23,248

5. Sheffield Hallam University

MSc Construction Management at Sheffield Hallam University is one of the most demanding courses in the UK. It aims to offer the skills and knowledge needed to be a construction project manager for private or public organisations. The courses are designed around key principles where you can engage and collaborate with others, challenge others to think in new ways, and provide a supportive environment where you can thrive. 

The curriculum is delivered through lectures, tutorials, site visits, projects, and experiential learning. Some popular construction management jobs include project managers and construction engineers. 

• Suggested course: MSc in Construction Project Management 
• Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% in a relevant field with minimum work experience| Must have qualified in IELTS/TOEFL with minimum qualifying marks
• International fees: £18,705

6. Nottingham Trent University

The MSc Construction Management course at Nottingham Trent University applies foundational construction management principles to the processes and dynamics of live project work. During the programme, you will understand management’s role in industry processes, examining the technological processes and associated business functions across the construction environment. The course programme is delivered through lectures, workshops, and field trips to extend your knowledge and peer network. 

• Suggested course: MSc Construction Management
• Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree grade 2:2 in a construction-related subject| Must have relevant industry experience| Demonstrate English proficiency in any one of the following – IELTS/TOEFL/iBT/PTE/Cambridge
• International fees: £17,500

7. Northumbria University

The two-year postgraduate degree in construction management develops your transferable project management skills and specialist knowledge of construction projects. During the programme, you will learn how to plan construction management, manage supply chains, keep people working together, and use Business Information Modelling (BIM) for a more efficient construction process. 

The course is delivered through lectures, group discussions, small-group seminars, workshops, master classes, and field visits, during which you will hone your skills in evaluating and applying research techniques and methodologies. You will be offered to perform assessments to monitor your progress. 

• Suggested course: Construction Management with BIM MSc
• Entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in the relevant field| Minimum work experience| Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• International fees: £22,000

8. Oxford Brookes University

The MSc in Construction Management is curated to meet the challenges and demands of the modern learner and the evolving needs of built environmental professionals. During the programme, you will work on problems that the construction industry, clients, and consultants experience. In addition, you will develop a broad range of management skills and knowledge, including project finance, procurement, Business Information Modelling (BIM), and technology. After completing the course, you can opt for a career as a consultant manager or pursue PhD in construction management. 

• Suggested course: MSc Construction Project Management
• Entry requirements: 2:1 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a construction-related field| Industry professionals with qualifications (MRICS or MCIOB)| Relevant work experience| IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components
• International fees: £17,150

9. University of West England

The MSc Construction Project Management at Bristol University of West England is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which allows you to explore the nature of projects related to organisations and their commercial and public environments. During the course, you will learn how to manage projects, study planning and control, and use information technology. Teachings are delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips, where you can access required materials for performing relevant research. 

After completing the course, you will work in project management roles in different sectors like government services, multinational organisations, and non-profit organisations. 

• Suggested course: MSc Construction Project Management
• Entry requirements: Hons degree of 2:2 or above| Relevant work experience| IELTS overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• International fees: £17,250

10. University of South Wales

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Association for Project Management, the MSc Construction Management is a practised and research-based course. During the programme, you will develop skills and knowledge to solve complex issues and make strategic ideas that arise on construction projects. You will also get involved in real-time case studies and develop research-focused projects. 

After completing the course, you will gain a strong command of the industrial and commercial fields, pursuing careers as project managers and construction engineers. 

• Suggested course: MSc Construction Project Management
• Entry requirements: Honours class degree at class 2:2 or above in a discipline relevant to building, construction, or architecture| Hons degree (2:2) in non-relevant discipline with a minimum five years of work experience| IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each component
• International fees: £16,000

Study Master’s in Construction Management

If you want to study in the UK, why not arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today? Our educational consultants will discuss your study options and help you apply.

FAQ

Is a master’s in construction management in the UK worth it?

Pursuing a master’s in construction management in the UK can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a career in the construction industry. You can opt for various career opportunities, such as project management, construction management, and site consultant. 

How much does construction management cost to study in the UK?

The UK’s average fee for studying construction management is around £15,000 to £30,000 annually. 

Is construction management better than an MBA?

Well, it completely depends on your career aspirations. An MBA offers a broad business education, while construction management focuses on the technical aspects of the construction industry.