Construction Cost Management MSc

This course provides a route for new entrants to the professional practice of Construction Cost Management or Quantity Surveying, who have taken degrees in non-related disciplines. It provides an introduction to the fundamental topics related to Construction Cost Management and an understanding of the latest academic theories and research, which inform vocational practice in the financial management of construction projects. The purpose is to prepare non-cognate graduates for a career in quantity surveying or financial management in construction.

The distinctive focus is on the principles, tools and techniques of financial and cost management from inception of a project, through to design and construction.

The course is for graduates from any discipline who are seeking a professional qualification leading to employment in a dynamic, exciting profession involving the application of financial, managerial and property design skills.

Construction and property cost consultancy is a thriving business activity which is seeking to recruit ambitious graduates from all disciplines who wish to enter a career in which they will develop in a climate of self-management and progress by making their own career choices. Property and construction cost consultants operate in an industry that provides essential, innovative and exciting facilities. They provide services to clients of the construction and property industries through the professional application of economic, financial, engineering, design, management and communication skills. The MSc in Construction Cost Management is designed to provide the basis of these skills for good graduates from all disciplines.

The course is offered as a one-year full-time modular course or two-year flexible modular course. It is accredited by RICS and CIOB.

What will you study?

Sample modules

• Construction project management
• Construction cost engineering
• Information systems in construction
• Urban sustainable development in emerging economies
• Real estate development analysis and appraisal

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a major individual research project. Guidance will be given on choosing a research topic, research techniques and the style and presentation of the finished document. Classes in research skills are provided as part of the dissertation module. Students will have their own carefully selected dissertation tutor whose role is to help them plan and successfully execute this key part of the programme.

Full-time

We offer a one-year, full-time modular course. It is taught with ten, one-week attendance periods at the University. The full-time programme starts in September each year.

Flexible part-time

We also offer a two-year, part-time modular course. It is taught with ten, one-week attendance periods at the University. The duration of the flexible route is strongly recommended as two years, but this is not fixed. The flexible course starts in September each year.

What career can you have?

The construction and property industry provides many of life's essential services. It is a large, varied and exciting industry. Cost managers in construction and property can work for consultancy practices, designers or construction firms. They provide the essential financial direction to projects while working with clients, architects, designers or building engineers. Cost managers require a unique mixture of skills, including design appreciation, financial and cost skills and management ability. The cost consultant firms associated with this established programme are looking to recruit graduates who wish to enter a demanding and rewarding profession. Those students who secure appropriate sponsorship from such firms can take the course in flexible mode while undertaking the required professional training for RICS qualification in parallel. Full-time students will carry out their professional training after completing the MSc.

Graduates will typically find employment in cost management or quantity surveying with public and private sector clients, consultants, or contractors in the building, civil engineering or oil and gas sectors.

Visit the Construction Cost Management MSc page on the University of Reading website for more details!