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Dr Saad Sarhan - Programme Leader
Dr Saad Sarhan is a programme leader and senior lecturer in Construction Management. He is actively researching on latest trends in lean construction, construction project procurement, and sustainable construction. He has recently won the 2019/20 Building and Civil Engineering Charitable Trust's Occupational Health Research Award, an annual grant of twenty-five thousand pounds for research benefiting the UK construction industry.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Construction Science and Management
Researchers in the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment contribute to an interdisciplinary community working to advance knowledge and to address the emerging challenges facing the built environment industry. This programme is designed to support the career development of future construction science and management leaders.
MPhil/PhD Construction Science and Management is supported by the School's research themes, which include construction science, technology, materials, and management. Within this very broad area we examine issues such as climate change, innovations in construction science, contemporary and traditional building materials and techniques, fabrication efficiency, and the management of the construction process.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Construction Science and Management
Researchers in the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment contribute to an interdisciplinary community working to advance knowledge and to address the emerging challenges facing the built environment industry. This programme is designed to support the career development of future construction science and management leaders.
MPhil/PhD Construction Science and Management is supported by the School's research themes, which include construction science, technology, materials, and management. Within this very broad area we examine issues such as climate change, innovations in construction science, contemporary and traditional building materials and techniques, fabrication efficiency, and the management of the construction process.
How You Study
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students are introduced to relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations in postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
Research areas in the School can include construction science and management; sustainable built environments; cultural, social, and spatial characteristics of the built environment and communities; history and theory of architecture; urban design; and environmental design.
A structured programme of research skills training is designed to enable students to develop the competencies required for research and potential careers in research. Assessment normally takes place in the form of the submission of a final written research thesis.
An experienced supervisory team is appointed to offer expertise, support, and guidance on research and can support students in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work. There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching in the School, following appropriate training.
How You Study
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students are introduced to relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations in postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
Research areas in the School can include construction science and management; sustainable built environments; cultural, social, and spatial characteristics of the built environment and communities; history and theory of architecture; urban design; and environmental design.
A structured programme of research skills training is designed to enable students to develop the competencies required for research and potential careers in research. Assessment normally takes place in the form of the submission of a final written research thesis.
An experienced supervisory team is appointed to offer expertise, support, and guidance on research and can support students in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work. There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching in the School, following appropriate training.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Key areas of interest include:
- Environmental design
- Construction science and technology
- Energy, carbon, and buildings
- Procurement of sustainable buildings
- Health, comfort, and wellbeing
- Material innovations
- Conservation of heritage buildings
- Modern methods of construction
- Digital engineering in construction
- BIM and integrated project delivery
- Construction project management
- Lean construction
- Construction procurement
- Social value in construction
Industry-based Research
Head of School Professor Stephen Pretlove and Programme Leader Dr Saad Sarhan recently undertook a research study exploring ways to improve stress management and productivity in construction projects. Funded by B&CE’s charitable trust, the study found that problems with workflow are a leading source of stress in the industry.
The team also collaborated as joint editors of a special edition of the renowned journal Construction Economics and Building. The special edition focused on future directions for lean and sustainable construction.
How you are assessed
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
How you are assessed
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class Honours degree in a relevant subject.
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 6.0 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
First or upper second class Honours degree in a relevant subject.
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 6.0 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.
Career and Personal Development
The global construction market is forecast to grow by more than 70% by 2050 and the industry needs to be prepared for this challenge. On a global level we are facing unprecedented challenges and changes. Changes in climate, technology, urbanisation, population dynamics, and governance require innovative leadership from built environment professionals in order to adapt appropriately.
The UK is renowned for its expertise in architecture and innovations in building technology and engineering, and leads the world in sustainable construction. On a global scale, during the next 20 years, urban growth will require over a billion more people to be accommodated in cities. We therefore recognise the need to develop new strategies for the mass production of a cost effective, flexible, adaptable, and sustainable built environment.
Environmental, social, and economic considerations drive what we build and how we build. There is significant pressure to improve the energy and carbon performance of existing buildings and to provide skills and knowledge in this area to construction professionals.
This programme is designed to support the career development of future construction science and management leaders and there are career prospects and opportunities in the UK and internationally in this rapidly growing field.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
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Research at Lincoln
Our research themes cover a unique set of areas, reflecting our role as a civic university and our aspirations to become thought leaders.

Studentships
There are opportunities to get involved in exciting research projects by applying for a studentship.

Supporting your Research
Support is available across the University, offering a friendly, creative, and academically challenging research environment.