Postgraduate courses in Construction Management

The great thing about the field of construction is there are so many jobs to choose from which makes it easier to find the job that best suits your skills and interest. 

From a plumber to a builder to a construction manager, you’re sure to find your ideal career somewhere along the line. Aside from management, there are many other routes you can take within the industry, some of which are listed below. 

It is a good industry to be a part of. Did you know the construction sector employs over 3.1 million people in the UK. That is 9% of the UK’s workforce!

What is Construction?

Construction is the art and science of forming objects, systems and structures. There are multiple sectors within construction – buildings, infrastructure and industrial. Building construction can be further divided into residential and non-residential. 

What does a construction manager do?

In the same field, a construction manager is vital in every construction project. Construction managers oversee specialized contractors and other personnel working on a project. They schedule, coordinate, plan and make sure all proceedings are going to plan and will meet deadlines for clients. Duties include:

• Overseeing and directing projects
• Ensuring project completion 
• Schedule deliveries and estimated costs
• Monitor project compliance with building and safety regulations
• Coordinate and direct construction workers and subcontractors
• Select tools, materials and equipment
• Plan ahead
• Resolve issues within the project and with clients
• Analyse, mitigate and manage risk

What does a construction worker do?  

It is important to note that if management is not your style, there are other opportunities in the industry. Construction workers include multiple different trades and crafts. It includes carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, stonemasonry, electricians, painting, decorating, plumbing, scaffolding, floor work, wall work, demolition work and steeplejacking. As there are so many job types within construction, it is hard to give a job description for each one, however, may include: 

• Preparing sites, materials, tools
• Cleaning sites and removing dangerous materials
• Assisting contractors
• Helping with transport of heavy machinery and materials
• Follow health and safety regulations
• Digging, pouring, mixing

Courses

There are many courses in construction management in the UK to choose from:

Construction Business and Leadership

A course in construction business and leadership provides the opportunity to look at the managing of construction and leading a business organisation. Students will enhance their leadership skills and will allow them to specialize in construction project management, commercial management and built asset management. 

Building Information Modelling

Courses in BIM help students to gain the skills and knowledge in order to effectively drive the production of more accurate and effective building plans. Courses such as this are created for students or practitioners from architecture, engineering or constructing professions who will be able to choose modules such as sustainability, project management and digital architecture. 

Digital Construction

A digital construction course looks at the issues, challenges and changing digital technological needs of stakeholders within the construction industry. Students will explore concepts, methods and systematic processes for whole building life cycle and better value integrated design solutions and project delivery proposals. You will also gain an understanding of theoretical, conceptual and practical frameworks in relation to building environment solutions. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements differ from course to course and university to university. However, in most cases, applicants will need a bachelors degree and if English is not your first language, applicants will need to take the English language entry requirement exam. 

Job options

Jobs in construction all require specific courses and training in their own field. Examples of jobs you can have in the construction industry are: 

• Construction Manager
  Responsible for the overseeing and planning of every stage of a construction project.
• Builder    
• Plumber
• Electrician 
• Painter
• Decorator 
• Bricklayer
• Stonemason
• Carpenter

Salary Expectation

The salary expectation of construction workers in the UK depends on what type of construction work you are doing. For example, the average annual salary of a construction manager can earn between £39,000-£40,000. Other wages in the construction industry include a qualified electrician earning £35,951. The average salary of a plumber in the UK is around £31,000. The salary expectation of a builder is also around £31,000 but depending on projects and experience, can exceed around £55,000. 

Skills and requirements

• Be strong, healthy and fit
• Hard working
• Work well under pressure 
• Physical endurance
• Strong communication skills
• Willing to learn 
• Good decision making skills
• Problem solver
• Works well with others
• Project organization