Built Environment Contracts and Procurement

In this module, you will explore how construction projects are procured, structured, and delivered in modern practice. You will learn to analyse client and project requirements in terms of time, cost, quality, and risk, and how these factors influence procurement decisions.

You will study a range of procurement routes, including traditional, design and build, management, partnering, and digitised approaches such as BIM-enabled procurement. Alongside this, you will examine standard forms of contract—with particular focus on SBCC, NEC, and FIDIC—and evaluate the obligations and risks involved in their interpretation and administration.

The module also covers collaborative frameworks, sustainability considerations (aligned with SDG 12), and real-world industry practices through applied learning and guest input.

Your learning culminates in the development of a comprehensive project delivery strategy, where you apply procurement and contractual knowledge to a complex scenario, demonstrating professional, industry-relevant decision-making skills.

Learning Methods

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, case-study analysis, and industry-led teaching sessions, supporting both theoretical understanding and practical application. Learning activities focus on procurement strategy selection, contract interpretation, risk evaluation, and the development of project delivery solutions for complex scenarios. Students engage in guided independent study, directed reading, and portfolio development, applying concepts to realistic built environment case studies. Teaching is further enhanced through guest industry input and collaborative discussions, ensuring alignment with current procurement practice, contract administration, and other digital delivery methods.

You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle which provides you with lectures and course materials and allows you to study from any location.

Independent Study

Independent study includes directed reading of procurement strategies, contract forms, and case studies, alongside research into SBCC, NEC, FIDIC, BIM-enabled procurement, and SDG 12 considerations. Students use this time to develop their project delivery strategy portfolio, analyse complex scenarios, and strengthen professional decision-making through reflective and self-managed learning.

Assessment

The module will be assessed through a portfolio.

Staff Delivering on this course

This course is delivered by a highly experienced built environment teaching team with strengths in procurement, contract administration, project delivery, and digital construction. Teaching combines research-informed academic expertise with live industry experience, ensuring students benefit from both current theory and practical application. The team’s involvement in real-world consultancy, professional practice, and work integrated projects brings contemporary relevance to learning. In addition, selected sessions are enhanced by guest lecturers and industry specialists, offering insight into current procurement routes, contract frameworks, BIM-enabled delivery, and evolving challenges within the construction and built asset sectors.

This module supports progression into a wide range of commercial, procurement, and project delivery roles within the built environment, construction, infrastructure, and consultancy sectors. The knowledge gained in procurement strategy, contract administration, and risk evaluation is highly relevant to careers such as Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Procurement Coordinator, Contract Administrator, Commercial Manager, Project Manager, Bid/Preconstruction Specialist, and Construction Planner.

A strong understanding of modern procurement, and collaborative frameworks also strengthens pathways into roles linked to digital construction, BIM management, supply chain coordination, sustainable project delivery, public projects including NHS projects. These skills are increasingly valued by contractors, consultants, developers, and public-sector clients.

Standard Entry Requirements

Relevant industry experience and/or a good honours degree.

 English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Academic Year 2025/2026

• All Students: £1,010

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing