Construction Management BSc (Hons)
Our Construction Management degree course can lead you to a rewarding career in construction management, in the UK or overseas. Find out more.
Key information
UCAS code:
K220
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Build your leadership potential in the construction industry with management skills that encompass the full process of construction, from financial planning and technical possibilities to safety on site, personnel management and sustainability of your structures.
On this BSc (Hons) Construction Management degree course, you'll develop the skills you need to manage innovative projects and teams that contribute to the built environment and to best practice in the construction industry. You'll visit potential future workplace environments and apply your knowledge to practical scenarios from real companies, working through development proposals and examining the suitability of suggested designs, simulating the responsibilities required of a successful construction manager.
Graduate with the technological, interpersonal and management skills you need to launch into a career in this rapidly changing field.
Course highlights
- Focus on new construction technologies that offer new solutions to building site challenges.
- Become confident in key theories and principles that contribute to construction practice, through practical work on field studies and labs in areas including measurement, materials and site surveying
- Develop your understanding of financial methods and managerial logistics, from health and welfare to procurement, delivery and safe disposal of site waste.
- Have the option to study modules that match your interests and career ambitions such as practical diving and underwater engineering, sustainability, heritage property and applied building information modelling (BIM)
- Benefit from the expertise of our Industrial Advisory Committee, a network of construction organisations and senior practitioners who inform your modules and offer placement opportunities
- Have the opportunity to take a work placement year abroad
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
We are seeking accreditation of this course from the Chartered Institute of Building.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
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Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Construction Management degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Your facilities
Concrete Laboratory
Design, mix and test different concrete mixes, and observe and record all stages of the concrete production process via a built in camera system and live stream in this lab.
Design Studio and Modelling Workshop
The studio and workshop host integrated AV projection systems, a dedicate model-making workshop, a refitted modelling room and space for model building and large format poster design.
Surveying Store
Get practical experience with all the equipment you'll need to develop your skills, including automatic levels, theodolites for measuring angles between designated points, computer-aided design and drafting software as well as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for surveying and marking land.
Structures lab
Study how different materials behave under different stress levels in our Structures Lab.
Dr Nikos Nanos
Welcome to the structures lab. What we are going to do today is run a test that will allow us to look at the behaviour of a very important material. So let's get started with that.
Right now, we are using two grips and we are pulling apart steel bar reinforcement. We are seeing the strain in terms of displacement for a given force. The important thing for us is to understand how materials behave under stress.
So we can see the material starting in its elastic behaviour, this is indicated by the linear part of this graph where we are seeing that as we apply load, we have an equal and constant increase in strength.
There comes a point where we have introduced so much force into the material that it started developing internal cracks. This is called the yield point, and this is indicated by this plateauing of the line.
The material, despite the fact that it cannot take any more load, does get longer and longer without failing in a brittle manner, is what works miraculously well when it is combined with material like concrete. The way these two materials work together when you have a reinforced concrete beam, for example, would be to start seeing the cracks. It will give ample warning because of steel's capacity to maintain the load bearing capacity of steel while it elongates.
Which means that instead of a sudden failure, it would give a progressive failure that would be easier to see and easier to avoid.
Careers and opportunities
Working in the construction sector means joining a continually changing profession with an enormous impact on our economy and society. You’ll graduate with the skills to contribute to this £117bn sector, and with the knowledge to enter many graduate engineering programmes.
You can expect a starting salary from £27,000 (Prospects 2023), which can increase considerably with experience. You could earn over £50,000 as a senior or chartered construction manager, depending on the project scale and location.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
What areas can you work in with a construction management degree?
Previous construction students have gone on to work in areas such as:
- project management
- site engineering
- site management
Construction graduates have also achieved membership of the Chartered Institute of Builders, the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Graduate destinations
Our construction graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Balfour Beatty
- Ministry of Defence
- Peter Marsh Consulting
- Multiplex Construction Limited
- British Army
What jobs can you do with a Construction Management degree?
Roles they've taken on include:
- civil engineering contractor
- construction engineer
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Modules
What you'll study
Modules studied
You'll recognize basic techniques for common on-site activities like excavation, concrete work, and steelwork. With a focus on health, safety, quality, and the environment, you'll identify risks and outline mitigation measures.
Through case studies, you'll work on appropriate construction methods, estimate resource needs, and appreciate the importance of planning cost, time, and quality. By the end of the module, you'll have the solid understanding of temporary and permanent structures you'll need to manage complex construction projects.
You'll learn to apply industry-standard measurement techniques, interpret drawings and specifications to quantify materials and work, and to record dimensions using recognized conventions. On completion of this module, you'll have a strong foundation in construction measurement, ready to play a key role in cost planning and control.
You'll demonstrate your ability to find and interpret primary sources of English law. Through practical exercises, you'll explain key principles of tort law and contract law, and learn to identify the relevant legal issues to solve problems in property cases. By the end, you'll have the legal understanding to provide sound advice on property matters and feel confident navigating the English legal system.
You'll mix concrete to meet building requirements, explore the behaviour and strengths of metal, timber and masonry in our materials labs, and report on your experimental findings.
You'll show proficiency with industry-standard equipment, work collaboratively to apply diverse solutions to complex construction challenges, and explore the career pathways open to you.
Core modules
You'll explore the pre-contract role of a construction professional in this module, making reference to the RIBA Plan of Work. You'll cover project inception, initial design, cost estimation and budgeting, alongside study of procurement and standard forms of contracts. When you complete this module, you'll have a strong grasp of the construction tendering process, and the management of risk and uncertainty within it.
You'll synthesize career development skills with social and environmentally conscious design, and broaden your knowledge with lectures from guest speakers. Key skills you'll develop include creative technical realization; well-rounded data analysis; communication of your proposals graphically and textually; and formulating continuing development plans. You’ll hone your technical creativity, hold your plans to professional standards, and reflect on your progress toward a career in the civil engineering sector.
Through theory and case studies, you'll develop skills to plan, monitor, and control projects while considering technical and human factors.
You'll use industry-standard techniques like WBS and CPM to create organizational structures, schedules, budgets, and risk management plans, covering the project cycle from initiation and stakeholder engagement to procurement and sustainability integration. With individual and group assignments, you'll apply your learning to demonstrate effective project planning, teamwork, and communication. By the end, you'll have core competencies and techniques to successfully manage construction projects.
You'll visualise statistical data, dissect numerical trends, and examine macroeconomic impacts that influence the construction industry. You'll also make calculations on the time value of money, develop project cash flows, and develop a sound numerical and economic foundation for the built environment sector.
You'll describe site requirements and manage injuries or illness, in line with key legislation. You'll also learn to create a positive safety culture and to advise on risk assessments.
Optional modules
You'll work in a small, multi-disciplinary team to deliver actionable information seamlessly across multiple providers, overcoming the fragmentation of specialisms in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. You'll cover the different dimensions of BIM, from 3D to 7D, and gain hands-on experience with the industry tools that facilitate improved communication and project outcomes.
In this cross-disciplinary module, you'll analyse generation processes, conservation avenues, resource transportation/storage, and factors influencing plant siting. On completion, you'll be empowered to pursue energy infrastructure solutions balancing sustainability, reliability, and accessibility.
In the initial phase of this module, you'll plan your field study collaboratively, gaining experience in desktop research, CAD drawing, and equipment calibration. You'll then travel to a residential fieldwork site, where you'll gather spatial data, perform calculations, and construct temporary structures. Across the module, you'll learn to appraise peer work, reflect on your own growth, and prepare for your civil engineering career.
By surveying local sites like Portsmouth Dockyard, you'll evaluate refurbishment issues first-hand. You'll analyse factors that enhance heritage value for different groups, and appraise strategies like listing and conservation areas. Working in a team, you'll organize a focus group, synthesize literature, and present recommendations for a heritage project.
With real-world experiences, you'll gain insight into protecting our past while meeting modern needs.
Modules studied
You'll propose ethical solutions to significant problems, analyse literature, and plan in-depth investigations, then undertake your plan, collecting key data and communicating your findings clearly.
You'll identify contract types and apply them to industry case studies, analysing risks and failures. Through research and discussion, you'll evaluate corporate decision-making, relating business objectives to wider societal contexts. With well-rounded knowledge of construction law and management, you'll be equipped to operate effectively within companies and contracts.
You'll analyse processes, allowing you to plan and programme seamless projects. Gaining commercial insight, you'll fulfil client needs and contractual duties. You'll combine your understanding of the project lifecycle with leadership abilities, learning to unite teams to deliver efficient projects on time and on budget.
Your team will explore technical, legal, economic, and management spheres, and present your progress in professional reports and presentations. You'll address factors such as constructability, safety, sustainability, and cost, and produce a final brief that adds to your employability portfolio
In this module, you'll evaluate innovative carbon reduction technologies, sustainable materials, waste management and modern methods of construction. As you consider the concept of sustainable construction and its ability to contribute to a net zero future, you'll learn to appraise innovative practices in the sector.
You can boost your employability by taking an optional placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree, or after year 3. You could gain industrial and commercial experience through a placement with a company, or by undertaking self-employment or starting up a business.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
We will provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. You will need to buy your own safety boots costing approximately £35.
If you go on the optional residential field trip in year 2, you’ll need to contribute around £230 to the cost.
If you do the optional Energy and Resources Infrastructure module, you'll need to contribute £100 to the cost of a field trip.
If you take either of the 2 optional Diving and Underwater Engineering modules in year 2, you’ll need to contribute to the cost.
This is approximately £858 for the Diving A module and approximately £768 for the Diving B module.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – K220
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.