There’s a big focus on sustainability, which I love. We learn things about low energy building design and how to build in a more eco-friendly way. It makes it feel like we’re really doing something that matters.
Real-world projects
Industry-ready toolkit
Flexible pathways




Details
Year 1

Core modules
BLDG402
Principles of Economics and Management
20 credits
This module presents the fundamental economic and financial techniques used to critically analyse the cost of a project and its financial feasibility. The module also introduces the students to the communication and team management theories and techniques necessary to successfully complete construction projects.
100% Coursework
BLDG405
Built Environment Project 1
20 credits
This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a domestic building according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different roles, including building surveyor, construction manager, building services engineer, and architectural engineer.
100% Coursework
BLDG406
Fundamentals of Construction
20 credits
This module introduces students to the construction industry and the relationship between construction and the local, regional and global environment and presents the characteristics and requirements of the different professional disciplines involved in construction industry. It also provides students with fundamental knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of domestic building technology and the construction process, including domestic building services.
100% Coursework
BLDG407
Building Physics
20 credits
This module introduces students to building science and physics, necessary to appreciate how buildings perform. Laboratory-based sessions allow students to experience the measurement and assessment of building performance by practical experimentation with thermal comfort, daylighting, noise levels, and electricity consumption.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG409
Digital Built Environment
20 credits
This module provides students with the information, communication, graphical representation and digital modelling skills needed for the design, construction and management of building projects by means of a combination of lectures and practical on 2D, 3D and modelling tools.
100% Coursework
CIVL102
Construction Materials and Site Surveying
20 credits
This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of key construction materials and site surveying practices. The origins, properties, quality, specification, sustainability and environmental impact of a range of construction materials are investigated. This is combined with an appreciation for the need to accurately locate features on site.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Year 2

Core modules
BLDG503
Construction management processes and principles
20 credits
Focusing on the construction management practices of leading construction companies in the UK and abroad, this module provides the students with an understanding of the tools and methods used for the management, planning and programming of construction operations required for the development of buildings. This includes key management tools in relation to the control of time, cost and quality, as well as health and safety risks and environmental impacts associated with construction processes.
100% Coursework
BLDG506
Contract Procedures
20 credits
Construction projects normally involve a large number of individual companies due to the fragmented supply chain in the sector. This module allows students to appreciate the complexity associated with procurement and project contract administration. It provide students with a deeper understanding of cost estimating, project feasibility studies and dispute resolution in the construction industry. Students will also gain practical experience of using computer programs used for cost estimating.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG510
Property Development and Refurbishment
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings, as well as provide a detailed understanding of the technical, environmental and regulatory aspects associated with building refurbishment and the retrofitting process. The module will also provide you with an understanding of planning and development procedures for existing building projects.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG511
Building Services Engineering
20 credits
This module provides students with further knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of building science and building services technologies for large and non-domestic buildings.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
FAPY200
Stage 2 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (FAPY100) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
BLDG512
Construction Technology
20 credits
This module will expand the knowledge in building technology and processes gained in Year 1. Focusing on the design and construction of framed buildings, the module provides the student with a full understanding of current and innovative building technologies, materials and systems.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG515
Common Challenge: Built Environment
20 credits
This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a framed and complex building, or a specific building element contained in it, according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different construction roles.
100% Coursework
Optional placement year

Core modules
FAPY602
Industry Placement
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
Final year

Core modules
BLDG603
Sustainable and Safe Construction
20 credits
With the aim of achieving a more sustainable and safe construction industry in mind, this module provides students with in-depth understanding and critical awareness in sustainability and safety related issues related to the built environment. The module focuses on developing the skills to critically appraise and reduce the impact of buildings and construction on environmental, economic, social and health and safety aspects whilst meeting the needs of a sustainable built environment.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG604
Building and Property Law
20 credits
This module focuses on the complex legal environment faced by construction professionals. It provides the students with an understanding of key legal principles in negligence, nuisance, trespass and other torts as well as key concepts in property and construction law. It also examines obligations and liabilities in a construction and property context.
50% Remotely delivered assessments
48% Coursework
BLDG606
Construction Management Professional Practice
20 credits
This module addresses the core project management methods and practices required to operate as a professional, and operate in a professional environment in the built environment. The module also focuses on embedding knowledge and understanding issues faced by modern construction professionals in delivering construction projects in a professional and ethical manner.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BLDG609
Built Environment Project 3
20 credits
This is primarily a student led project module encouraging the integration of knowledge and skills developed on the programme. The module involves applied research and undertaking a realistic professional commission in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student is required to complete those tasks relevant to the specific discipline.
100% Coursework
BLDG612
Dissertation Project
20 credits
The dissertation project provides students with a vehicle to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. Students undertaking this module will have developed a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of the discipline of construction in Semester 1. This module builds on this introduction to research methods and carries out the actual research.
100% Coursework
BLDG611
Research Methods in the Built Environment
20 credits
This module provides students with a solid basis to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. It requires students to develop a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of their discipline in construction. For students progressing to BLDG612, this module provides students with an understanding of the research methods necessary to undertake a dissertation in a built environment related topic.
100% Coursework
Triple accreditation
Course-specific academic regulations
This course has unique rules relating to:
- Passing a module
Experience
Real-world, relevant and expert-led




How you will be taught and assessed
- You will be taught through lectures, design studio sessions, laboratory work, tutorials, seminars, workshops with industry professionals, practical sessions, guest lectures and site visits.
- You will be assessed through a combination of individual and group coursework, reports, verbal presentations and exams.
- You will develop and employ a wide range of skills, from preparing BIM models to developing detailed condition survey reports and feasibility studies and delivering convincing visual and verbal presentations.
Facilities designed for real-world experience

Meet your lecturers

Professor Steve Goodhew
Professor of Environmental Building and Discipline Leader

Dr Joao Alencastro
Lecturer in Built Environment
Dr Ricky Burke
Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment
Enrich your studies – join Plymouth Architecture Society (PARCS)
“Throughout the year we will deliver an exciting guest lecture series and a variety of socials. We also invite architects, theorists, directors, writers and engineers to talk about their projects, agendas, and interests.”

Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student


Careers
Optional industry work placement


The Construction Management degree at Plymouth compared highly with other universities and offered the option of a placement year. Experience is especially important in the construction industry and when deciding which university to choose it was the industrial placement element that put this course ahead of the rest.
Read more from our students
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Anisha
“I personally feel the support I received from lectures helped me to reach where I am now. They were always available to answer any questions – not only construction questions, but also with personal and career help.”
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Maciej
“The course itself has helped me build my fundamental knowledge of construction, stimulated my thoughts on management and leading, while opening my eyes to key environmental challenges facing our generation.”
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Daniel
“During my time studying at Plymouth, I found the course was really well structured. It challenged me and kept pushing me through the years. I was able to show my knowledge in a different variety of ways which has been very rewarding.”
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Jagoda
“I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys working in a team but also taking a lead on a project, cares about the environment and wants to have a great start in their professional life.”
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Read our students' full stories
Future industry leaders
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£17,600 per year
£18,150 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
Supporting students with the cost of living

Apply
Flexible routes for construction professionals, students from partner colleges and international students



Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A levels
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
T level
International Baccalaureate
Other qualifications
- Other combinations and non-A level qualifications are also considered.
- Second-year entry is possible with a good HNC/HND or equivalent.
- Equivalent qualifications and industry experience can be considered.
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
K223
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
K223
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth