Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2024/25
2025/26

MSc Construction Cost Management

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Other: Flexible learning: 18-63 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Other: Flexible learning: 18-63 months

Our MSc Construction Cost Management course provides a route for entrants to the professional practice of Construction Cost Management or Quantity Surveying, who have taken degrees in unrelated disciplines.

Why study MSc Construction Cost Management at the University of Reading? 

Explore fundamental topics and stay updated with the latest academic theories and research, which inform vocational practice in the financial management of construction projects.

From project inception to design, construction and occupancy, we concentrate on the principles, tools and techniques of financial and cost management. We consider new projects, refurbishment projects, heritage restoration and the maintenance of built facilities.

You will develop a broad understanding of management principles, cost, time, and quality management, with the legal and contractual aspects of project delivery.

Accreditation

Our programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of this course satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.

Choose the University of Reading

  • The School of Construction Management and Engineering has a wide-ranging and diverse research agenda. It seeks to understand the built environment across the scales, from buildings to neighbourhoods and cities, in a way that addresses societal aspirations relating to the built environment. Lecturers are involved in research and scholarship, all of which feeds into the teaching you will receive.
  • The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top-ranking institutions for Building. We’re ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025.
  • The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
  • 96% of our master’s students said they are satisfied with the overall quality of their course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024, responders from our School of Construction Management and Engineering).
  • Overall, 92% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 93% are in graduate-level roles (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).
  • 100% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning. (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Flexible learning

Our MSc Construction Cost Management degree is offered as a one-year full-time programme, and as a flexible modular programme that can be taken over two years from September, or over three years from February. It is delivered through intensive residential weeks at our Whiteknights campus in Reading and supported by a professional online learning environment.

Join our global community

Become part of a vibrant, inclusive community comprising students, academics, and alumni. Forge connections with industry practitioners to shape and advance your career.

Research-led education

Benefit from research-led teaching that integrates the latest advancements relevant to the built environment sector into your learning experience.

Interactive learning experience

Engage in intensive on-campus study sessions alongside independent online learning. Collaborate with peers of varied backgrounds and experiences.

Personalised support

Benefit from strong staff-student relationships. Our dedicated academics understand your individual aspirations and needs, offering tutorials and one-to-one guidance throughout your journey.

Industry engagement

Immerse yourself in industry events, site visits, and guest lectures. Network with professionals through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events and the Reading University Construction Society (RUCS).

Find out more about Reading University Construction Society

Well-equipped facilities

Our facilities include a resource room and a dedicated computer lounge for students. It's equipped with an array of digital technology and software, including building information modelling (BIM), 3D laser scanning, building energy simulations and urban microclimate simulations.

You will have access to our immersive virtual reality systems. There is also laboratory space and experimental equipment to support student research projects.

Prime location

We're located in the South East of England, just 23 minutes from London by fast train, with excellent transport connections to airports and transport hubs. Our proximity to London means you have easy access to a huge, global construction market. You are surrounded by multinational employers and fantastic examples of construction, architecture and infrastructure.

Focused learning

Explore two-week modules featuring inspiring guest lectures. Develop collaborative, leadership, and adaptive skills crucial for the evolving industry landscape.

Find out more about how you’ll study

Interdisciplinary approach

Benefit from being part of the School of the Built Environment, which draws together expertise from a range of disciplines, including architecture, organisation and management, design, sustainability, surveying, construction, procurement, sociology, economics, energy and engineering.

The School also has close links with the department of Real Estate and Planning in the triple-accredited Henley Business School. This interdisciplinary approach reflects collaborative ways of working in the industry.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,800

New international students: £30,950

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fees are calculated pro rata for flexible modular study.

Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The MSc Construction Cost Management programme provides an excellent route to the professional practice of construction cost management or quantity surveying, if you have a degree that isn't directly related to the field.

Overall, 92% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 93% are in graduate-level roles (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).

Vital roles

As a cost manager in construction and property you'll be qualified to work for consultancy practices, designers or construction firms. You'll provide the essential financial direction to projects while working with clients, architects, designers or building engineers.

Career opportunities

Graduates can typically expect to secure roles in cost management or quantity surveying in public and private sectors, with public and private sector clients, consultants, or contractors in the building, or civil engineering sectors.

Past MSc Construction Cost Management graduates at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as AECOM, Core Five LLP, Gardiner & Theobald, Mott MacDonald and River Levett Bucknall (based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes MSc Construction Cost Management responders).

Links with industry

Our academic staff have extensive experience as advisors, consultants and visiting lecturers to commercial organisations, governments and universities across the world. Their valuable contacts, relationships, knowledge and experience is shared, wherever appropriate, with our students.

Industry expertise

Guest speakers from industry are actively engaged with our courses; they share current and topical insights from industry and are eager to network and connect with our students. We regularly host industry professionals and experts, whose expertise and knowledge relates to various areas of industry, ensuring relevance to each student. Our events offer prime opportunities for you to build your personal network, making connections which could lead to a placement, or even future employment.

Professional bodies

We collaborate with the local hubs of professional bodies, through events such as free local evening networking, providing opportunities for you to further enhance your network.