Aimed at those working with Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), this course will give you the expertise to negotiate, manage and deliver framework agreements and term contracts while upholding the highest levels of customer service.
Many public services are now outsourced and there is growing support from the Local Government Association to improve the contract management skills of those working in local authorities. You will focus on examples from your own workplace and analyse case studies to sharpen your ability to lead on new contract negotiations and manage relationships.
We will develop your legal knowledge and help you make improvements to existing contracts, encouraging you to seek innovative ways of working. You will explore different strategies for resolving client-contractor and supplier conflict so that existing contracts can be successfully renegotiated.
Whether you are a public sector professional or a supplier of services, working collaboratively with your tutors and fellow students will allow you to learn from the experiences of others. You will examine different problem-solving and communication strategies which you can then apply in your own workplace.
You will be inspired by experts - each member of your course team has more than 20 years' experience in industry and they will use their knowledge of commercial supply chains to inform your teaching and bridge the gap between the public and private sector. The team are also involved in research and consultancy in this area which will feed into your teaching.
We have fantastic links with the public sector and their suppliers and regularly invite guest speakers from industry to share their experiences. Previous visitors have included employees of the Office of Government Commerce, who support procurement and acquisition in the public sector, and Morgan Sindall, a leading UK construction group. This industry input keeps your teaching current and makes sure your knowledge is always up to date.
Taught at weekends to fit around your work commitments, you will also be offered tips on writing academic essays and examine previous assignments to get a clear picture of what is expected from you.
If you are already working in contract management, this course will strengthen your abilities and give you the confidence to get the best from your suppliers. You will gain transferable skills that are in high demand across the public and private sectors, preparing you to take responsibility for coordinating and managing contracts and partnerships. There is also the option to continue your studies by progressing on to our MSc Strategic Project Management.Client Representative
The MSc in Commercial Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of commercial projects by providing students with an understanding of the both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as the organisational and strategic aspects; it also stresses the commercial aspects of project management: for example, marketing and sales, financial management, procurement, bidding and contract management.
This MSc is one of four MSc courses within the Management of Projects Group of Programmes. The other MSc courses are: Management of Projects, Construction Project Management and Engineering Project Management.
The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering has a long history of delivering project management related masters courses and the staff who deliver the programme are drawn for a wide variety of backgrounds and industrial experience.
The Commercial Project Management MSc is a full time course which is studied over 12 months, starting in September each year. The course comprises eight taught course units, each worth 15 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Students on this particular MSc study four core units fundamental to project management, and which are shared by students on the other MSc courses. In addition, students on this course study Contract Management and programme specific unit, Commercial Management, where students work in teams to produce documents related to the buying and selling side of a case study activity. Students must also select two optional units and carry out a Commercial Project Management based dissertation.
Assessment of the taught part of the programme is via a combination of formal written examinations and coursework assignments, which will include group work and oral presentations. Some assessment is based on online material provided by the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 (a process-based method for effective project management).
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
The MSc Commercial Project Management Programme acquaints students with the basic processes of project management but focuses more specifically on the commercial aspects of project management, the establishment of stable, profitable and low-risk exchange relationships for project procurement or sales and the management of the contracts that represent these relationships in a range of project settings. Practical skills in the buy and side project procurement, contract management and conflict and dispute resolution are developed. Successful graduates of this programme find employment in a wide range of commercial-related roles, from forensic delay analysis to quantity surveying to general project management in companies such as Blackrock, Costain, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Yendall Hunter, PwC.
The MSc in Commercial Project Management is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as an Approved Further Learning Schemes for Chartered Engineer. The JBM represents the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers. This means that successful completion of the MSc will enable applicants with an accredited first degree at BEng level, to become chartered engineers.
Students who successfully complete the unit MACE 60062 Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution optional unit are eligible for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management MSc addresses the strategic role of these two critical functions of organisations. It also examines the impact of changes in the regulatory and policy environment, and the effect of new technologies and techniques on current and future problems within the supply chain.
During the course, you will develop your knowledge of best practice in purchasing and supply chain management, and enhance your understanding of the importance of business process and activity integration through our range of modules.
The sectors of purchasing and supply chain are expanding, leaving our Master’s graduates attractive on the job market. Depending on your interests and desired career path, you will have the opportunity to specialise in international law or project management as part of this course.
Our range of core and option modules on this course equips you with the specialist knowledge to identify problems and develop solutions within both purchasing and the wider supply chain. Our lecturers combine traditional lectures with games to illustrate logistics and supply chain and talks by external speakers from the industry.
A highlight for many students is the field trips and social events organised throughout the course which provide an opportunity for networking and extending your learning in new environments.
Read about a recent field trip to the Siemens Urban Sustainability Centre on our blog.
On this course, you will also benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
Option modules
As part of this course, you have the opportunity to obtain a PRINCE2 Foundation certification in project management. You will also be eligible for a Professional SAP Certification discount.
All students on our full-time Business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme, which forms part of the Reflective Practitioner Module.
The internship allows you to test drive a career and explore one of your career interests before you complete your Postgraduate studies!
Completing an 8-12 week accredited internship helps students gain invaluable work experience. This fantastic work experience can be taken in addition to option modules. Students are responsible for finding their own internship with the support of the Business Experience Team.
To express an interest in the module, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV. This will give students membership a dedicated website that offers exclusive access to internship vacancies, one to-one CV guidance appointments, mock interviews, employability workshops and much more.
Students can apply to London-based organisations and have the flexibility to take their internship in the summer period or alongside their studies.
Every year we receive very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.
Find out about postgraduate internships
Past students of the course have developed successful careers in both supply chain management and procurement. Course graduates work in both large and small to medium companies all over the world. Examples include Unilever, Puma, and Sony. In today's complex and demanding environment where sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative are sought, this course will help you acquire the qualities to either advance in your current role, or gain new employment. Areas of work you could consider include purchasing and contract management, supply chain management, operations/logistics management and supply chain planning and development.
Alternatively, you might want to continue onto research or further study. On successful completion of the course, if you have three years' relevant work experience you may be awarded Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) status. Alternatively, you can apply to CIPS for MCIPS status at a later date, once you have acquired the necessary work experience.
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management MSc addresses the strategic role of these two critical functions of organisations. It also examines the impact of changes in the regulatory and policy environment, and the effect of new technologies and techniques on current and future problems within the supply chain.
During the course, you will develop your knowledge of best practice in purchasing and supply chain management, and enhance your understanding of the importance of business process and activity integration through our range of modules.
The sectors of purchasing and supply chain are expanding, leaving our Master’s graduates attractive on the job market. Depending on your interests and desired career path, you will have the opportunity to specialise in international law or project management as part of this course.
Our range of core and option modules on this course equips you with the specialist knowledge to identify problems and develop solutions within both purchasing and the wider supply chain. Our lecturers combine traditional lectures with games to illustrate logistics and supply chain and talks by external speakers from the industry.
A highlight for many students is the field trips and social events organised throughout the course which provide an opportunity for networking and extending your learning in new environments.
Read about a recent field trip to the Siemens Urban Sustainability Centre on our blog.
On this course, you will also benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
Option modules
As part of this course, you have the opportunity to obtain a PRINCE2 Foundation certification in project management. You will also be eligible for a Professional SAP Certification discount.
The course is currently accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Successful graduates can apply for Membership status. Note that CIPS accreditation is renewed annually.
All students on our full-time Business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme, which forms part of the Reflective Practitioner Module.
The internship allows you to test drive a career and explore one of your career interests before you complete your Postgraduate studies!
Completing an 8-12 week accredited internship helps students gain invaluable work experience. This fantastic work experience can be taken in addition to option modules. Students are responsible for finding their own internship with the support of the Business Experience Team.
To express an interest in the module, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV. This will give students membership a dedicated website that offers exclusive access to internship vacancies, one to-one CV guidance appointments, mock interviews, employability workshops and much more.
Students can apply to London-based organisations and have the flexibility to take their internship in the summer period or alongside their studies.
Every year we receive very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.
Find out about postgraduate internships
Past students of the course have developed successful careers in both supply chain management and procurement. Course graduates work in both large and small to medium companies all over the world. Examples include Unilever, Puma, and Sony. In today's complex and demanding environment where sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative are sought, this course will help you acquire the qualities to either advance in your current role, or gain new employment. Areas of work you could consider include purchasing and contract management, supply chain management, operations/logistics management and supply chain planning and development.
Alternatively, you might want to continue onto research or further study. On successful completion of the course, if you have three years' relevant work experience you may be awarded Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) status. Alternatively, you can apply to CIPS for MCIPS status at a later date, once you have acquired the necessary work experience.
The MSc in Construction Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of construction projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as the organisational and strategic aspects; it also stresses the project control mechanisms of resource management, budgeting and cost management, change control, contract management and information management.
This MSc is one of four MSc courses within the Management of Projects Group of Programmes. The other MSc courses are: Management of Projects, Commercial Project Management and Engineering Project Management.
The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering has a long history of delivering project management related masters courses and the staff who deliver the programme are drawn for a wide variety of backgrounds and industrial experience.
The Construction Project Management MSc is a full time course which is studied over 12 months, starting in September each year. The course comprises eight taught course units, each worth 15 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Students on this particular MSc study four core units fundamental to project management, and which are shared by students on the other MSc courses. In addition, the Construction Project Management Professional Practice unit is programme specific unit which is designed to simulate the major challenges to delivering a successful construction/civil engineering project through the medium of a `live' case study approach. Students must also select three option units and carry out a Construction Project Management based dissertation.
Assessment of the taught part of the programme is via a combination of formal written examinations and coursework assignments, which will include group work and oral presentations. Some assessment is based on online material provided by the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 (a process-based method for effective project management).
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
Graduates of the Construction Project Management MSc are highly regarded by industry. This course offers students a unique blend between academic excellence, problem-based learning and industry practice. During their studies, students are required to immerse their knowledge in `live case studies', where actual construction/engineering projects are selected as part of the curriculum.
Our recent graduates go on to work with large multinational organisations globally, such as:
The MSc in Construction Project Management is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineer. The JBM represents the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers. This means that successful completion of the MSc will enable applicants with an accredited first degree at BEng level to become chartered engineers.
The School has a Partnership arrangement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and this MSc is accredited by the RICS Project Management Faculty.
Students who successfully complete the unit MACE 60062 Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution option unit are eligible for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
The Cranfield Procurement and Supply Chain Management MSc builds upon the world-renowned Cranfield Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The programme has been co-designed with senior procurement and supply chain professionals and is delivered by Europe's largest specialist supply chain management faculty. It will provide you with the specialist knowledge and skills that you need to further your career as a procurement and supply chain professional.
Cranfield School of Management was ranked 1st outside US and 11th globally in the Supply Chain Management World ‘University 100’ annual survey 2016, and 2nd in the Top 20 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, for providing young people in this field with the skills and mix of expertise required to develop as supply chain leaders of the future.
More than just an academic institution, Cranfield School of Management’s world-class research, expertise and teaching result in practical management solutions that are transforming the world of business today. For 50 years, we have been working with leading companies across the globe, pursuing our mission to improve the practice of management.
Our aim is to develop procurement and supply chain professionals who can take the skills they develop on our programme and make a significant difference in the marketplace. Many of our faculty are regarded as leading experts in this area, combining excellent reputations for teaching with experience drawn from the commercial world. Our approach to teaching is designed to nurture your practical business skills and confidence, and places huge emphasis on real-world challenges.
You will gain an in-depth understanding of supply chain strategy and sustainability, procurement strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, negotiation and contract management, how to analyse and design effective supply chain operations, how to use data, models and software to solve problems and inform decisions, inventory and operations management, accounting, freight transport and project management.
Modules include a combination of interactive lectures, participative workshops, case studies and presentations from high-profile visiting speakers.
In addition to the modules, the individual thesis offers the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed on the programme.
Our full-time faculty team work closely with our advisory board of senior logistics and procurement professionals from global organisations. Their experience and advice drives the continued development of our supply chain courses ensuring they are relevant for today’s global supply chain environment. Our faculty is also supported by a diverse team of international visiting industry speakers and professors.
Our Procurement and Supply Chain Management MSc is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible for full membership of both institutes.
Cranfield School of Management is also the first UK-based University to gain the European Logistics Association accreditation. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for the designation cESLOG (European logistician), which is valid for five years.
The course comprises 12 modules comprised of 10 compulsory and two electives. Additionally, you select a further two elective modules, allowing you to tailor the course to suit your personal career plan. You will have the opportunity to attend a study tour, subject to additional cost. The culmination of the learning process is the individual thesis project.
Study Tour
The study tour is a unique opportunity to experience a supply chain perspective in a different economic region in Europe. You will gain first-hand experience of how supply strategies in the region are influenced by different pressures (both internal and external) and you will gain a rich understanding of the differences between supply chain practices. The tour normally takes place over three to four days. On your return you will have gained valuable insights and will appreciate the diverse nature of supply chain management.
Please note that the study tour is subject to additional costs.
Individual Project
You will undertake an empirical research project for your individual thesis, enabling you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt during the course. This provides the opportunity to work in an original way, and may involve undertaking a project with either an industrial sponsor or on a Cranfield led project, the topics of which cover a broad range of areas.
Assessment
Taught modules 60%, individual project 40%
95% of School of Management students were employed within 3 months of graduation*.
The Cranfield Career Development Service offers a comprehensive service to help you develop a set of career management skills that will remain with you throughout your career.
During your course you will receive support and guidance to help you plan an effective strategy for your personal and professional development, whether you are looking to secure your first management role, or wanting take your career to the next level.
The Procurement and Supply Chain Management MSc will run for the first time in 2016/17. Cranfield MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduates have secured jobs with a diverse range of companies including Airbus, Tata Consultancy Services, Group Lotus, Adidas, Lidl, BMW Group, Toyota Motors, HelloFresh, KPMG, Kuehne & Nagel, Bentley, Saint Gobain, United Biscuits, Heineken, Eli Lilly UK, Unilever and Deutsche Bank. Their roles have included Buyer, Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager, Demand Planner and Supply Chain Operations Manager.
*based on those students for whom we hold data, across all School of Management full-time master's courses (2015/16 cohort).
This innovative postgraduate construction course is aimed at graduates who are already in, or have been in, construction-related employment, and who aspire to senior positions in the field of commercial management. The course aims to develop your awareness of the importance of construction projects to clients, and the context and constraints within which projects are procured and undertaken.
You will gain greater knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts, principles, techniques, and intellectual and practical skills needed for the commercial management of construction projects. You will have the opportunity to plan and implement a personal research project related to commercial management. The course utilises web based technologies in the delivery and extensive use is made of enquiry based learning to enhance lifelong learning skills.
The blended learning approach offers flexible access to the core content, while still providing the discipline and structure of regular attendance at the University. The design of the part-time course recognises the significant challenges of combining postgraduate-level study with full-time professional employment.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
Optional modules
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Many of our students have already started on a career path in the construction industry. Whether they are architects, interior designers, surveyors, engineers, construction managers or property developers, what they have in common is they aspire to move to more senior management positions in the construction industry. Some wish to become Chartered Surveyor or Chartered Builders.
The Sheffield Hallam Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (Facilities Management) is designed for estates and facilities managers who want to improve their skills, leadership, knowledge and experience to advance their career into senior management. On successful completion of this course you receive the British Institute for Facilities Management (BIFM) level 7 Diploma.
This unique course focuses on developing leading edge knowledge and skill sets, improving your ability to successfully lead and manage organisations in an ever changing and increasingly competitive environment. It meets the needs of people who manage in-sourced or out-sourced facilities for their own organisation or provide facilities management services to other organisations.
The philosophy behind the course is that in any organisation facilities management is a distinct discipline that supports the core business relationship between people, process and place.
Projects tailored to your organisation's needs
We tailor assignments and projects to the needs of your organisation or your own areas of interest, which maximises the value of your studies. Your organisation also has the opportunity to provide input into your learning and contribute to your development.
Applied learning through case studies
As you progress through the course you apply your learning by problem-solving real or simulated case studies. This helps you to identify and deal with links and tensions between different areas of an organisation.
Flexible course design
The course is designed to be flexible so that you can work comfortably with your existing commitments. We use university-based block study with self managed study time, so you can easily complete the course from anywhere within the UK or overseas. You can also study modules as and when it is suits you, enabling you to progress at a pace that meets your needs.
This course is accredited by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM). Successful completion of the course gives you the formal professional certified membership (CBIFM) and, as a recognised British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) centre, also gives you a level 7 BIFM Diploma in Facilities Management.
One year university-based study blocks
This course contains four modules that must be completed to achieve the Postgraduate Certificate and the BIFM Level 7 Diploma. On successul completion of these four modules, you may wish to consider transferring to the Executive MBA in Facilities Management (the modules represent the first year of the Executive MBA).
Each module involves a three-day study block and self-managed study time.
This flexible attendance means that the course has minimal impact on your work or personal time and you can be based anywhere in the UK or overseas.
Starts October, although students can enter the course in January, April and June dependent on student numbers.
Core modules:
This module provides an essential and critical perspective of facilities management as a profession, covering facilities management theories, models and practice.
The module develops your critical understanding of strategic project management. It develops your knowledge of project management processes coupled with the ability to apply project management concepts in the life cycle of projects. It provides insights into contractual issue in relation to projects, including management of the contracting process and contract performance.
The module develops your critical understanding of the management of property assets and provide insights in to the ways property can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the organisation. Modern drivers of change such as globalisation, technology and innovation in work practices will be analysed and explored. It will encourage critical reflection on the importance of alignment between property and organisational strategy.
Facilities management professionals are operating in a complex and rapidly changing business environment which is increasingly reliant upon the effective collaboration and communication with a range of professionals in the private, not for profit and public sectors. Within this context, the module develops your knowledge of the complexity of leadership and change, through real world diagnosis and application, and awareness of the diverse spectrum of related concepts, models and theories.
Modules are assessed through portfolios which may be made up from a number of tasks.
If you are employed in estates or facilities management this qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to improve your performance in your present job and helps you to progress more rapidly up the career ladder in areas such as property and premises management, facilities and general management.
This course is accredited by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM). Successful completion of the course gives you the formal professional certified membership (CBIFM) and, as a recognised British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) centre, also gives you a level 7 BIFM Diploma in Facilities Management.
On the MSc International Management course you will develop an understanding of a range of global businesses, their operations and the cultural differences of international management. You will study the various business functions, such as marketing, finance and strategy, taking in to account global environmental factors (economic, political and social) in which international organisations operate.
One of the big differences on this course is the focus on acquiring the skills you will need to work in international organisations. You will learn about a range of international organisations and develop your general management skills and intercultural management skills. You will gain practical experience by working on a live consultancy project for a commercial or not-for-profit organisation and have the opportunity to take part in field trips to study organisations in other countries.
With this master's degree, graduates go on to successful international careers with a range of commercial and not-for-profit organisations around the world.
Compulsory modules
On the MSc International Management course you will study the compulsory modules listed below, and then choose between completing a dissertation or client based research project.
Please see the course structure chart.
You can choose between taking a Consultancy Project module or the International Management in Practice: Study Trip module
Elective modules:
You choose two optional modules, enabling you to pursue your own study interests. Presentations are made in Semester 1 so that you are well informed before nominating your preferred choices.
Capstone Module Choice
You will choose one of the following capstone modules that best suits your academic interests or professional development requirements.
This course is dual accredited by CMI – a CMI accreditation means you have the option to graduate with your degree and gain a professional CMI qualification (Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership) and there’s no extra study involved. This accreditation is not only a hallmark of excellence, but also provides you with benefits. For example, student members can access online content, networking events, company visits, online seminars and mentoring.
Much of the teaching on the course takes the form of interactive workshops, but there are also lectures from staff and visiting speakers. Lectures, discussions, role-play exercises and seminars are linked with selected case studies and assessments to strengthen your practical analysis and decision-making skills. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in working as part of a team through structured group assignments.
Teaching staff at the Business School are researchers and/or from an industry background with an in-depth practical experience of business and management issues. Visiting speakers from business, industry, consultancies and research bodies provide further input.
Each module is assessed using a range of different methods including examinations, assignments, individual or group reports and group presentations. This range of assessments will help you to develop the analytical and presentational that employers within different organisations look for.
At Headington we have developed outstanding facilities. Our John Henry Brookes Building is the most significant project in the history of Oxford Brookes University. Set at the heart of our Headington campus, it has been designed for the future of higher education and has transformed the experiences of our students and the entire University community. Find out more about the John Henry Brookes Building.
We're investing over £30m to create modern teaching and learning facilities and creating a new home at Headington for the Business School.
Set to be complete in 2017, you'll see:
Our library provides specialist business resources (both hard copy and via online access) to UK and overseas companies' annual reports, statistics on all aspects of business and management, a wide range of constantly updated key texts, and postgraduate MA, MBA, MSc and PhD theses.
We offer an International Business in Practice Study Trip module. The purpose of this study trip is to give postgraduate students a hands-on, intensive experience with the ideas and practices of global business. The programme will include presentations from local management executives and experts. Students will have direct interaction with management executives and practices through site visits to major corporations and agencies.
This study trip is voluntary and all costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you. It is not linked to university assessments in any way. If you successfully complete this module you will have the following non-credit bearing module recorded on your transcript: P58335 International Business in Practice: Study Trip.
Field trips are optional and incur a cost.
