Postgraduate Course

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2-3 years

UK fee

£9,000 for the full course or £1,000 per 20 credits* (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 for the full course (2024/25)

Course level

Postgraduate

Qualification

MSc

Start dates

September, January

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Course description

Combine in-depth knowledge and practical skills with strategic management abilities to prepare for a rewarding career anywhere in the world

Explore your full potential within the fields of civil engineering and construction management with this progressive and stimulating MSc programme.

Student feedback - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023

100%of our students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
94%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things
94%of students agreed that the learning materials provided on the course are useful

A broad and dynamic study programme

You will study modules of keen interest to professionals working in both civil engineering and construction.  These include flood risk engineering management, environmental risk and responsibility and project planning, value engineering and risk management.

We also develop your transferable skills in scholarly writing, research, critical thinking, independent learning, communication and problem solving. Such skills will mean you are ideally placed to engage with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and further advanced study in the disciplines of civil engineering and construction management.

The combination of core and optional modules enables you to tailor your MSc studies to address topics which are important in successfully achieving and maintaining sustainable built environments – anything ranging from significant property developments to infrastructure projects including highways and railways.

Raise your professional profile

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).*
 
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited Bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
 
It is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
A student working on their laptop

A lot of the work we’ve done, equipment we’ve used etc has been based on realistic industrial practice; this has confirmed to me that I would enjoy a career in the industry as I believe I have already had a go at it on a smaller scale.

Luke Brammer
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
Students on a field trip at a building site
Two students on a field trip
Lecturer and student working outside
a close up of a sustainable house (window and part of the wooden wall)

Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

Our Environmental Sustainability Research Centre provides exciting opportunities to contribute to urgent global challenges in climate change and sustainable development.

Find out more about our researchFind out more about our research
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. You can study the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma as stand-alone awards.

You will study two core modules:

Research Methods: Application and Evaluation 

This module will advise, guide and develop you in the various elements that constitute the skills required for identifying and applying appropriate research methods and developing an overall research plan. Your learning will include how to identify, evaluate and apply different research philosophies, research approaches, research strategies, research methods, and methods of data collection and analysis.

Environmental Risk and Responsibility

You will evaluate how professional actions, decisions and leadership of others interact with the society in which you are working, and how this affects environmental risk and the sustainable future of the planet. Starting with a global view of how environmental stresses are generated by developing technologies, the module takes a systemic approach to how responsibility for sustainability challenges does not always lie with the decision maker. This module will be delivered online for students joining the course in January.

You will study two of the optional modules:

Transport and Infrastructure Engineering and Sustainable Design 

The aim of the module is to gain detailed understanding of the management and design of transport infrastructure in the 21st century using design standards and working with the environment to deliver cost effective, safe and sustainable projects. You will review design practice across a spectrum of transport and infrastructure disciplines including, highways, permanent way and service provision. 

Flood Risk Engineering Management

Approaches to limiting disruption and damage from flooding have changed significantly in recent times. Worldwide, there has been a significant move from a strategy of flood defence to one of flood risk management. This includes the use of flood defences, while recognising that managed flooding is essential to a sustainable flood strategy. You will learn how to critically analyse flood risk assessments and suggest appropriate structural and non-structural methods to reduce the impact of flooding.

BIM and Integrated Project Collaboration 

The emergence and adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the industry standard approach for design, analysis, and management of building life cycle has significantly changed the way that designs are procured and transformed into reality. The aim of this module is to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in application and evaluation of BIM enabled design in true collaborative environments, critically reflecting upon the current BIM procedures, protocols and standards required to implement efficient integrated project collaboration within the multidisciplinary built environment team. 

Continuing Professional Development and Strategic Management 

This module is designed to develop your managerial skills in preparation for work in a global industry environment. You will study strategic concepts and be able to transfer them into your own industry/specialism through a structured approach. Emphasis is placed on managing the global future by analysis rather than by instinct. You will become adept at forecasting, financial analysis but still operate with regard to business ethics. The CPD (Continuing Professional Development) element allows you to contextualise and concentrate your studies in your own discipline adding to your employability in the work place.

Project Planning, Value Engineering and Risk Management

The aim of the module is to gain an understanding of the philosophies and techniques involved in construction project planning, risk management, value engineering and financial management. There are significant risks involved in undertaking construction projects, whether they are financial or operational, and one of the roles of the civil / construction manager is to succeed in removing, reducing or mitigating such risk.

The nature and size of construction and civil engineering projects varies widely, as do the risks involved, and it is through effective project planning that decisions may be found and actions taken to enable successful project completion both on time and within budget. The module will examine the principles and techniques involved in value engineering, which aims to provide the best value for money for the client over the whole life cycle of a project. You will evaluate industry practice relating to cost control and the financial management of projects, linking this also to the monitoring and control of time related progress.

Sustainable Construction Methods and Materials

The aim of the module is to expand on your undergraduate knowledge and critically evaluate principles, methodologies and techniques involved in the selection and specification of sustainable construction methods and materials. The necessarily site specific context for the specification of materials for a sustainable architecture varies widely. Considering both the energy in use and the embodied energy of materials, one of the important remits of sustainable construction is to mitigate the use of fossil fuel-based energy consumption.

You will be encouraged to explore, critically analyse and evaluate comparative approaches in the effective specification of environmentally sustainable materials that the successful implementation of sustainable architecture requires. As practitioners within the construction industry you must be able to choose the right material for applications with due regard to the life cycle of building materials, the environmental cost and embodied energy in the manufacturing method.

Geomatic Monitoring and Asset Engineering

Engineering Professionals need to ensure that Infrastructure assets are regularly monitored to ensure that embankments remain stable and that reactive measurements can be made to assess structural elements after incidents, such as bridge strikes. The module will consider modes of failure of structures and ancillary elements including embankment. Modelling of these will be done in 3D to allow detailed analysis, methods of data capture using both remote and traditional topographical methods.

You'll establish ground control models to optimise field time and ensure high-density 3D monitoring using industry software packages. The role of asset management will be considered against BIM and ISO 55000 and how engineers can manage risk with proactive intervention.

You will study:

CPD and Strategic Management (core module)

During this module you will develop your managerial skills in preparation for work in a global industry environment. You will study strategic concepts and learn how to transfer them into your own industry or specialism using a structured approach. You will focus on managing the global future by analysis rather than by instinct, and will become adept at forecasting and financial analysis, while considering business ethics.

Project Planning, Value Engineering and Risk Management (prescribed)

The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the philosophies and techniques involved in construction project planning, risk management, value engineering and financial management. There are significant risks involved in undertaking construction projects, whether they are financial or operational, and one of the roles of the civil or construction manager is to succeed in removing, reducing or mitigating such risk.

The nature and size of construction and civil engineering projects vary widely, as do the risks involved, and it is through effective project planning that decisions may be made and actions taken to enable successful project completion.

Flood Risk Engineering Management

The effects of climate change will continue to be debated over the coming years as extreme weather events and global warming become more apparent. In recent years the UK has seen an increase in the number of flood events and flood risk warnings in many areas. This is of increasing concern, to homeowners, developers and insurers.

Approaches to limiting disruption and damage from flooding have changed significantly in recent years. Worldwide, there has been a significant move from a strategy of flood defence to one of flood risk management. This includes the use of flood defences, where appropriate, but recognises that managed flooding is essential to meet the requirements of a sustainable flood strategy. The success of this approach is dependent on integrating enhanced defences and warning systems with improved understanding of the river systems and better governance, emergency planning and disaster management actions.

The module will introduce the concepts of flood risk analysis and management within the context of current UK policies and legislation. Current techniques in considering climate change will be presented in outline, as will latest guidance on producing flood risk assessments. The module will focus on river and urban flooding, including hydraulic modelling techniques, and is designed for anyone who requires an understanding of flood risk and its relevance to river management and development planning.

 

You will also choose two optional modules, such as:

Negotiated Module

This module is usually studied by part-time students who are in employment as it allows participants to take their practical, work-based experience and develop it within an academic context.

Sustainable Construction Methods and Materials

You will critically evaluate the principles, methodologies and techniques that are involved in the selection and specification of sustainable construction methods and materials. Considering both the energy in use and the embodied energy of materials, one of the important remits of sustainable construction is to reduce the use of fossil-fuel based energy consumption.

Transport and Infrastructure Engineering & Sustainable Design

The aim of the module is to gain detailed understanding of the management and design of transport infrastructure in the 21st century using design standards and working with the environment to deliver cost effective, safe and sustainable projects. You will review design practice across a spectrum of transport and infrastructure disciplines including, highways, permanent way and service provision.

The scope will integrate planning, feasibility, outline and detailed design and draw attention to legal requirements and future costs of maintenance and whole life cycle costing. Project team disciplines will be considered to provide robust and economic designs for current and new infrastructure. You will also consider the role of design checks and the role of information technology.

BIM and Integrated Project Collaboration

The emergence and adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the industry standard approach for design, analysis, and management of building life cycle has significantly changed the way that designs are procured and transformed into reality. The aim of this module is to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in application and evaluation of BIM enabled design in true collaborative environments, critically reflecting upon the current BIM procedures, protocols and standards required to implement efficient integrated project collaboration within the multidisciplinary built environment team.   

Geomatic Monitoring and Asset Engineering

Engineering Professionals need to ensure that Infrastructure assets are regularly monitored to ensure that embankments remain stable and that reactive measurements can be made to assess structural elements after incidents, such as bridge strikes. The module will consider modes of failure of structures and ancillary elements including embankment. Modelling of these will be done in 3D to allow detailed analysis, methods of data capture using both remote and traditional topographical methods.

Establishing ground control models to optimise field time and ensure high density 3D monitoring using industry software packages. The role of asset management will be considered against BIM and ISO 55000 and how engineers can manage risk with proactive intervention.

You will study:

Independent Scholarship

This module will provide you with an opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills you have gained during the course through an extensive investigation of a proposed postgraduate study topic related to the course material.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Assignments are aligned to real-life projects and scenarios, with site visits designed to complement the curriculum content.

You will be assessed mainly through coursework assignments. Some assessments are through formal examinations.

You can also study MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management online.

A picture of the Falkirk wheel
Students at the Falkirk Wheel

Who will teach you

Derek Spalton
Programme leader

Derek was in the Civil Engineering Industry for over 20 years undertaking Design and Supervision of Highway and Drainage Projects in the UK. He has been at the University for 15 years and is the Academic Lead for the Civil Engineering laboratories and Programme Leader for UnderGraduate and Post Graduate Civil Engineering and Construction Management Programmes

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

You will require:

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£9,000 for the full course or £1,000 per 20 credits*

£1,000 per 20 credits

International

£14,900 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Careers

The MSc is your stepping stone into professional roles across a broad spectrum of civil engineering and construction management disciplines.

Career opportunities open to graduates include:

Employers our graduates have gone on to work for include:

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

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