MSc Project Management with Industry Placement

Develop advanced knowledge and skills of the discipline and practice of project management with our MSc Project Management with Industry Placement.

Our MSc Project Management with Industry Placement has a distinctive focus on the strategic management of construction projects, programmes and portfolios - helping you to become a project leader in construction. Graduates from any discipline are welcome.

Please note, this programme of study with industry placement is only offered on a full-time basis. You can study the subject flexibly with our MSc Project Management course.

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

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

You’ll study the overall planning, control and coordination of construction projects from inception to completion. Emphasis is given to the early stages of project management and the interface with complex clients, including stakeholders with different objectives.

A recurring theme of the course is the dynamic nature of construction projects. You will learn about the need to set clear objectives at the beginning of a project, as well as the importance of updating objectives continually as the project unfolds.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills required to become a project manager, including the ability to:

• think strategically about construction projects
• provide leadership to an interdisciplinary team
• integrate the various sectors of the construction industry
• manage and motivate the diverse stakeholders in a construction project
• manage key interfaces throughout the project supply chain.

Your learning will include sessions delivered by leading practitioners in the construction industry. The course is continually informed not only by the latest developments in industry, but also by ongoing international research.

Industry placement

During your first year, you'll complete the same taught modules as students studying MSc Project 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 from the School of Construction Management and Engineering. We have extensive links with industry and many of our staff have direct experience of working within the construction sector.

Accreditation

The course is recognised by the Association for Project Management (APM) meeting the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard via route 1 (for assessments meeting the requirements for technical knowledge).

Dr Shu-Ling discusses the benefits of choosing the APM assessment.

This programme is also 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

The School of Construction Management and Engineering has a wide-ranging and diverse research agenda that seeks to understand the built environment across the scales – from buildings to neighbourhoods and cities – in a way that addresses societal aspirations. 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).

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.