Project Management with Industry Placement

The University of Reading is 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).

You’ll study the overall planning, control and coordination of construction projects from inception to completion. Emphasis is given to the early stages of project management and the interface with complex clients, including stakeholders with different objectives.

A recurring theme of the course is the dynamic nature of construction projects. You will learn about the need to set clear objectives at the beginning of a project, as well as the importance of updating objectives continually as the project unfolds.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills required to become a project manager, including the ability to:

• think strategically about construction projects
• provide leadership to an interdisciplinary team
• integrate the various sectors of the construction industry
• manage and motivate the diverse stakeholders in a construction project
• manage key interfaces throughout the project supply chain.

Your learning will include sessions delivered by leading practitioners in the construction industry. The course is continually informed not only by the latest developments in industry, but also by ongoing international research.

The discipline of project management continues to evolve, and our MSc Project Management course is at the forefront of these developments.

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 Project 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 from the School of Construction Management and Engineering. 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 Project Management course.

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).

The course is also recognised by the Association for Project Management (APM) as meeting the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard via route 1 (for assessments meeting the requirements for technical knowledge).

For more information, please visit the Construction Management and Engineering website.