We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in the Built Environment.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Shaping the future - Join us and learn how to build the world.
The aim of the Construction Engineering and Management programme is to give graduates the professional skills demanded by major construction companies around the world. Our graduates are seen as qualified to excel in the many disciplines of construction engineering and project management
The effective management of construction projects is vital to the economy and the success of any project relies on decisions made by a professional team at every step of the way. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to be the linchpin in this process.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This highly regarded course will develop your technical and managerial skills through an exciting blend of topics taught by experts. You will learn about the science, technology and materials of buildings, the legal and contractual frameworks applicable to the built environment and the financial, quality and project management of complex construction projects. On this course, you will be learning 'hands-on' with the latest equipment and software used in this exciting and innovative sector
Construction Engineering and Management is accredited by the leading professional body for the sector - CIOB. The industry loves our graduates, with offers of employment and prizes for our top performing students. We can boast that 95% of our graduates employed, were in professional management roles within six months of starting work. Our students feel very supported by a dedicated team. As a result, students score us highly year after year in the National Student Survey.
Typically 8-10 timetabled hours per week with a mix of lectures, tutorials and practicals taking place between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm, Monday – Friday. Which days will depend on the year of study.
Attendance is (where possible), one day per week around 7 hours of staff contact time and 17 hours self-directed study per week.
Teaching of the main topics is delivered primarily through lectures, which often include presentations from industry professionals. You will then spend time in smaller group tutorials teasing out the details and gaining a deeper understanding. In labs and in practicals you will use the latest industry specific software and equipment to explore industry practice. Students are given opportunities to visit live construction projects to contextualise theory and practice.
Course materials are made available online, offering you the flexibility to revise at your own pace, where and when suits you. One-to-one sessions with a tutor are provided to guide your progress.
The course is assessed in a number of ways to allow us to provide you with valuable feedback on your progress including class tests, coursework and a formal examination. Generally submissions are made, marked and feedback provided electronically online.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The Core Construction Team are:
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The module presents a wide-ranging overview of the impact of public & private development, statutory legislation, procurement, building design and construction on UK industry and society. It presents the background to the development of professional and industry norms and also challenges a number of orthodoxies.
Module study includes a review of the roles and responsibilities of property and construction professionals in a complex sector, as well as the nature of professionalism in an era of climate emergency.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides a general introduction to construction technology with specific emphasis on the sustainable construction of small-scale, low-rise buildings.
The module also introduces the factors that affect and systems that control the internal environment of domestic buildings.
Year: 1
Status: C
The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will provide students with a basic understanding of fundamental material science and a comprehensive understanding of the composition, microstructure, and engineering behaviour of materials used in construction applications. The module will also allow students to identify and describe the form and function of various structural elements, to understand the requirements for strength, stability and performance of structures and structural materials and gives an introduction to the design of structural elements.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces construction quantification (or measurement).
It is designed to enhance numerical and analytical skills and to develop a contextual understanding of construction measurement in practice, the philosophical principles behind measurement and an appreciation of the measurement rule making process.
It will develop from analytical methods to the measurement of simple linear, superficial and cubic generic examples, progressing to the application of measurement of more complex construction related examples and then to the measurement (quantification and description) of simple domestic construction in accordance with NRM2.
Year: 2
Status: C
Proper design, location, positioning and delineation of infrastructure assets are essential to the Built Environment. This module is designed to facilitate learners in developing a working knowledge of the spatial principles and practices that are essential to the civil engineering, and construction sectors. Necessary skills are obtainable only through practice in application of precise measuring and observation equipment. This module offers significant opportunity to acquire and develop such skills and associated computational and digital methods.
Year: 2
Status: C
A design, a workplace, a process or a product reflecting human values, self-determination and agency and technical dependability is one that can truly be hailed as being ethically aligned.
Examining safety, health and wellbeing from a global ethically aligned perspective, this module addresses international protocols, demonstrating how they impact upon local regulation and professional practice. In the process students will develop an understanding of the concept that designs must be such that they can be built, used, maintained and eventually demolished in a safe and healthy manner, while enhancing the lives of the workforce and wider society.
Through a series of problem-based learning activities students put these concepts into practice.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module enhances the understanding of structural design of sub-structures, super-structures, and their elements made from; timber, steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and aims to develop an awareness of the design and production imperatives involved in practical construction situations. Teaching methods include lectures supported by tutorials.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module enhances the understanding of functions, principles and sustainable methods in the design and construction of buildings, and develops greater awareness of the role of building technology and its interactive nature. Teaching methods include lectures supported by tutorials and case studies.
Year: 3
Status: C
The modern day quantity surveyor / commercial manager is increasingly utilising computer applications to quantify and cost construction works. This role is of vital importance to the survival of any construction organisation seeking not only to grow and diversify, but to survive in a competitive market. The module learning provides a detailed understanding of how construction cost estimates are prepared and how strategic tendering procedures are implemented. The measurement undertaken within this module will further develop the contextual understanding of measurement in practice and the philosophical principles behind the New Rules of Measurement (NRM2) and the important relationship between measurement and cost in construction.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module defines the legal framework within which the operation and administration of building contracts is undertaken. The legal system, the law of contract and the law of tort as they relate to the production of the building project are described and examined. Statutory and regulatory legislations, contract strategy and contractual procedures are analysed and discussed. The rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the parties to the building contract as dictated by a standard form of building contract are evaluated to enable professional contract management.
Year: 3
Status: C
The increasing complexity of construction projects demands a significant change in the way the industry operates and in the way in which it is managed. This module aims to equip students with a range of specialist management knowledge and skills; adapted and applied within a construction management context. The module brings together the three components of operations, site and personnel management to provide a range of skills, which encompass the field of construction management. The student will develop a sound knowledge of the workings of an organisation and as a result be able to play their part in optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of a construction company.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module investigates the performance requirements of buildings, including environmental impacts and the technology required to ensure that the requirements are met.
The influence of building regulations and construction codes on the achievement of performance requirements is evaluated.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module develops a thorough understanding by the students regarding the project development process from inception to completion building on the content of prerequisite modules. The use of formal management systems in directing resources for successful projects is examined in detail, and students are provided with opportunities to relate these to real projects. Students are introduced to a wide range of complex principles and practices related to the management of construction projects. A range of teaching and learning methods is adopted, with a focus on classroom interaction and on real-life, student-centred activities.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module enables the student to identify and undertake an independent in-depth research study of an area of particular significance relating to the course of study. With guidance, students are responsible for developing research aim and objectives, critically evaluating reference material, and selecting the appropriate methods to achieve the research aim. This module is a mechanism that underwrites and supports evaluative skills, logical thought, and the ability to communicate effectively in terms of verbal and written material. The remainder of the research and dissertation is carried out during a semester 2 module, Research and Dissertation B (BEN511).
Year: 5
Status: C
This module follows BEN510 and facilitates students in developing creative, critical evaluative and analytic research skills to enable students to undertake empirical data collection, perform appropriate data analysis, critically discuss findings that will lead to justifiable recommendations and conclusions based upon contemporary research and professional practices.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module shall enhance your knowledge of the multi-criteria approach used by clients/contracting authorities during the procurement/tender process. It will also give you valuable insight into the relationship between contractor qualification based proposals and the client evaluation process. Additionally this module will develop your practical skills in developing competitive proposals using the pre-qualification and invitation to tender process. You will have an in-depth understanding of the criteria your bid team is required to meet to qualify to the tender stage. You shall use your teams bid strategy and acquired professional bid writing skills to submit a quality/price tender document.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module will allow students to understand and critically appraise the factors affecting energy consumption in buildings enabling them to explore a wide range of low energy options in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. This will enable them to reduce the auxiliary energy load of any renewable energy solutions that may be considered while appreciating the main hazards to health in modern building designs.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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BBC
or
BCC requiring an A Level at Grade B in one from Maths or Physics.
A Level Essential:
One from Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Technology (including Environmental Technology, Environmental Science, Digital Technology, Technology & Design, Design & Technology), Life and Health Sciences (single or double award), Applied Science, Geography or ICT.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction & Built Environment (RQF) (603/0861/8)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering (RQF) (603/1216/6)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Building Services Engineering (RQF) (603/1219/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)
We will also accept smaller BTEC qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications.
Essential Subjects (you will need one of the following):
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Construction & Built Environment (RQF) (603/0864/3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Civil Engineering (RQF) (603/1217/8)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Building Services Engineering (RQF) (603/1218/X)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Construction & Built Environment (RQF) (603/0862/X)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Please note that OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications do not satisfy the subject requirements for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A Levels and BTEC qualifications in the required subjects.
112 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject requirements
This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one subject from Physics, Maths, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering. If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
BBCCC to include Grade B in Mathematics, Physics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering.
CCD to include Grade C in Mathematics, Physics, Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering.
Overall profile is minimum 25 points (12 at Higher Level) to include minimum grade 5 in HL Maths and one other HL science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Overall profile of 63% to include 63% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 63% in NICATS level 2 Maths for Year 1 entry in a Science, Mathematics, Technology or Engineering subject area. Access Course (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit in a Science, Mathematics, Technology or Engineering subject area. (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and Physical Science (Single or Double Award Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Technology, Geography or ICT).
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC Year 1 Entry
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 Level 4 credits at Distinction for Year 1 entry in a Construction, Building Surveying or Civil Engineering subject area.
HND Year 1 Entry
Successful completion of HND in a Building Engineering, Civil Engineering or Construction subject area.
HND Year 2 Entry
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 Level 5 credits at Distinction for Year 2 entry in a Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering subject area.
Ulster Foundation Degree Year 1 Entry
Successful completion of Foundation Degree in an Architecture, Planning, Property & Housing, Civil Engineering, Building Engineering or Engineering subject area.
Ulster Foundation Degree Year 2 Entry
Pass in Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering or Construction Engineering with Surveying with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught Level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for Year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link General Entry Requirements.
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Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Construction management is one of a family of disciplines concerned with the Built Environment.
A career in this sector often encompasses a wide range of roles. Options include Construction Manager, Site Engineer, Facilities Manager, Building Control Surveyor and Contract Manager.
Successful graduates can continue their study on the Construction Business and Leadership Masters programme or specialise on the MSc in Fire Safety Engineering both taught on the Jordanstown campus.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and may enter CIOB membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2024/25, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
120 | £4,750 | £9,250 | £16,320 |
60 | £2,375 | £4,625 | £8,160 |
30 | £1,187 | £2,312 | £4,080 |
20 | £792 | £1,542 | £2,720 |
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time undergraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.
The Construction Programme is very well supported by industry - fabulous prizes for our students include:
There are several activities which may incur an additional cost to you during your course, in addition to your tuition fees. Site visits are arranged throughout the academic year and you may be required to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to use during the site visits. Investing in such PPE will benefit you during your studies, placement and when you graduate. Other costs incurred on site visits including travel costs as you may be required to make your own way to the construction site. Site visits generally are identified within the central Belfast area for your convenience.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
