Construction Project Management

Course overview

As a Construction Project Manager, your role in the building sector is essential, managing building projects from conception to completion, using HR and leadership skills to oversee the management of people whilst also optimising costs and ensuring the smooth running of any given project finding solutions to challenges.

Join our dynamic Construction Project Management degree, renowned for its dual accreditation by CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Strong industry connections guarantee valuable placements, securing excellent post-graduation job prospects for you after learning on our top-ranked Building degree (1st in the UK for student experience, Sunday Times 2023, and 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2024).

"This course offers a great blend of essential components for success in the construction industry. The lecturers are very friendly, welcoming, and supportive. Their wealth of knowledge helped me a lot during my dissertation which resulted in me achieving first-class honours. The course and department provide great opportunities for getting into industry which is really helpful for placements and graduate schemes".

Gurdeep Jandoo

BSc Construction Project Management

Student

Why Construction Project Management at Aston University?

Double accredited

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Excellent student experience

Building was ranked 1st in the UK for student experience 2023 Sunday Times

95% Learning Opportunities

95% of Construction Project Management students felt positive with the learning opportunities!

My experience studying Construction Project Management at Aston University

Quantity Surveying at Aston University

Construction Head of Group, Kenny Park, talks about what it’s like studying at Aston.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management

Acquire critical skills in construction project and commercial management. Delve into sustainability, cost planning, scheduling, and real-world challenges while experiencing Birmingham's urban development.

What we will provide
Your degree provides extensive support from CIOB and RICS, offering abundant resources. We will help you to obtain the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, crucial for safety and placements, and grant access to industry-standard software like costX. Collaborations with external certifying bodies boost qualification prospects, with an emphasis on your learning and career advancement.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

What you will provide
We appreciate students engaging in industry events which will add endless value to your time with us at Aston University. Students on this course must be happy to learn the important skills of people management, you must be open to effective cross-sector collaboration and have strong communication skills. Demonstrating initiative, job shadowing, internships, and placements to enhance industry readiness will also be valuable to your personal development.

What skills we teach
Your degree will help you develop key career skills such as effective communication, ethics, social responsibility, project management, procurement, people management and HR fundamentals, diversity appreciation, leadership, procurement, health and safety, materials, surveying, and digital construction, ensuring a well-rounded industry skill set.

Placement year
Optional, but encouraged, placements for this course will enhance your portfolio and add to your experience in the sector. Notable success stories from previous years include placements at Turner and Townsend, Balfour Beatty, RG Constructions, and Atkins, this year within industry will ensure real-world experience and industry connections are established and give you a head start against others.

Career prospects
Our construction project management graduates often securing roles with their placement companies. The versatile skills you will gain are even appealing beyond the industry, offering opportunities in finance, logistics, and management. Recent roles include Site Manager, Construction Project Manager, Risk Advisory Consultant and Structural Engineer, with graduates excelling in notable companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Royal Mail, and more.

How you will learn

You will be learning through practical-based projects using industry-relevant methods. You will gain extensive knowledge and skills through lectures, tutorials, and lab sessions for hands-on IT or civil engineering skills. Site visits, guest lectures, and assessments mirror real-world projects.

You can join likeminded students to collaborate and socialise in societies such as the Built Environment Society. Societies are student-led and the Built Environment Society often hosts CPD sessions, industry talks, and site visits which will help to enhance your practical knowledge and industry connections.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key construction project management concepts and an ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of construction project management that interest you.

First year

During your first year, you will explore topics such as construction technology, surveying, contract admin, and digital construction. You will gain crucial skills needed for project management, research and professional relationship-building. In addition, you’ll also build an understanding of business management and accounting which are pivotal competencies for your career.

Second year

Whilst studying in your second year you will focus on technical construction proficiency and key construction project management techniques. Notably, you'll particularly engage with digital construction as per the government's sector digitisation push. Industry-relevant skills will be honed, priming you for a successful placement year and future career.

Placement year

Encouraged placement years will broaden your skillset with industry relevant knowledge. Past students have undergone successful placements at renowned companies such as Turner and Townsend, Balfour Beatty, RG Constructions, and Atkins. This immersive industry experience establishes connections and helps you achieve a competitive edge in the job marketplace.

Final year

Finally for the last year of your degree, you will combine the knowledge you have acquired during the first three years of studies, focusing on an area of interest to you to produce a final year dissertation related to construction project management. You will be able to manage a project cohesively from design and scheduling through to costing. Further learning includes health and safety, risk management, measurement and quantification, estimation, contract law, and procurement will ensure you have a well-rounded grasp of construction's intricacies upon graduation.

My journey at Aston University

We caught up with BSc Construction Project Management student and Winner of the Women in Property Student Awards Nicole to speak to her about her experience at Aston and what the future holds.

Find out more

Facilities

Teaching won’t just be lectures, you’ll have workshops, guest lectures and visits to relevant sites to make sure your understanding is grounded in industry, ensuring you are ready for the working world when you graduate.

Complete your practical work in our brand new, state of art laboratory facilities in highway engineering, materials and structures, the latest industry-standard engineering software packages, and a well-resourced and staffed library.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through appropriately conceived learning experiences.
Provides a thorough grounding in the basic principles and associated practices required by the construction industry with particular emphasis on relevant management skills.
Provides you with an appropriately structured curriculum, combining teaching in theoretical and knowledge-based principles with practical skills training.
Prepares graduates with the qualities and skills that are in demand by potential employers and who can make a valuable contribution to society in general.
Offers you the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a placement year; and provides you with a working knowledge of the techniques and an understanding of the skills required by site and project managers within the construction industry.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Introductory Accounting for Business	15
Construction Materials and Surveying	30
BIM for Construction	15
Study and Research Skills	15
Building Professional Relationships	15
Construction Contract Management and Administration 1	15
Introduction to Business Management	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of science and mathematics required for construction
Be able to explain the fundamental concepts, technology and principles of construction
Have knowledge of data acquisition, analytical and problem-solving methods applicable to construction project management
Be able to undertake basic project finance and planning
Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and graphically
Have knowledge of study and ICT skills.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Construction Quantification and Costing	15
Building Information and Digital Construction	30
Health, Safety and Risk Management	15
Construction Contract Management and Administration 2	15
Building Design and Construction Technology	30
Procurement and Cost Management	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Describe the basic legislation and management principles relevant to commercial construction and project management
Analyse the requirements of a problem and select appropriate analytical processes to solve that problem
Apply contract practice within the construction project environment
Apply the principles of conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution
Identify and use procurement management skills
Recognise the role and responsibilities of the professional quantity surveyor in society.

Placement year modules

If you opt for an integrated placement, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Identify the relevance of the programme's discipline-specific and generic content to the world of work
Practice your team-working skills
Develop Independent learning skills to facilitate professional development.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Final Year Research Project	30
Construction Technology 3	30
Leadership and Human Resource Management	15
International Purchasing Principles	15
Construction Design, Costing and Scheduling Project	30
Total	120

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Discuss the political, social, environmental, economic and business environment in which the construction industry operates
Practice team-working skills
Apply problem-solving skills to industry
Plan, conduct and report on a programme of work leading to an end-product
Integrate and apply knowledge and methods from a variety of sources
Demonstrate the principles and applications relevant to construction project management through the life cycle.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
With any subjects:
BBC (standard offer)
BCC (If the student is also presenting either Core Maths* or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B)
BCC (contextual offer)

Including a science or technical subject:
BCC (standard offer)
CCC (If the student is also presenting either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B)
CCC (contextual offer)
Science or technical subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics, Geography and Geology.

*List of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Maths.
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: DDM
Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction
National Diploma and Diploma: DM plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade B
Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction plus 1 A Level at minimum Grade C
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: DM plus 2 A-level at minimum grade B
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-level minimum Grade B
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 points and above with 5, 5, 4 in higher level subjects if no science or technical subject studied.
28 overall points with 5, 4, 4 in higher level subjects including a science or technical subject.

Access with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at level 3.

Non-standard qualifications

Degree:

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade D
Digital Production, Design and Development Grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade D
Onsite Construction Grade D
Digital Business Services Grade D
Digital Support Services Grade D
Health Grade D
Healthcare Science Grade D
Science Grade D
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE Maths Grade B/5 and English Grade C/4 and above.

If the Level 3 qualification completed includes a preferred subject, the GCSE requirement is lowered to Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£18,150
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of methods including blending exams with coursework, portfolio submissions, and digital design on platforms. Assessing you through different practices will help gain an overall understanding of your knowledge with the bonus of less exam pressure.

Career prospects

Aston Universities construction project management graduates are in high demand, with many previous cohorts landing positions with their placement firms. Recent graduate roles include Construction and Project Management, Risk Advisory Consultancy, Procurement Advisor and Management, and Structural Engineering. Notable companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Turner and Townsend have hired previous Aston University graduates who are enjoying fantastic careers.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Construction Project Management at Aston?

Construction managers are in high demand as the construction industry continues to grow and thrive. An accredited course will give you all the skills and experience you need to lead a successful and fulfilling career in construction management.

How will a placement year benefit me?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills.

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham