BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management

This module aims to equip you with a deep understanding of the design process and effective contract administration. Throughout the module, you will explore various stages of the design process, interpret client requirements, and assess the impact of statutory regulations on building design. By evaluating different methods of specifying building works and comprehending the tender process, you will develop practical skills directly applicable to the industry. Additionally, you will gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of the contract administrator, the ethical considerations surrounding contract administration, and the duties of the certifier.

Overall, the 'Design and Administration' module offers a holistic learning experience that will empower you with a diverse skill set, critical knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in the design and administration aspects of the construction industry, setting you on a path towards a successful career.

In this module, you’ll develop your knowledge and skills in land surveying, construction techniques and material technology. Emphasis will be placed on setting out building structures, which will be reinforced via practical sessions every week.

Collaborative work is an essential component of this module. You will participate in group practical exercises, allowing you to enhance your teamwork skills. Moreover, you will engage in individual problem-solving tasks, further developing your analytical and critical thinking abilities.

By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of land surveying principles, the ability to execute setting-out operations, and knowledge of construction materials and their properties. Additionally, your information handling abilities, research proficiency, and analytical thinking will be advanced, enabling you to excel in the field of construction technology.

This module offers comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the procurement processes, contract forms, and legal aspects involved in the construction industry. You will explore various tendering procedures, contractual relationships, and relevant laws, including the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act. Developing legal reasoning skills, you will learn to apply legal principles to construction-related problems and conduct research using appropriate legal sources. The module emphasises best practice procurement, collaboration, and partnering approaches.

By the end of this module, you will possess a solid understanding of construction procurement processes, legal considerations, and contract administration. You will be equipped to apply legal reasoning, evaluate procurement methods, and communicate effectively in a construction context.

This module focuses on the crucial role of a Project Manager in ensuring the successful delivery of construction projects. You will learn about project management theories, stakeholder management, and leadership approaches to motivate project teams. The module delves into supporting processes that facilitate efficient project delivery. It emphasises project planning, risk management (including Health and Safety), and the effective management of project information. You will develop skills in developing project schedules using appropriate software and understanding critical path analysis. The module also covers the identification and management of key project risks through the compilation of project risk registers.

By the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the role of a Project Manager in construction projects.

This module is designed to offer you a unique opportunity to apply and synthesise the knowledge and skills you've acquired from both basic and advanced modules, as well as other relevant sources. This application takes place within the context of a large-scale development proposal situated on an active urban development site.

In this module, you will work collaboratively in teams to craft a sustainable project proposal. This proposal will be presented through a slide presentation and a comprehensive report. Your project will demand the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge, requiring you to delve deeply into diverse approaches to project development and critical evaluation. Additionally, you will create a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model linked to a project program for a specific building within the broader development presented in your report.

In the Construction Contract Management module, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills to effectively manage contracts in the construction industry. You will focus on post-contract activities, including payment valuation, claims evaluation, and variation assessment. The module also emphasises the significance of complying with construction regulations and ensures your readiness for the industrial placement year.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will possess the necessary expertise to effectively manage construction contracts, navigate regulatory requirements, and ensure professional and ethical practices in contract administration.

In this module, you will delve into the intricacies of structural design, analysis, and on-site construction processes. Building upon your previous studies, this module aims to equip you with a deeper understanding of construction technology, preparing you for your upcoming industrial placement and paving the way for further advanced studies.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to critically analyse structural design and the behaviour of various building materials/components, as well as apply the core principles of structural mechanics. Overall, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the systematic nature of the building process, giving due consideration to regulatory, health and safety, and sustainability requirements.

Building upon the foundation laid in prerequisite modules, this module focuses on the multidimensional representation of building information, supporting diverse construction applications across project teams. You will expand your knowledge and skills in the utilisation of BIM systems to enhance construction project delivery. Additionally, you’ll explore the interrelationships between information from various sources and learn to employ industry standards and protocols for effective information management. Through comparative analysis, you will select and evaluate alternative BIM systems, determining their suitability for specific project requirements. By applying advanced BIM design techniques, you will generate and control project information, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Furthermore, you will develop proficiency in organising and managing project details, fostering effective collaboration among project stakeholders.

The compulsory work placement, taken in Year 3, provides a valuable learning experience and is an important part of the course, consolidating your knowledge and preparing you for your final-year studies. During this year you will work in the construction industry for a minimum of 36 weeks.

Oxford Brookes has strong links with a variety of construction-based employers ranging from local house-builders to international construction companies. Hence work experience opportunities are broad; from managing the restoration of a country manor house to the commercial and project management of a multi-million-pound city office development.

If you are a part-time student working in the industry in a suitable capacity, you will be exempt from industrial placement.

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of enterprise management in the context of both construction companies and site development appraisals. Through a simulation exercise, you will experience the practical aspects of running a construction company, developing strategic management skills and making crucial decisions in a team-based environment. Additionally, you will apply your knowledge to assess the development potential of a site, considering factors such as business, marketing, finance, and risk management.

By engaging with this module, you will be equipped with the skills to make informed decisions in the management of construction companies and development projects. You will learn to assess the impact of various factors on company performance and development options, including environmental and social considerations.

In this module, you will undertake an extensive research study focusing on the commercial, cost, legal, or contractual aspects of the building and construction sectors. With the guidance of a dedicated dissertation tutor, you will independently explore an industry or literature-based research topic. Throughout this module, you will critically review existing research and authoritative sources to identify knowledge gaps in your chosen area. You will learn and apply relevant research methods to investigate construction-related phenomena effectively. With an emphasis on independent thinking, critical evaluation, and logical reasoning, you will set personal objectives, conduct research, and present your findings in a professionally written report.

By completing this module, you will enhance your research skills, gain valuable insights into commercial management within the construction industry, and showcase your expertise through a comprehensive dissertation.

Successful project delivery depends significantly on the competence of the Project Manager and the efficiency of project management processes. This module aims to introduce you to key project management knowledge areas and prepare you to handle the multi-organisational and temporary nature of construction projects, as well as the complexities of the external project environment. Beginning with an overview of project management and leadership theories, this module explores various techniques for motivating project teams and managing project stakeholders effectively.

By the end of this module, you will have developed a deep understanding of project management, considering various topics within established project management frameworks and standards. You will be capable of managing stakeholders in a way that aligns with their requirements and ensures both stakeholder satisfaction and project objectives are met.

Procurement is an essential component of the construction industry and this module is designed to provide you with an enhanced understanding of procurement routes, various forms of litigation and key conflict avoidance practices. The module takes a dynamic approach to learning, giving you an opportunity to conduct independent research alongside group projects that require collaborative problem solving. A mock construction adjudication setting will be used to facilitate an in-depth exploration of core concepts.

By the end of this module, you will demonstrate a solid understanding of how the procurement process works as well as how disputes can be minimised. This module will develop your ability to work collaboratively alongside other soft skills like critical thinking, academic presentation and research literacy.

This module delves into the management of buildings and facilities for organisations where real estate is not their core function, such as offices, hospitals, airports, and universities. With a focus on Facilities Management (FM), the module aims to familiarise students with the key aspects of this role and its impact on supporting core business operations.

By the end of this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various roles and responsibilities of estates and facilities managers throughout the entire life cycle of a built asset, including building surveying, project management, and compliance management. You will learn to analyse and formulate organisational frameworks for delivering FM services, exploring both in-house and outsourced procurement strategies.

This module aims to provide you with a holistic understanding of construction technology, materials and the processes involved in construction management. Key areas covered by the module include building performance, the various properties held by building materials, both in isolation and composites, as well as the mechanisms of building failure and decay. This module exploys a multifaceted approach that will give you a theoretical and practical education in building pathology.

By the end of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate the functions of buildings, their purpose and the state of decay/defect present within a building. You will also be able to recommend solutions/strategies for remediation and aftercare.

This module is designed to build upon your foundational quantity surveying skills acquired in previous modules. Throughout this module, you will expand your expertise by delving deeper into the principles of the RICS new rules of measurement for building works (NRM2), with a particular focus on measuring drainage, mechanical, and electrical services in building projects. In response to contemporary industry demands, the module will equip you with knowledge of how Building Information Modelling (BIM) is applied to generate building quantities.

By the end of this module, you will be proficient in assessing different tendering methods in construction, measuring quantities for both building and civil engineering projects, estimating and analysing building unit rates, and utilising various sources of cost information.