(Full time / Part time) 2025 start
International Construction Management and Engineering MSc (Eng)
Overview
The MSc in International Construction Management and Engineering prepares students for the demands of modern-day construction management and engineering. The programme content develops your technical construction and engineering knowledge whilst fostering the essential soft-skills necessary for a successful career in construction management.
Through a curriculum designed by experienced construction management and engineering academics, the course produces graduates who are ready to go into the real world of construction management. This long-established programme is widely recognised by industry and professional bodies as providing the foundation for a rewarding and successful career in construction.
Based in the School of Civil Engineering, the MSc is associated with the Leeds Centre for Projects, meaning industry links with the course are strong, and continue to evolve for the benefit of our student body. The MSc course is designed to be interdisciplinary, so that the true complexity and evolving nature of construction management and engineering is understood – the programme opening up the processes and practices of construction management for analysis, examination and critique.
Our research informed teaching ensures that MSc content is at the leading edge of evolving industry policies and practices; the MSc curriculum covers procurement management, whole life asset management, project management tools and techniques, people management, risk and resilience, construction engineering, sustainable project management and contextual issues in international construction. In addition, an individual dissertation enables students to conduct a piece of detailed academic research on a topic of their choice.
Graduating students are able to make a successful transition to a rewarding career in industry, consultancy or academia.
Why study at Leeds:
- Our globally-renowned research feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in civil engineering and construction management.
- Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised by industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Industrial Advisory Committee.
- Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in large corporations worldwide including AECOM, UGCC and African Development Bank.
- Expand your industry contacts in the UK and internationally via industry networking events.
- Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience in construction management and engineering.
- Conduct your own individual research project whilst building professional skills in research, decision making and planning.
- Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after by industry such as digitalisation, risk management, procurement, sustainability and whole-life asset management.
- This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.
Course content
Throughout the programme, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the different aspects of construction project management and engineering. The MSc covers a variety of essential subjects in the field, including project management tools and techniques, risk and resilience, procurement management, construction engineering and whole life asset management. During the course, you'll also develop an understanding of the international nature of the construction industry and its economic impact. The taught elements of the MSc are assessed during two teaching semesters.
Course Structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
<p><h3>Compulsory modules</h3><p><strong>Principles of sustainable project management – 15 credits </strong></p><p>Explore the key project management concepts, their evaluation and the application to engineering projects. You’ll develop an understanding of the project management life cycle and explore the relationship between project management and sustainable goals. You’ll also build an understanding of the ethical dimensions of planning and delivering projects.</p><p><strong>Project Management Tools and Techniques – 15 credits </strong></p><p>Learn the common tools used in project management. Topics covered include planning and control, quality management, scope management, schedule management, cost management, resource management and change management.</p><p><strong>Risk and resilience – 15 credits </strong></p><p>You willfocus on risk management and resilience in projects, being introduced to a structured risk management process, as well as the tools and techniques used to identify, evaluate, transfer and monitor risks. Most of the tools and techniques can be employed in a wide range of fields. This module focuses mostly on risk management in engineering and construction projects.</p><p><strong>People management – 15 credits </strong></p><p>Build a theoretical and practical understanding of key concepts relating to people working on and associated with projects. This includes an understanding of organisational behaviour in the context of projects and programmes and stakeholder management/engagement. You'll cover topics such as leadership, motivation, conflict, negotiation and ethics.</p><p><strong>Procurement Management – 15 credits </strong></p><p>Explore the concepts of procurement management on projects and multi-projects, whilst being introduced to alternative procurement strategies and the procurement assessment criteria relevant in their selection. You’ll explore contract strategies alongside supply chain structures in relation to the various procurement strategies.</p><p><strong>Contextual Issues in International Construction – 15 credits</strong></p><p>Build an understanding of the strategic management of organisations in the construction industry and their interaction with construction projects. You’ll learn the strategic management process and consider the interaction of the construction industry with the wider economy. You’ll also explore the implications of working in an international construction environment through topics such as change management, CSR and culture.</p><p><strong>Construction Engineering – 15 credits </strong></p><p>You will critically explore the construction engineering (operations) frameworks for delivering infrastructure projects to stakeholders' satisfaction; this module further integrates the standard frameworks into effective construction management plans. You will be taught through a variety of teaching methods (including lectures, case studies and tutorials) and learning activities (including group work, role play and peer review).</p><p><strong>Whole Life Asset Management – 15 credits </strong></p><p>The module aims to give you an understanding of the whole life management of infrastructure assets. It sets out how the context of an organisation influences infrastructure choices. It also examines how business strategy translates to infrastructure choices and infrastructure strategy, whilst encouraging you to evaluate the relationship between risk, cost, value and performance over the whole life of an asset.</p><p><strong>Dissertation – 60 credits </strong></p><p>Over the summer months, you’ll work under the guidance of your supervisor to complete your independent research project which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, focusing on a real-world problem that explores your specific interests and/or relates to your career ambitions.</p><p>To support your project, we’ll teach you theories and practices you’ll need to conduct your project efficiently. You’ll examine how to define research problems and gaps in understanding. Alongside, you’ll learn how to critically review relevant literature to your given problem and explore the research methods and instruments you’ll need to collect and analyse data effectively.</p><p>Example projects for International Construction Management and Engineering MSc students have included:</p><ul><li>International trends in infrastructure asset management</li><li>Integrated project delivery and the BIM environment</li><li>Risk in megaprojects</li><li>Social return on investment in infrastructure projects</li><li>Trends in the concepts of value and value management</li><li>Futureproofing and infrastructure resilience.</li></ul><h4>Fieldwork</h4><p>Fieldwork can be undertaken as an option as part of the primary data collection for the dissertation project.</p><h4>Part-time study options</h4><p>This course is also available to study part-time over 24 months. Please get in touch with our <a href="mailto:pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk">admissions team</a> to discuss part-time study options.</p></p>Learning and teaching
You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case-based problems, small group work and project meetings. These activities are complemented by e-learning. Our research feeds directly into teaching, and you'll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines.
Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.
Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.
Programme team
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons.) in civil engineering or a related construction discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied.
Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:
- A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons.) in non-cognate subject if applicant has at least three years’ relevant experience in the construction/civil engineering or project management field.
- Professional qualifications and relevant experience.
Due to the competitive nature of this course, the Admissions team may take a variety of factors into account when assessing applications, including relevancy of modules previously studied and personal statement of applicant
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
30 June 2025 – International applicants
12 September 2025 – UK applicants
Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you’ll need
A personal statement detailing your academic background and work experience in the construction industry - this may include aspects of decision making, design, procurement, project execution or operational management.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
Fees
- UK: £14,500 (Total)
- International: £33,000 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
Studying this MSc will complement the technical skills you already have, helping you develop a holistic professional skill set that is not only sought after in the construction industry but is largely transferable across many job roles, too.
From construction manager to project manager, planning engineer to technical engineer, the career opportunities open to you with the experience you’ll learn on this course are wide-ranging and will give you a lot of options when you graduate.
Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.
Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:
- Infrastructure Engineer, African Development Bank
- Assistant Project Engineer, Jefcon and Associates Ltd.
- Senior Traffic Engineer, Colin Buchanan & Partners
- PMO Development Consultant, EcoGen
- Site Civil Engineer, AECOM
- Planning Engineer, Ministry of Kuwait
- Technical Engineer, Binladin Group Global Holding Company
- Head of Engineering, Tanzania National Roads Agency
- Planning Engineer, United Gulf Construction Co. W.L.L.
- Architect, AFL Architects
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
- MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Find out more about career support.