MSc
Construction Science and Management MSc
Construction Science and Management

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Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2023

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Academic Years

Course Overview

Lincoln's MSc Construction Science and Management responds to the global challenges that built environments face: changes in climate, technology, urbanisation, population dynamics, and governance. These challenges require innovative leadership from built environment professionals in order to adapt appropriately.

This Chartered Institute of Building accredited programme is designed to further develop students' knowledge and understanding of the science of buildings, and the management of the construction process in order to fulfil their professional duties in creating, improving, and sustaining the built environment. It provides a holistic perspective of construction management processes and the global challenges facing the modern construction industry.

Recent graduates from construction and other related disciplines may find this programme beneficial to develop their technical knowledge and the management skills required for a fast-track career in the construction industry. It is also suited to experienced construction professionals who aspire to senior management positions in the UK and overseas. It can also open up opportunities to progress to MPhil/PhD research studies in the fields of construction science, construction technology, and construction management.

The programme is designed around the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Education Framework, and the curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry partners. The programme content is informed by state-of-the-art research carried out by academics across the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment. This includes research on latest trends in lean and sustainable construction. The programme is offered as a one-year full-time modular course or two-year flexible modular course.

Course Overview

Lincoln's MSc Construction Science and Management responds to the global challenges that built environments face: changes in climate, technology, urbanisation, population dynamics, and governance. These challenges require innovative leadership from built environment professionals in order to adapt appropriately.

This Chartered Institute of Building accredited programme is designed to further develop students' knowledge and understanding of the science of buildings, and the management of the construction process in order to fulfil their professional duties in creating, improving, and sustaining the built environment. It provides a holistic perspective of construction management processes and the global challenges facing the modern construction industry.

Recent graduates from construction and other related disciplines may find this programme beneficial to develop their technical knowledge and the management skills required for a fast-track career in the construction industry. It is also suited to experienced construction professionals who aspire to senior management positions in the UK and overseas. It can also open up opportunities to progress to MPhil/PhD research studies in the fields of construction science, construction technology, and construction management.

The programme is designed around the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Education Framework, and the curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry partners. The programme content is informed by state-of-the-art research carried out by academics across the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment. This includes research on latest trends in lean and sustainable construction. The programme is offered as a one-year full-time modular course or two-year flexible modular course.

This course has now closed for international applications for January 2024 entry.

Why Choose Lincoln

course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building

Opportunities for interdisciplinary working

Links to industry

Complete a research project in a specialist area

A view of Nicola de la Haye Building

How You Study

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical exercises, site visits, field trips, and workshops with industry experts, this course aims to prepare students for a broad range of career paths within the construction sector.

Students can benefit from our research-active team of academic staff within the school, who have well-established links to industry through their research contributions and previous work experience.

The structure of the course will comprise a number of modules covering the subject areas required by the CIOB.

The course will also include a Research Methods and Master's dissertation module, an essential research element of the curriculum. Specialist research training will be delivered to help students develop their research skills and prepare their research proposal for a substantial written research project dissertation in any area relating to construction science and management.

Interdisciplinary Structure

The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment is proud of its interdisciplinary structure and students in Construction Science and Management are likely to be working alongside postgraduate students from other disciplines, particularly architecture. We are proud of our construction industry connections which enable us to provide students with opportunities for construction site visits, and the potential for work placements and graduate employment.

Contact Hours and Independent Study

Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study. Postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

How You Study

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical exercises, site visits, field trips, and workshops with industry experts, this course aims to prepare students for a broad range of career paths within the construction sector.

Students can benefit from our research-active team of academic staff within the school, who have well-established links to industry through their research contributions and previous work experience.

The structure of the course will comprise a number of modules covering the subject areas required by the CIOB.

The course will also include a Research Methods and Master's dissertation module, an essential research element of the curriculum. Specialist research training will be delivered to help students develop their research skills and prepare their research proposal for a substantial written research project dissertation in any area relating to construction science and management.

Interdisciplinary Structure

The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment is proud of its interdisciplinary structure and students in Construction Science and Management are likely to be working alongside postgraduate students from other disciplines, particularly architecture. We are proud of our construction industry connections which enable us to provide students with opportunities for construction site visits, and the potential for work placements and graduate employment.

Contact Hours and Independent Study

Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study. Postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the University of Lincoln has CIOB Accredited Centre Status.

Blue letters spelling C I O B for Chartered Institute of Construction

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Advanced Construction Law 2024-25BTE9002MLevel 72024-25Construction law has a significant impact on the behaviour, performance and outcomes of construction projects and organisations. This module is designed to equip students with an advanced understanding of various aspects of construction law, including contract law, commercial law, dispute resolution methods, corporate social responsibility from a legal perspective, and CDM 2015 roles and duties of contractors and clientsCoreAdvanced Construction Technology and Innovation 2024-25BTE9003MLevel 72024-25The last decade has seen significant developments in construction technology and innovation in the built environment. This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced construction technology and related innovations in this fieldCoreBIM and Integrated Project Delivery 2024-25BTE9004MLevel 72024-25This module promotes advanced understanding of the wider managerial, professional, technological, legal and sustainable context within which BIM operates, as well as the organization of the construction industry and its inter-disciplinary nature. The module presents the ever advancing practice in Building Information Modelling (BIM) as it relates to the forefront of built environment disciplines and the nature and value of professional integration in the construction industryCoreConstruction Process Management and Professional Practice 2024-25BTE9005MLevel 72024-25This module advances students’ skills and knowledge related to the management of construction processes at an operational level, together with an understanding of the fundamental requirements of operating professionally and ethicallyCoreConstruction Project Organisation and Governance 2024-25BTE9006MLevel 72024-25This module explores the wider institutional, project-organisational and commercial environments that surround the design and delivery of construction projects. It enables students to assess the global challenges confronting the construction industry, and to gain a thorough understanding of innovative business models and collaborative project delivery and governance approachesCoreMasters CSM Dissertation 2024-25BTE9007MLevel 72024-25The Masters Dissertation is a significant piece of original, critical research that students undertake throughout the latter part of their programme that is primarily independent and self-managed by them, under the supervision of an assigned dissertation supervisorCoreMasters CSM Research Methods 2024-25BTE9009MLevel 72024-25This module advances students’ ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing research methodologies, confirm research topics and applied and theoretical approaches appropriate to their research aims and objectives. Students will be required to identify theories and research methodologies appropriate to the context of their own research problem and be able to produce a rigorous research proposalCoreProject and Contract Risk Management 2024-25BTE9008MLevel 72024-25This module provides students with the opportunity to explore relevant theory and practice in the areas of project risk, procurement and contract managementCoreStrategic Management and Leadership 2024-25BTE9010MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to make students think strategically about the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of organisationsCoreSustainable Building Design, Construction and Performance 2024-25BTE9011MLevel 72024-25Globally, construction industries are responsible for about half of worldwide carbon emissions, and global, national, and regional legislation is a key driver in improving the energy and carbon efficiency of the built environment. This module covers the fundamental principles of, and imperatives for, sustainable and low carbon design, construction and occupation of buildings. This includes the complex, challenging, and sometimes contradictory elements of legislation that drive our collective response to climate change. The fundamental methodologies for designing, constructing, and occupying sustainable buildings starts with the site, and a thorough understanding of the impact of the environmental and physical surroundings of a building. It then considers the construction process and how to make this most efficient, lean, and sustainable by minimising impact. Finally, it considers behavioural issues relating to occupancy and use of the buildings we live and work in, in order to minimise the impact on the environment.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Advanced Construction Law 2023-24BTE9002MLevel 72023-24Construction law has a significant impact on the behaviour, performance and outcomes of construction projects and organisations. This module is designed to equip students with an advanced understanding of various aspects of construction law, including contract law, commercial law, dispute resolution methods, corporate social responsibility from a legal perspective, and CDM 2015 roles and duties of contractors and clientsCoreAdvanced Construction Technology and Innovation 2023-24BTE9003MLevel 72023-24The last decade has seen significant developments in construction technology and innovation in the built environment. This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced construction technology and related innovations in this fieldCoreBIM and Integrated Project Delivery 2023-24BTE9004MLevel 72023-24This module promotes advanced understanding of the wider managerial, professional, technological, legal and sustainable context within which BIM operates, as well as the organization of the construction industry and its inter-disciplinary nature. The module presents the ever advancing practice in Building Information Modelling (BIM) as it relates to the forefront of built environment disciplines and the nature and value of professional integration in the construction industryCoreConstruction Process Management and Professional Practice 2023-24BTE9005MLevel 72023-24This module advances students’ skills and knowledge related to the management of construction processes at an operational level, together with an understanding of the fundamental requirements of operating professionally and ethicallyCoreConstruction Project Organisation and Governance 2023-24BTE9006MLevel 72023-24This module explores the wider institutional, project-organisational and commercial environments that surround the design and delivery of construction projects. It enables students to assess the global challenges confronting the construction industry, and to gain a thorough understanding of innovative business models and collaborative project delivery and governance approachesCoreMasters CSM Dissertation 2023-24BTE9007MLevel 72023-24The Masters Dissertation is a significant piece of original, critical research that students undertake throughout the latter part of their programme that is primarily independent and self-managed by them, under the supervision of an assigned dissertation supervisorCoreMasters CSM Research Methods 2023-24BTE9009MLevel 72023-24This module advances students’ ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing research methodologies, confirm research topics and applied and theoretical approaches appropriate to their research aims and objectives. Students will be required to identify theories and research methodologies appropriate to the context of their own research problem and be able to produce a rigorous research proposalCoreProject and Contract Risk Management 2023-24BTE9008MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with the opportunity to explore relevant theory and practice in the areas of project risk, procurement and contract managementCoreStrategic Management and Leadership 2023-24BTE9010MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to make students think strategically about the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of organisationsCoreSustainable Building Design, Construction and Performance 2023-24BTE9011MLevel 72023-24Globally, construction industries are responsible for about half of worldwide carbon emissions, and global, national, and regional legislation is a key driver in improving the energy and carbon efficiency of the built environment. This module covers the fundamental principles of, and imperatives for, sustainable and low carbon design, construction and occupation of buildings. This includes the complex, challenging, and sometimes contradictory elements of legislation that drive our collective response to climate change. The fundamental methodologies for designing, constructing, and occupying sustainable buildings starts with the site, and a thorough understanding of the impact of the environmental and physical surroundings of a building. It then considers the construction process and how to make this most efficient, lean, and sustainable by minimising impact. Finally, it considers behavioural issues relating to occupancy and use of the buildings we live and work in, in order to minimise the impact on the environment.Core

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          Industry-based Research

                          The School engages in industry-based research, including a study undertaken by Professor Stephen Pretlove and Dr Saad Sarhan exploring ways to improve stress management and productivity in construction projects. The team also collaborated as joint editors of a special edition of the renowned journal Construction Economics and Building, which focused on future directions for lean and sustainable construction.

                          A building pointing into the sky

                          How you are assessed

                          There are a variety of different assessment methods adopted across this programme and this will vary for each module. The methods can include:

                          - Assignments
                          - Critical reviews
                          - Essays
                          - Formal examinations
                          - Practical exercises
                          - Presentations
                          - Technical reports.

                          The variety of assessment methods is designed to enable the further development of many skills required by professionals in the modern construction industry, including those in communication, leadership, team-work, critical reflection, and creative problem-solving.

                          Assessment Feedback

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          There are a variety of different assessment methods adopted across this programme and this will vary for each module. The methods can include:

                          - Assignments
                          - Critical reviews
                          - Essays
                          - Formal examinations
                          - Practical exercises
                          - Presentations
                          - Technical reports.

                          The variety of assessment methods is designed to enable the further development of many skills required by professionals in the modern construction industry, including those in communication, leadership, team-work, critical reflection, and creative problem-solving.

                          Assessment Feedback

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          I'm pleased to be a student at this internationally acclaimed University with quality staff and facilities. I’m enjoying this well-structured course, which focuses on improving the skills and knowledge for those looking for management roles in the construction industry.

                          Judith Eze

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          How to Apply
                          A student listening in a seminar

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject and preferably experience in practice. Applicants with significant industrial experience will be considered and invited to attend an interview.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Entry Requirements 2023-24

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject and preferably experience in practice. Applicants with significant industrial experience will be considered and invited to attend an interview.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Course -Specific Additional Costs

                          For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required, depending on your course. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation, and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay your own transportation, accommodation, and meal costs.

                          With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Course -Specific Additional Costs

                          For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required, depending on your course. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation, and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay your own transportation, accommodation, and meal costs.

                          With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Explore Funding Options
                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Career Development

                          Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. 

                          Mid-career professionals may find that this programme can provide a solid foundation for career progression to senior management positions in the global construction industry. Graduates without experience may find this course an excellent way to develop specialist knowledge and skills, enhancing their career prospects in any of the following roles:

                          • Construction/Project Manager
                          • Site Manager
                          • Quantity Surveyor
                          • Production and Performance Managers in construction
                          • BIM Manager/Coordinator
                          • Planner/Estimator
                          • Building Control Surveyor
                          • Facilities Manager

                          Why Postgraduate Study?

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Dr Saad Sarhan

                          ssarhan@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          Upcoming Postgraduate Events
                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.