This programme was previously validated by the University of Essex as BA (Hons) Construction Management. Students who commenced study on the course prior to September 2020 will complete modules approved by the University of Essex and upon successful completion will be awarded a University of Essex validated degree.
Please find below a list of modules for each year of the BA (Hons) Construction Management programme.
Year 1
Module Code and Title:
BSCC09C-HE CONSTRUCTION CAD STUDIO (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce students to essential Construction Aided Design (CAD) processes, skills and visual language which create the foundations for future research in 2D & 3D graphic design architecture.
What do I learn?
You will be introduced to subject specific software that will enhance construction design understanding and measurement practices.
What’s the assignment?
There are three parts to submit. One is an initial drawing to show basic understanding of the software and its uses. The second is a client instruction based assignment and the third is a portfolio of drawing work to be submitted at the end of the year.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC07C-HE SURVEYING PROCESSES (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ ability to use surveying equipment in order to demonstrate a range of contemporary site surveying techniques and practice used in the construction industry.
What do I learn?
You will be able to apply and demonstrate the basic principles and competences of land surveying which will introduce you to new methods and skills in setting-out, electronic & laser instruments, computer software used in surveying processes and data presentation techniques to suit particular requirements.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one portfolio consisting of two parts. The first part will be initial written work demonstrating theoretical understanding of the practices and methods employed in Surveying, with the second part of the portfolio being the demonstration of practical abilities using site surveying equipment, putting techniques into practice and converting field data into presentable forms of information.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC04C-HE HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ knowledge, understanding and skills required to identify hazards in the workplace, assess levels of risk, and make recommendations to control risks and to review the outcomes.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module appropriate health, safety and welfare legislation will be referred to and its importance emphasised in a construction contextualised environment. This will develop your understanding of the construction sector and the mechanisms for non-compliance, the creation and implementation of effective health, safety and welfare policy, and help you to interpret health, safety and welfare and environmental legislation in the context of building production and analyse the effectiveness of procedures in the light of legislation and work place practice.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first part will be an assignment to develop and deliver a 10 minute presentation on a construction site safety issue. The second assessment will be a written demonstration of your understanding of a range of issues related to health, safety and welfare in the construction industry. For both parts you will need to research extensively the main health, safety and welfare legislation related to construction, together with the mechanisms for non-compliance, and be able to demonstrate correct interpretation of their application in the industry.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC01C-HE CONSTRUCTION MATHEMATICS (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of fundamental mathematical knowledge and analytical techniques for construction related applications. Students will therefore identify, analyse, apply, and evaluate mathematical techniques within construction related scenarios.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will develop your analytical ability and learn new methods appropriate to the construction process: the testing, control and programming of construction operations. You will also gain an understanding of coordinates, traversing, and the trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be coursework and the second will be a closed examination. Both will seek to confirm your understanding of trigonometric methods, framework analysis, beam calculations, and analysis of problems using statistics: tabular and graphical forms, standard deviation, frequency distribution, and probability.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC06C-HE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of different forms of companies and organisations and where / how the construction industry fits into the corporate business environment. You will also examine the economic and legal parameters that govern the way each business operates.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will develop a better understanding of how the construction industry operates within the UK and on an international platform. You will be able to rationalise corporate behaviours and link these back to changing economic environments.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete, both of which will determine your understanding of the English legal system and the impact of various economic atmospheres that surround the business environment.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC03C-HE INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION SKILLS (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce students to a range of techniques which will enable them to develop their skill base to meet a variety of information and communication needs in the workplace.
What do I learn?
The module is intended to be preparatory, supportive and developmental. It will help to build a strong foundation for the understanding and application of the skills need for later learning across the entire degree programme. You will be able to identify techniques for effective research and presentations and develop interpersonal skills essential to accurate communication.
What’s the assignment?
There will be three assessments to complete. A technical report to show your ability to write a formally structured piece of written information, about a specific topic; a short but informative video presentation for a general audience that presents technical information both clearly and concisely; and finally a personal development-learning plan, based on self-analysis and development profiles within a personal development portfolio
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC02C-HE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental aspects of construction technology and associated materials applied to low and medium rise buildings.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn the practices and processes involved in site evaluation and investigation techniques and their relationship to the design of sub-structures. You will also investigate structural forms and their application, causes of decay and deterioration of buildings, building behaviour and properties of building materials.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first will be a report into the site evaluation of a given site and justified recommendations for a proposed sub-structure. The second will be a closed examination.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC08C-HE WORK BASED PROJECT (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ problem-solving abilities in construction-related scenarios. It is also intended that transferable soft skills will also be developed.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module, you will develop your understanding of the skills and attributes required to work in the construction industry, either on a construction site or in an office.
What’s the assignment?
There will be five short worksheets to complete, each based on a realistic task that a trainee construction manager would be expected to complete in the workplace, such as materials management, contract planning, and modern methods of construction.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
Year 2
Module Code and Title:
BSCC010L- HE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of contemporary topics and practices related to the sustainable built environment.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about functional requirements, design of buildings, resource availability, technological change and development, and social, political and cultural issues.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be course work focusing on the concepts and uses of sustainable construction techniques and the second will be a closed examination on the scientific aspects of environmental sustainability.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCS05I-HE PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to provide the learner with an introduction to the principles and application of management as they relate to the technical and professional disciplines of construction.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will gain an understanding of management principles and their relevance to the built environment. Students will learn how management principles are applied to construction activities using recognised management techniques.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a closed examination to determine your ability to analyse and apply management strategies. The second assessment will be a case study review to show your understanding of the construction industry and how to implement strategic management practices in order to pre-empt the major challenges faced by construction firms operating today.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCS04I-HE PRODUCTION OF BUILDNGS (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop and extend the students’ knowledge of the construction of buildings. Students will also investigate alteration, remediation and demolition processes.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn to recognise not only construction techniques and processes but also the health and safety risks associated with construction projects, for example, when considering demolition or building conversion activities.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a report on your theoretical understanding of building construction and the relationship between process and materials. The second assessment will be a case study on your understanding and technical analysis of remedial, renovation or restorative practices within building development.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCS18I-HE MEASUREMENT PRACTICE (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce the learner to the measurement of construction work in accordance with recognised industry standards and practice.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about measurement techniques and their application. You will be able to select and apply appropriate processes in order to determine construction quantities and construct bills of quantities of measured works.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments. One will be a written report showing your understanding of the role of the qualified Quantity Surveyor working in a Chartered Practice. The second assessment will be the successful production of quantities for the work as detailed on the attached drawings and specifications in accordance with the SMM7 /New Standards of Measurement (NSM).
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCS06I-HE SITE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce the student to the specific knowledge and skills required by site managers and others undertaking a management function in a contracting organisation.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about functional planning and programming work, managing sub-contractors and suppliers, health and safety, site organisation and layout and contract administration.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first assessment will be the evaluation of site management principles and practices. The second will review your ability to manage changes to design during the course of construction projects.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC05C-HE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the need for planning, organisation and control of resources in the built environment.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about project operations in chronological order in accordance with the RIBA Plan of Work. You will be able to analyse and evaluate the project, prepare and complete all information for obtaining tender, complete a brief and decide on an appearance specification.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one case study to complete and one time controlled assessment. The case study will showcase your ability to critically analyse the relevance of building control legislation and the topicality and political nature of the planning process. The time controlled assessment will cover your knowledge of sustainability and property development processes.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCS07I-HE WORK BASED PROJECT 2 (30 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ ability to plan, progress and evaluate a work-based, construction-related problem. All full-time students are guaranteed a work placement in the industry to assist with the completion of this module.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module, you will learn how to evaluate and reflect on your actions in the workplace when solving construction-related problems.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one assessment to complete. This will be a report on your work-based experience that details how you dealt with and solved day-to-day construction problems encountered on site or in the office.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
Year 3
BSCC11H-HE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop knowledge of personnel management. It will look specifically at areas concerned with construction personnel and their education and training needs.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about contemporary employment law and practices, industrial relations, safety legislation and associated procedures and effective communications related to personnel matters.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one examination assessment, which will test your practical understanding and application of Human Resource Management.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC12H-HE RESEARCH SKILLS (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module encourages students to develop a critical awareness regarding the strengths and weaknesses of a range of strategies, designs and methods commonly used in construction management research.
What do I learn?
The module aims to provide the knowledge and skills to successfully plan and implement a small scale, independent research project. Successful completion of this module will form a strong foundation upon which to build your dissertation in the latter half of the year.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a presentation based on your first preliminary Rationale, Methodology, Research Aim, Research Question and Objectives. The second will be a full research proposal that will outline the strategies needed for the completion of the final research project.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC15H-HE PROJECT ANALYSIS & APPRAISAL (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to provide the student with an applicable understanding of the methods, technologies and processes needed to critically analyse construction and development projects.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about residential and commercial valuation techniques and application of yields and cost planning techniques: cost/value, project costing, cost recovery /control methods and managing risk.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. There will be a report where you must make a full and detailed analysis and appraisal of a proposed development scheme. The second assessment will be an open book examination to cover Development Practices.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC27H-HE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DISSERTATION (30 Credits)
What’s it about?
In this module, students must select a topic relevant to their programme of study, formulate a ‘question’ regarding the chosen topic, and carry out research in order to provide an answer to the formulated question.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about academic research practices that are needed in order to answer questions that impact on the daily functionally of the construction industry.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one 10,000 word research project to complete.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
Quantity Surveying Pathway – Module Code and Title:
BSCC26H-HE PROCUREMENT, TENDERING & ESTIMATING (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the ways in which construction projects can be procured, the methods of estimating that are used to cost construction work, and the considerations involved in preparing a tender.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about the techniques of estimating and pricing to produce an estimate for construction operations, various procurement/tender routes, and contractual arrangements.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first will be an Applied Estimate for a construction project. The second will be a report based on the procurement routes available to clients in the construction industry.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC23H-HE CORPORATE MANAGEMENT & FINANCE (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ knowledge of the corporate financial management structure that is displayed through accounting standards and conventions.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module, you will learn about property investment, the relationship between income and value, speculative development and budgetary controls.
What’s the assignment?
There will be one assessment to complete. This assessment will be a report that demonstrates your ability to provide sound financial management analysis.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
BSCC14H-HE CONTRACT PRACTICE & ADMINISTRATION (15 Credits)
What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the contractual procedures relating to commonly used construction contractual arrangements.
What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about alternative forms of contract and how to ensure that disputes between contracted parties can be avoided. You will also learn how to solve common contractual problems and analyse dispute resolution techniques.
What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One is a case study related to contractual problems that may be encountered during the life of a typical construction project and the other is a 2-hour examination.
Want to know more?
To see the module description, please click here.
The BSc (Hons) in Construction Management (Quantity Surveying) course will develop knowledge and understanding of construction processes, commercial management skills, building technology and environmental and sustainability issues. Key aspects of the programme are the work based modules that allow the students to apply their learning in the workplace.
