Blending Technical Expertise with Strategic Management Skills
Course Overview
The MSc Industrial Construction Management is an innovative programme designed to develop future industry leaders by blending technical expertise with strategic management skills. Delivered jointly by the Civil Engineering Department and the School of Management, it offers a unique combination of site-based construction expertise and office-based project leadership.
This programme goes beyond theoretical knowledge in Construction Management, emphasising practical skills, real-world scenarios, and hands-on experience through active engagement with industry leaders.
Endorsed by Temporary Works Forum (TWF), a prominent trade organisation in the construction sector, the programme features industry-led lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects. A significant portion of the curriculum is delivered by senior professionals from leading UK construction firms, offering exclusive insights into cutting-edge industry practices.
As a student on this programme, you will gain a strong foundation in construction methods, temporary works coordination, and comprehensive project management, ensuring you are industry-ready upon graduation.
By embedding graduate attributes, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary learning, this MSc in Construction Management provides a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience that can equip you with both the academic knowledge and professional competencies needed to excel in the construction industry.
Why Industrial Construction Management at Swansea?
The programme will draw on the expertise of academic staff from the Department of Civil Engineering as well as the School of Management, with research in management specialisms enriching the programme with insights that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world construction practices.
The structured, industry-aligned approach ensures that, as a graduate, you are equipped with both the academic knowledge and practical competencies needed for leadership roles in the construction sector.
The Department of Civil Engineering at Swansea has an established international reputation, and as a result is ranked in the:
Top 25 in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2025)
Top 25 in the UK for Research Rating (Times Good University Guide 2025)
Top 201-240 in the World for Engineering – Civil & Structural (QS World University Rankings 2024), and
100% of our Research Enivronment is Ranked as World-leading and Internationally Excellent (REF 2021)
Your studies will be supported by an international community of over 500 postgraduate students and 120 research staff within Engineering. Further support comes in the form of 24 hour access to our on-site library, advanced labs and facilities, a year-round programme of guest lectures, and dedicated postgraduate work rooms.
Your Industrial Construction Management Experience
This programme is built on the principle that effective construction professionals require both strong managerial capabilities and a deep understanding of engineering and site operations. Unlike traditional programmes that focus primarily on project planning and business management, this MSc integrates both strategic leadership and technical expertise to produce well-rounded graduates, well equipped for the complexities of modern construction projects.
A key pillar of this philosophy is industry collaboration. With direct input from the Temporary Works Forum (TWF) and leading professionals in the field, the programme ensures that you will gain first-hand insights into contemporary construction challenges, best practices, and emerging innovations. This real-world engagement enhances employability and bridges the gap between academic learning and industry needs.
The programme also embraces a global perspective, recognising that construction is an international industry with diverse regulations, cultural contexts, and sustainability challenges. By combining academic rigour with practical case studies, site-based learning, and industry-led modules, the MSc in Industrial Construction Management develops professionals who are adaptable, forward-thinking, and ready to lead in a rapidly evolving sector.
A key aspect of this integration is the strong industry collaboration, particularly with the Temporary Works Forum (TWF) and many leading UK construction companies, which provide industry-led teaching for three engineering modules (60 credits). This partnership ensures that you will receive training that is directly aligned with industry needs, gaining real-world experience and professional insights.
Industrial Construction Management Employment Opportunities
As a graduate of this programme, you will develop key entrepreneurial skills, including business and commercial awareness, problem-solving, leadership, risk management, networking, and digital adaptability.
These skills will be fostered through industry-led modules, guest lectures, site visits, and collaborative projects, readying you for leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures in the construction sector.
Graduates will be highly sought after for prominent roles in a variety of related specialisms, such as:
Construction and Project Management
Construction Project Manager
Site Manager
Contracts Manager
Engineering and Technical Consultancy
Construction Engineer
Temporary Works Coordinator
BIM (Building Information Modelling) Specialist
Commercial and Financial Roles
Quantity Surveyor
Cost Engineer
Procurement Manager
Health, Safety and Sustainability
Health and Safety Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Risk Management Specialist
Whether you are a recent graduate or an industry professional, this MSc bridges the gap between technical expertise and managerial excellence, making it the perfect pathway to a successful career in the industry.
Modules
The programme structure is as follows:
Term 1 (September – December): Two engineering modules (Construction Method and Temporary Works Coordination, Construction Methods in Building Works) and one management module (Project Management), each worth 20 credits.
Term 2 (February – May): Two management modules (Advanced Project Management, Strategic Management for Construction) and one engineering module (Construction Methods in Infrastructure Works), each worth 20 credits.
Term 3 (June – September): Students undertake an industry-defined group project, worth 60 credits.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
Sorry - we don't currently have information about modules for this course type
Entry Requirements
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.
Typical Offer
2:2
Entry Requirements
Note for international and European applicants:
details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
Applicants should hold a 2:2 (or equivalent) or above in a BSc or BEng in Civil Engineering, or in closely related subjects. No prior knowledge in management is required to take the course.
We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office are happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk for further information.
If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 5.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found at: www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements
This programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive blend of technical knowledge, managerial expertise, and industry exposure.
Our main learning and teaching methods include:
Large Lectures: Core theoretical concepts delivered to all students
Small Group Seminars & Tutorials: Interactive discussions and problem-solving
PC Labs: Hands-on training with industry-standard software
Practical Workshops & Site Visits: Real-world construction exposure
Industry-Led Sessions: Delivered by TWF professionals and guest lecturers
Group Work & Presentations: Encouraging teamwork and communication skills
The bulk of teaching will be delivered through lectures and seminars, supported by guest lectures from industry professionals. The practical element of the course will be facilitated through hands-on workshops and industry site visits to provide you with exposure to the workplace.
Your learning may be assessed through the following methods: coursework, written reports and oral presentations to assess your critical engagement with construction management principles; traditional examinations and practical projects which assess your comprehension and application of key theories; reflective reports and presentations to assess analytical reasoning and decision-making; simulation exercises and technical software training to aid real-world application of learning; group projects and leadership exercises to develop teamwork and decision-making skills, and self-directed research projects that promote deeper engagement with the subject matter.
In person teaching and practical skills development sessions will be supported by Canvas, which will serve as the primary e-learning platform for the programme, providing access to lecture materials, assignments, discussion forums, and announcements.
Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this
course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an
element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate
your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what
is possible.
Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the
University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel
Teifi is here to support you:
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
The following staff members from both the Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Management will be involved in the coordination and/or delivery of modules in the programme:
Prof Yuntian Feng, with over 30 years of teaching experience in Civil Engineering, will coordinate both the programme, the group project and the ‘Construction Methods in Building Works’ module.
Prof Chenfeng Li, the non-executive director of TWF, and a respected expert in the construction industry, will coordinate the ‘Construction Methods & Temporary Works Coordination’ module.
Prof Ed deSouza Nato, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, will coordinate the ‘Construction Methods in Infrastructure Works’ module.
Dr Dafydd Cotterell, Deputy Director of the BSc (Hons) Business Management programme with subject matter expertise within the area of orgnisational resilience. Dafydd lectures primarily within the area of Project Management and Crisis/Risk Management.
Mr David Bolton, Associate Professor and Programme Director for Undergraduate Business Management, lecturing in Entrepreneurship and Project Management. David has 20 years industry experience specialising in Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and economic and business support for the Welsh Government.
Professor Andrew Thomas, Dean of the School of Management and Professor of Engineering Management. Andrew’s main research interests include forensic engineering, maintenance management, engineering management, manufacturing strategy and operations Management. In his industrial career he undertook roles in aerospace, manufacturing and production engineering. Andrew is a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and Chartered Engineer.
In addition, approximately 15 industry experts will deliver lectures in three technical modules and supervise the group projects.
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
International students and part-time study:
It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation.
It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.).
Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
