Construction & Project Management Higher Level Apprenticeship

Overview

Develop the intellectual, practical and professional skills of the learner in the critical acquisition, analysis, interpretation and understanding of the management of construction projects and organisations



Apply appropriate theoretical and practical management methods in the analysis and solution of design, engineering and construction problems



Develop a holistic approach to the planning, monitoring and control of construction projects by integrating the technical knowledge of design, engineering and construction with financial, legal, IT, commercial leadership and managerial skills of business administration in the management of simple to complex projects through their various stages from inception, feasibility, strategy, design, construction, commissioning and into maintenance; and in construction organisations; e.g. construction economics and finance, strategic management, information systems, construction law, international construction markets and competitive advantage



Develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills across a broad range of subjects and transferable skills that relate to literacy, numeracy, computing, teamwork, group work, and personal presentations and interactions to prepare graduates for more general employment



Course Structure

Students must enrol on a part-time basis.



The programme is delivered 1 day per-week for part time students (Monday for first year, Friday for second year). Modules (including Dissertation) totalling 180 CATS points are included in the programme.



Lectures are delivered by industry orientated lecturers and external experts within the field of Project Management. Assessment is undertaken through coursework and presentations.

Compulsory Modules:

Procurement Contract Administration and Law (20 CATS)

Procurement, contract administration and the understanding of contract law is one of the 'keystone skills' for Project Management. This module provides an understanding of construction procurement and contract routes, and contract and tort law, and their application within the construction context.



Project Management, Planning and Control (20 CATS)

This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of construction project management coordination emphasising the wide range of demands made on construction professionals as managers and the skills required to programme, monitor and control various aspects of a construction project from inception to completion.



Research Methods for Managers (10 CATS)

The module deals with principles of BIM and construction management research from the formulation of research questions, hypothesis and objectives, through literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to presentation of data and report writing.



Project Planning for Sustainability (20 CATS)

The need for infrastructure to be sustainable is one of the driving factors behind project planning, design, construction and operation. This module aims to enhance student awareness of developments in the field of sustainable project development and construction including the need for a connected approach to economic, social and environmental sustainability.



Construction Economics & Construction Finance (20 CATS)

This module will cover both construction finances and construction economics. The ability to understand and manage finances is essential to a project manager in any field. We will examine some of the issues and tools used in financial management. We will also build an awareness of the wider global economic context within which construction operates.



Organisations, People & Leadership (10 CATS)

This module is designed to equip students to efficiently lead and manage in various leadership positions within the structure of any organisation. Instead of having weekly lectures, the class will be taught in small groups over five all-day sessions.



Optional Modules

Building Information Modelling in Practice (10 CATS)

This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of BIM implementation in practice, particularly in relation to the utilisation of intelligent 3D models. It explores the standards and processes that help to govern the huge range of information generated by the diverse teams who must collaborate to make BIM a success.



Emerging Digital Technology (10 CATS)

This module explores the new technologies which are emerging in the field of BIM and Digital Construction, examining the potential of technology to disrupt the construction industry.



Facilities Management & Asset Management (10 CATS)

This module looks at the practical management of both facilities and infrastructure assets, for example dealing with sustainability, building performance, and evaluation of the physical, environmental and health and safety aspects.



Construction Law 2 (10 CATS)

This module covers dispute resolution in construction, including mediation, arbitration and adjudication. This module ties closely with Procurement, Contract Administration and Law, and Project Management Planning and Control.



Research Module

Individual Research Project (Dissertation) (60 CATS)

For the Dissertation, students are required to undertake an independent research project, producing a written dissertation focusing on a particular issue within the realm of construction project management.

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant Science, Engineering, Architecture, Management or Social Science discipline, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a relevant professional qualification and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Students wishing to apply for this Higher-Level Apprenticeship should also upload their CV and a letter of support from their employer (combined in one file). The employer’s letter of support must state that the employer supports their application, that they are prepared to release them from work for one day per week to attend the course, and that, if they are an existing employee, they need this qualification for a new role. The new role can be a change of title/role within the company.



This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is fully funded by the DfE therefore it is not open to international applicants. Further information on eligibility criteria for Higher Level Apprenticeships can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships



The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.

http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note this course is subject to renewal of funding by the Department for the Economy and applicants must be working for a company with a base in Northern Ireland.

Assessment


Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:




Assessment for module CIV7069 is carried out in January with all remaining taught modules assessed in May.


All taught modules are assessed on submitted individual written coursework and in some instances on group written coursework. Group coursework will also include group presentations to a judging panel. Individual coursework may, where required, be further presented at a panel Q&A session.


Written dissertation/thesis is submitted and assessed at the end of September for all full-time MSc Students.


MSc students who have achieved a minimum of 50 per cent in the compulsory modules and an average of 50 per cent or above overall in the taught programme, are required to undertake an individual research project and submit a dissertation in September. This dissertation must be passed at 50 per cent for the award of the MSc.


Students who achieve an overall average for their taught modules and dissertation in the range 60 per cent to 69 per cent will be awarded a Commendation. Students who achieve an average of 65 per cent or above in the taught programme and 70 per cent or more for the dissertation, with an overall average of 70 per cent or more, will be awarded a Distinction.

2 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

There are excellent career opportunities for our graduates as project managers, contract managers, design managers, project architects, project engineers, planners, etc., within project management consultants, construction companies, property developers and government agencies, amongst others.

Graduates are also well prepared for PhD research, which may lead to careers in research establishments and universities.



Many Higher Level Apprentices take this course to aid their career progression. This course will equip you with the management skills you will need to advance your career to the next level.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.