MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management (With Sandwich Year)
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management with Sandwich Year program at the University of Gloucestershire is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the dynamic construction industry. This four-year program, including a valuable one-year industry placement (sandwich year), aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. The curriculum is structured to develop well-rounded construction project managers capable of overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Curriculum: The program's curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of construction project management. Early in the program, students typically establish a foundational understanding of the built environment, including construction technology and materials, as well as the economic and legal contexts of the industry. As the course progresses, the modules delve into more specialized areas such as project planning and control, procurement and contract administration, site management, and the crucial aspects of people and financial management within construction projects. Many programs now also incorporate modules on digital construction technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), to prepare graduates for the modern, technologically advanced construction landscape. The sandwich year provides a structured opportunity to apply this theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.
Research Focus: While a Bachelor's program, the University of Gloucestershire's approach to the BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management often incorporates research-informed teaching. This means that the curriculum is often shaped by the latest industry trends and academic research in the field of construction management. For students who choose to pursue further postgraduate study, such as an MSc in Construction Project Management, there is often a significant research component, allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within the discipline and contribute to the existing body of knowledge, potentially focusing on areas like sustainable construction, innovative technologies, or risk management.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management with Sandwich Year program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. The "sandwich year" is the most significant example of this, offering students a full year of professional work experience within a construction-related organization. Beyond the placement, the university often maintains close links with the construction industry through guest lectures delivered by industry professionals, site visits to ongoing construction projects, and the use of industry-standard software in teaching. These connections provide students with invaluable insights into the practicalities of the industry, enhance their professional networks, and significantly boost their employability upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The program typically aims to provide graduates with a global perspective on the construction industry. Recognizing that the construction sector operates on an international scale with shared challenges and opportunities, the curriculum often incorporates case studies and examples from international projects. While not always a mandatory component of the undergraduate degree itself, some universities, including Gloucestershire, may offer opportunities for international study trips or collaboration with international partners at the postgraduate level, further broadening students' understanding of global construction practices and the diverse cultural and regulatory contexts in which projects are undertaken worldwide.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates holding a BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management with a Sandwich Year from the University of Gloucestershire are highly sought after within the built environment sector. The combination of rigorous academic study and practical, year-long industry experience equips them with a diverse skill set applicable to a wide array of roles.
Construction Project Manager: This is the most direct career path. Graduates are well-prepared to manage all aspects of construction projects, from initial planning and design to execution and completion. Their responsibilities would include managing budgets, timelines, resources, and coordinating various teams on-site and off-site. The sandwich year provides a significant advantage in demonstrating real-world project management capabilities to potential employers.
Site Manager: This role involves the day-to-day management of a construction site. Graduates would be responsible for overseeing the construction process, ensuring work is carried out safely, to the required quality standards, and in accordance with the project plan. Their practical experience from the sandwich year makes them particularly suitable for this hands-on role.
Quantity Surveyor: With a strong understanding of construction costs and contracts gained from the program, graduates can pursue a career as a quantity surveyor. This involves estimating and controlling the costs of a construction project, from the initial tender stage through to the final account.
Contract Administrator: This role focuses on the contractual aspects of construction projects. Graduates would be responsible for administering the terms of the construction contract, managing payments, variations, and claims, and ensuring that both the client and the contractor fulfill their obligations.
Planner/Scheduler: Specializing in the planning and scheduling of construction projects, graduates in this role would develop and manage the project program, ensuring that all activities are sequenced logically and completed on time. They would utilize project management software and analytical skills developed during their studies.
Construction Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms providing expert advice to clients on various aspects of construction projects, including project feasibility, procurement strategies, risk management, and dispute resolution. Their broad knowledge base and practical experience are highly valued in this field.
Client-Side Project Manager: Rather than working directly for a contractor, graduates can work on the client's side, managing the client's interests throughout the project lifecycle. This involves briefing the design team, appointing the contractor, monitoring progress, and ensuring the project meets the client's objectives.
Health and Safety Manager: Given the paramount importance of health and safety in construction, graduates with a strong understanding of site operations can specialize in managing and promoting health and safety on construction sites, ensuring compliance with regulations and implementing safe working practices.
Business Development Manager (Construction Sector): Graduates with an understanding of the construction industry and business principles can work in business development roles for construction companies or related organizations, identifying new opportunities and securing contracts.
Further Study/Specialization: The BSc (Hons) provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study. Graduates might choose to specialize further by pursuing an MSc in a related field such as Construction Law, Digital Construction, or Real Estate, opening up even more specialized career opportunities and potentially leading to research-focused roles. The sandwich year experience can also help in identifying a specific area of interest for further academic pursuit.
