Construction Management with Industry Placement

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (good second class or above). If you have other qualifications and a number of years’ relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement is an international programme of advanced construction management studies and professional experience.

Learn to manage construction-related organisations from multiple perspectives: from the client, to the design team, to the contractor. You'll explore how the construction sector operates in both the developed and developing worlds, as well as the macro-economic and micro-economic factors that influence the sector.

Develop specialist expertise across a wide range of construction topics, including:

• business models for construction firms and the mapping of smart construction
• construction robotics and the changing role of project participants and their interactions with digital technologies
• modern methods of construction, with a particular focus on Design for Manufacturing Assembly (DFMA)
• project management
• construction contract law
• design management.

You'll also have the opportunity to select from a range of optional topics, for example, specialising in areas such as digital technologies, cost management, or carbon management, according to your career goals and personal interests.

The course is ideal for graduates from any discipline who are seeking a professional qualification and industry experience leading to employment in an exciting profession that involves the application of financial, managerial, and property design skills.

Why choose MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement at Reading?

We're one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment:

• The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top-ranking institutions for Building. We’re ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
• 95% of Construction Management and Engineering master's students are satisfied with their experience overall. (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023).
• Overall, 89% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).
• 100% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
• Ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning. (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Research-led teaching

A key feature of this course is the application of research carried out by our staff, which informs national and international policy. All of our research is carried out through close work with industry partners and develops new ways of thinking about the management of construction. Our course content is continually updated with the latest developments across all aspects of construction management.

Industry placement

Take the opportunity to gain experience in a relevant role, and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your first year to real-life situations, with an integrated industry placement.

During your first year, you'll complete the same taught modules as students studying MSc Construction Management. Your placement will then begin in November of your second year.

While you are required to source your placement, you'll receive plenty of support by the School. We have extensive links with industry and many of our staff have direct experience of working within the construction sector.

Please note, this programme of study with industry placement is only offered on a full-time basis. You can study the subject flexibly with our MSc Construction Management course.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of this course satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS).

Information for international students

IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding