MSc Construction Management

Transcription

1 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT MSc Construction Management PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION October 2015

2 GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY PS1 Programme Specification Pro-forma 1. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Programme Title: MSc Construction Management 2. Final Award: MSc 3. Exit Awards: PgC, PgD 4. Awarding Body: Glasgow Caledonian University 5. Approval Date: April School: Engineering and Built Environment 7. Host Division: Division of Construction and Surveying 8. UCAS Code: Not applicable 9. PSB Involvement: RICS 10. Place of Delivery: Glasgow, GCU London and CCE Oman 11. Subject Benchmark Statement: Not applicable 12. Dates of PS Preparation/Revision: October 2015 Academic Rationale The MSc Construction Management is targeted through its marketing on the development of distance and part-time student numbers. Its primary selling point in this respect is the fact that its distribution channel via the internet using the Blackboard virtual learning environment. This has been shown in the past to be a valuable selling point for our existing distance learning students and this will remain the case for the foreseeable future. Over the course of the last three years, EBE has developed substantial proven expertise in the delivery of Blackboard modules for the programme which in turn has informed and improved teaching elsewhere in the school. The main deficit in construction management education identified is the lack of understanding internationally for construction management as a stand alone discipline. This has been traced to the civil engineering background of many potential students and their associated interest in project management rather than construction management. The MSc Construction Management fills this gap in understanding and provides a mix of easy accessibility and relevant expertise for businesses to train and educate their staff. The programme has proven to be popular with international students and the intake has been on a par with the well established Construction Management programme in recent years. It is further anticipated that the enhanced construction project management skills on offer from the suite of proposed new and more integrated modules will prove popular with industry as CPD. These core skills remain significant components with the professional membership criteria of the programme s accreditation bodies, namely CIOB, RICS, APM and PMI. The programme equips construction professionals with the skills necessary to manage construction projects both in the UK and overseas. This in turn means that Scottish (and other EU and worldwide) students will have the opportunity to develop the abilities, frame of reference and critically a common understanding of construction project management language to work more effectively with international clients and construction companies. The programme continues to operate in the well tried and tested format that it showcases the competencies of EBE to a significantly wider audience, both in the UK and overseas. This enhances the opportunities already available to offer CPD and consultancy to industrial organisations and, in turn, further expands the potential capacity of EBE (ergo GCU) to commercialise its research and academic output. The general educational aims of the programme include the following: Be provided with the knowledge and skills to equip and prepare the student for a career as a construction manager or other construction based discipline within the construction industry Develop competencies in a range of appropriate specialist areas Develop the critical and analytical powers of the student in relation to the analysis of differing views on emerging concepts and to enable them to evaluate these against a background of a constantly changing industry Gain the skills to adapt and respond positively to change Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare them for employment as a construction manager or other construction based discipline within the construction industry Enhance the development of their communication skills Further develop the skills required for his/her employment Receive a learning experience that promotes and encourages a culture of lifelong learning students for further study in the context of his/her continuing professional development 1

3 Programme Content The programme utilises a range of proven modules designed to enhance the skill set of the construction professional. The programme has at its core the following modules: Construction Management, which is intended to give a full conceptual understanding of the construction industry from a senior management perspective. The module also integrates some elements of the APM competencies in integration and scope management. Management of Health and Safety and the Environment which provides the student with a greater understanding of the managing H&S, the H&S legislation and the overall risk associated with H&S. Sustainable Design and Construction covers elements of sustainability and sustainable practises within the construction industry focusing on areas of construction such as MMC. Construction Financial Management, designed to provide the student with an understanding of financial management within the wider construction industry and how this can be affected through cyclical trends. Project Management provides a deeper understanding of project management in relation to both the principles of project management and the planning of projects using appropriate industry standard software. Strategic Management in Construction and Property provides the student with a deeper insight into senior management and corporate enterprise issues within both the construction and property sectors. Over and above these core modules listed above, the programme embodies a wide range of potential electives/options that reinforce the professional requirements of the modern construction industry. These modules emphasise a range of skills including Construction Economics and Procurement, Development and Project Economics, Construction Contracts and Disputes, International Construction Project Finance and Risk and Value Management amongst others. Patterns of Delivery FULL TIME This mode serves the needs of fresh graduates from a range of relevant undergraduate programmes wishing to further their studies at advanced level, mature students undertaking a career change, and international students who wish to pursue further studies in Scotland. It is envisaged that students are drawn from predominantly construction related (cognate) backgrounds, with scope for accepting non-cognate first degree holders who wish to broaden their career options into the construction arena. Full-time students would normally complete the programme in one year. PART TIME This mode of study can be carried out whilst employed in the industry. All modules attached to the programme are delivered via the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment to provide a flexible learning means with contact time oriented around face to face enhancement sessions designed to embed deep learning in the students. However, the proven value of the web-based delivery mode via Blackboard in providing a flexible learning means that less formal contact time is required. In accordance with current practice, it is anticipated that a total of no more than 1 day per week would be required for part-time students to be in contact with module delivery staff, but this may vary depending upon the modules selected. Part-time students would normally complete the programme in two years. DISTANCE LEARNING This mode of study is fully compliant with the standards laid down in the 2002 Glasgow Caledonian University Policy on the Quality Assurance of Distance Learning. All of the modules forming the programme are web-delivered. This facilitates the ability of distance learners to shape their study time around the thematic elements of the delivered modules. Since web-based is the preferred mode for module delivery, full-time, part-time and distance learners all have a similar experience of the learning process. Although most of the distance learners do not wish to regularly attend the University for a variety of reasons, they are entitled to attend the scheduled enhancement activities on a voluntary basis. Experience of the distance learning mode shows that the peripatetic nature of the construction industry around the world is leveraging an ever-increasing demand for the distance learning mode. It is anticipated that the distance learning mode of study will constitute the highest demand of all of the offered modes of study. GCU LONDON This mode of study is similar to the full time mode. Students will be based on a full time basis at our London campus. CALEDONIAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING OMAN This is a part-time route that began in February

4 MODE OF STUDY FULL TIME PART-TIME DISTANCE Key: TIME (MONTHS) Minimum period of study Maximum period of study Student Study Routes (Trimester A (September) and Trimester B (January) entrants) Mode of Attendance Trim A Trim B Trimester C Trim A Trim B Trimester C TA TB TC Total Duration FT Sept start XXXX XXXX Dissertation 12 months FT Jan Start XXXX XXXX Dissertation 16 months PT Sept start XX XX XX XX Dissertation 24 months PT Jan start XX XX XX XX Dissertation 28 months DL Sept start XX XX XX XX Dissertation 24 months DL Jan start XX XX XX XX Dissertation 28 months Notes: T1, T2, T3 = Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3 of the GCU academic calendar X represents one study module The Dissertation is normally expected to take four months to complete. However students may choose to defer submission if it is considered that the quality of the work will be significantly improved as a result Minimum period of study FT mode = 12 months, Maximum = 24 months Minimum period of study PT mode = 24 months, Maximum = 48 months Minimum period of study DL mode = 24 months, Maximum = 60 months (students within this mode may choose a differing number of modules per Trimester which extends their period of study) 2. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The general educational aims of the programme include the following: Be provided with the knowledge and skills to equip them for a career as a construction manager within the construction industry in the UK and internationally Develop competence in a range of appropriate specialist areas Develop the critical and analytical powers of the student in relation to the analysis of differing views on emerging concepts and to enable them to evaluate these against a background of a constantly changing industry Gain the skills to adapt and respond positively to change Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare them for employment as a construction manager within construction Enhance the development of their communication skills Further develop the skills required for his/her employment Receive a learning experience that promotes and encourages a culture of lifelong learning students for further study in the context of his/her continuing professional development 3

5 4. PROGRAMME STRUCTURES AND REQUIREMENTS, LEVELS, MODULES, CREDITS AND AWARDS Preamble The structure of the programme is consistent with most other equivalent postgraduate degrees offered at GCU. The first part of the degree is comprised of taught modules set at the Masters (SHEM) level and allocated 15 credit points each and the latter part of the degree is comprised of a Masters dissertation worth 60 credit points. There are criteria governing which combinations of taught modules are acceptable. Given that these criteria are followed, awards may be made as follows: University Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) for passes in 4 taught modules. Any modules (excluding the dissertation) attached to the programme may be selected. 60 SHEM Level credits Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Construction Management for passes in 8 taught modules. Module selection criteria must be followed (see below). 120 SHEM Level credits MSc in Construction Management for passes in 8 taught modules and a pass in the Dissertation module. Module selection criteria must be followed (see below). 180 SHEM Level credits Selection of Taught Modules (Table on the following page) As part of the requirement for the award of PgD in Construction Management, students must achieve passes in 8 taught modules. The 8 taught modules must be selected from the modules listed in The Module Table (next page) according to the following selection criteria: 6 core modules must be selected 2 elective modules must be selected As part of the requirement for the award of MSc in Construction Management, students must achieve passes in 8 taught modules plus the Masters Dissertation module. When students have registered onto the programme, the Programme Leader will help them compile a study path through the programme, including within this the agreed study pattern for each module. The aim will be to match the learning requirements specific to the individual with the portfolio of modules on offer. Masters Dissertation All students are required to complete the 60 credit Masters Dissertation/Project module, which is based on a significant piece of individual research. The subject of the research will be an area of special interest to the student, and will be based on a proposal written by the student and submitted to the Dissertation/Project Co-ordinator. The area of research chosen should be of the required subject and intellectual depth and should provide a suitable match with previous study. This may require increased technical depth or greater breadth of subject matter relating to previous projects, case studies or dissertation undertaken by the student. The research methods module (which was previously available to all students as an option/core module) and the material contained within will be made available to all students entering the programme. This additional resource based module available through the VLE provides the student with a significant amount of material on research methods which will aid their understanding of research methods and help to inform their approach to their dissertation. Students are also required to attend the Dissertation Away event, which is held annually. It gives everyone currently enrolled on the dissertation module an opportunity to get away from the University and spend some time without the various distractions of the city and a busy university to consider some of the bigger issues of conducting a dissertation at the Masters level. The event is run over the course of two days with a series of presentations given by staff on research matters along with discussions which will be encouraged throughout informally. 4

6 The Module Table (SHEM Level) Module Construction Economics and Procurement Module Code Credits Trimester Module Leader MMK A Dr John Lowe Construction Management MMK A Development and Project Economics The Management of Health and Safety and the Environment Sustainable Design and Construction Construction Contracts and Disputes Construction Financial Management International Construction Project Finance Building Information Modelling for Management of Construction Dr Michael Tong MMK A Dr John Lowe MMK A Dr Billy Hare MMK A Dr Craig Thomson MMK A Mr Gibril Njie MMN B Dr John Lowe MMN B Dr John Lowe MMK B Prof Bimal Kumar Core/ Core Core Core Core Risk and Value Management MMN B Dr David Manase Project Management MMN B Dr Michael Core Tong Strategic Management in Ms Valentah Core MMK B Construction and Property Manase Masters' Dissertation/project MMK A&B&C Prof Bimal Core Kumar Note: modules will run provided the level of demand is above the School s minimum threshold. Please check with the Programme Administrator for any latest update. Exit Award Post Graduate Certificate (PgC) Construction Management (Any modules but excluding the dissertation module may be selected). 60 Exit Award Post Graduate Diploma (PgD) Construction Management (Module selection criteria must be followed, six (6) core and two (2) electives/options) 120 Exit Award Masters (MSc) Construction Management (Minimum of eight (8) taught modules (120 credits) and the Dissertation/Project (60 credits)) 180 5

7 8. ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Assessment rules: The University Assessment Regulations apply to the Programme of studies in all respects. The MSc Construction Management does not have any programme specific regulations that deviate from the standard University Assessment Regulations. The Programme s structure, progression and credit award framework is wholly consistent with the GCU Qualifications Framework. An overview of assessment details are provided in the Student Handbook and the full assessment regulations are available from the Assessment Regulations section of the Glasgow Caledonian University web-site. Awards: For the awards of Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) and Masters Degree: Minimum pass mark is 50% for each taught module Minimum pass mark is 50% for the Masters Dissertation module To qualify for an award of Postgraduate Certificate students must complete all the programme requirements according to the programme structure and obtain a minimum of 60 SHEM credits To qualify for an award of Postgraduate Diploma students must complete all the programme requirements according to the programme structure and obtain a minimum of 120 SHEM credits To qualify for an award of Masters degree, students must complete all the programme requirements according to the programme structure and obtain a minimum of 180 SHEM credits Regulations for Distinction: The programme complies with the University Assessment Regulations in respect of the award of distinction. To be awarded a PgD with Distinction, students must obtain an overall average of 70% or more across the PgD stage modules with no individual module mark below 55% at the first attempt. To be awarded a Masters degree with Distinction, students must obtain a mark of 70% or more in the dissertation at the first attempt. ADDITIONALLY, they must have an overall average mark of 70% or higher in the eight level M modules with no individual module mark below 55% at the first attempt. Role of External Assessor: External Assessors are appointed to the Assessment Board (AB) by Senate on the basis of nominations from Schools. The duties of an External Assessor will include the following: To moderate the work of the Internal Assessors in respect of the assessments under his/her jurisdiction To attend Assessment Boards at which the results of a final stage assessment will be determined To satisfy himself/herself that the work and decisions of the Assessment Board(s) are consistent with the policies and regulations of the University and best practice in higher education To ensure that students are assessed within the regulations approved by the University for the programme and to inform the University on any matter which, in his/her view, militates against the maintenance of proper academic standards To report annually to the Clerk of Senate on the standards attained by students on the programme and on any other matters which may seem appropriate for report 6

8 7