MSc Project and Infrastructure Management (Approved in Principle)

Approved in Principle: This new course is currently seeking University approval. Applications can be submitted, but no formal offer of a place can be made until the course is fully approved.

Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, architectural, building, etc.) is at the core of a successful economy and the infrastructure it develops directly affects the well-being of its citizens and the environment. There are, however, two main challenges that the engineering and construction industry currently face. First, modern engineering project clients are increasingly requiring contractors to deliver projects using limited resources, at low cost, in short duration and to a high level of quality and safety.

Second, much existing infrastructure is under severe strain due to a legacy of inadequate maintenance and rapid population growth. These difficulties cause premature deterioration of existing infrastructure, thereby reducing their intended economic yield. The demand for infrastructure provision and maintenance has thus become more acute and a recognised issue worldwide than ever. Thus, the efficient delivery of infrastructure projects is not the only standard clients desperately expect from contractors, but their sustained improvement throughout the useful life of the infrastructure is also a key requirement. As a result, there will be a continued and growing demand for highly motivated graduates aware of project infrastructure planning, construction, and their subsequent management/maintenance for addressing such challenges.

Aims

The primary aim of this programme is to create master’s degree graduates (from engineering and built-environment background) with qualities and transferable skills for demanding employment in the engineering and construction sector. The graduates will have the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development and acquiring new skills at highest levels.

Specific aims are as follows:

to provide education at postgraduate level in engineering, focussing on project and infrastructure management;
to develop comprehensive understanding of the current theories and practices for managing contemporary engineering projects from inception to completion and for maintaining/managing the resulting infrastructure throughout its life time;
to develop creative and professional working knowledge to enable graduates to follow a successful engineering career with national and international organisations;
to provide a pathway that will prepare graduates for successful careers including, where appropriate, progression to CEng status.
 
The programme will provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

A: Knowledge and Understanding of: 

the principles of strategic planning and risk analysis in successful project and infrastructure management;
the theoretical basis for the organisation of project infrastructure development and how management of budgets, human resources and supply chains can affect overall project success; and
 
The interplay between engineering project, infrastructure management and sustainability in the complex real-world situations.
 
B: At the Cognitive Level Students will be able to:
 
select, use and evaluate appropriate investigative techniques;
assemble and analyse critically relevant primary and secondary data;
recognise and assess the problems and critically evaluate solutions to challenges in managing projects and infrastructure; and 
revaluate the environmental and financial sustainability of current and potential engineering project activities.
 
C: In terms of Personal/Transferable skills, students will be able to:

define and organise a substantial advanced investigation;
select and employ appropriate advanced research methods; 
organise technical information into a concise, coherent document;
effectively employ a variety of styles of communication aimed at different audiences;
plan, manage, evaluate and orally-present personal projects; and
work as part of and lead a team.