Construction Management (with Foundation Year)

With major national investment driving the sector forward, demand for the next generation of construction managers has never been higher. This hands-on course takes you through the entire construction lifecycle, from planning and design to delivery and post‑construction. You build core management skills and digital/technical expertise while exploring emerging technologies and innovative industry practices. Interaction with industry partners is embedded throughout the course, shaping your learning through live briefs, real projects and direct engagement with construction professionals.

Your Foundation Year

Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an undergraduate course, taking a Foundation Year can provide a fantastic entry route to a degree-level qualification. The Foundation Year supports you to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy while exploring a range of subject-specific content so you are fully prepared for the core three-year course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your degree.

Course accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and is actively aligned with professional standards of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). CABE accreditation gives you the opportunity to become a member and work your way through the CABE membership grades as you move forward with your career, ultimately progressing to chartered status.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• High-tech facilities with cutting-edge technology

• Industry-standard equipment such as semi-automatic levels, total stations and a robotic total station as well as various building, surveying, measuring and monitoring equipment

• Advanced machine workshop and product design lab with laser cutting and 3D printing

• Industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, Revit and MATLAB

Career-powered links

This course has been developed in collaboration with our industry and community partners and reflects the most cutting-edge industry practice. You benefit from our partners’ on-going involvement with the course through live briefs, guest lectures and site visits. Our partners include Willmott Dixon, Kier Group, SDC Builders Ltd, Capital Sky, Child Graddon Lewis Architects & Designers.

Your student experience

Prepare yourself for future employment with our hands-on approach, which gives you the practical competencies, technical knowledge and transferable skills needed to kick-start your career in construction.

Understand how real construction projects are planned, procured, delivered and completed in real-life environments.

Gain hands-on experience through industry embedded learning, including live and simulated project briefs shaped by professional partners.

Develop the skills of a modern construction manager, combining technical knowledge with leadership, communication and problem solving, working independently and in teams.

Build confidence and professional judgement by learning how to select, interpret and apply data, tools and techniques responsibly.

Explore construction in a global context, understanding the cultural, social, economic and political factors that influence cost and value worldwide.

Enhance your learning through site visits, industry exhibitions and guest lectures from leading construction professionals, offering first hand insight into major projects.

Past project visits include Thames Tunnel (Silvertown Tunnel), LSE new build, Old War Office, LTFC Stadium and Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

Course modules

Year 1

Construction technology materials and CAD – An introduction to fundamental construction materials, methods and the use of CAD tools to communicate technical design information. Professional practices – Develop an understanding of professional roles, ethics, communication and responsibilities within the construction industry. Introduction to law and regulatory framework – Gain a foundational overview of legal principles, regulations and statutory controls governing construction projects. Introduction to sustainability – Explore sustainability principles, environmental impacts and responsible practices within the built environment. Introduction to the built environment – Examine how buildings and infrastructure are planned, designed, constructed and managed within social and economic contexts. Contracts administration and practice – Learn about standard construction contracts and the processes involved in administering them effectively.

Year 2

Construction technology 2 – higher risk – Focus on complex construction techniques, structural systems, and health and safety considerations for higher-risk projects. Managing construction procurement and economics – Develop knowledge of procurement strategies, cost management and economic decision making in construction projects. Construction site management and building control processes – Examine site operations, supervision, and compliance with building control and regulatory requirements. Global challenge – Address global construction challenges such as climate change, urbanisation and resource management through interdisciplinary problem solving. Surveying, measurement and estimating processes – Study measurement techniques, quantity-surveying principles and cost-estimation methods. Repairs and retrofit of buildings – Explore the diagnosis, repair, adaptation and retrofit of existing buildings to improve performance and extend lifespan.

Year 3

Emerging technologies in construction – Examine innovative technologies such as digital construction, automation and modern methods of construction shaping the future of the industry. Construction project management – Develop advanced project-management skills including planning, risk management, leadership and project-delivery strategies. Facilities management – Study the management of buildings and infrastructure throughout their operational life to ensure functionality, safety and value. Management and personal development – Focus on leadership, employability, reflective practice and professional development for construction managers. Honours research project – Undertake independent research on a construction related topic, applying academic and professional skills in depth.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.