MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement

Our MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement is an international programme of advanced construction management studies and professional experience.

Please note, this MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement is only offered on a full-time basis. You can study the subject flexibly with our MSc Construction Management.

This course is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking a professional qualification that leads to employment in a profession using financial, managerial, and property design skills.

Why study MSc Construction Management with Industry Placement at the University of Reading?

Take the opportunity to gain experience in a relevant role, and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your first year to real-life situations, with an integrated industry placement.

The distinctive focus of the course is on the management of the construction firm, including:

• finance
• organisation
• project procurement
• contracts for design and construction
• information and communication technologies in the construction sector
• client, developer, financier and investor expectations.

Learn to manage construction-related organisations from multiple perspectivesm, from the client, to the design team, to the contractor. You'll explore how the construction sector operates in the developed and developing worlds, as well as the macro-economic and micro-economic factors that influence the sector.

Develop specialist expertise across a wide range of construction topics, including:

• business models for construction firms
• the mapping of smart construction
• construction robotics
• the changing role of project participants and their interactions with digital technologies
• modern methods of construction, with a particular focus on Design for Manufacturing Assembly (DFMA)
• project management
• construction contract law
• design management.

You'll have the opportunity to select from a range of optional topics. This may include areas such as digital technologies, cost management, or carbon management, according to your career goals and personal interests.

Industry placement

During your first year, you'll complete the same taught modules as students studying MSc Construction Management. Your placement will then begin in November of your second year.

While you are required to source your placement, you'll receive plenty of support by the School. We have extensive links with industry and many of our staff have direct experience of working in the construction sector.

Accreditation

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

Choose the University of Reading

We're one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment:

• 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).

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.