Construction Project Management: Principles, Practice and Behaviours

This course provides a comprehensive narrative journey through the full project life cycle, from project inception and feasibility to delivery, completion, and occupation. Students begin by exploring the foundations of professional practice, including ethics, industry roles, responsibilities, and behaviours, and how these directly influence project outcomes. Building on this, the module develops understanding of leadership approaches, team building, communication, and collaborative working, enabling learners to evaluate how effective leadership strengthens project teams and stakeholder relationships.

As the course progresses, students examine each phase of the project life cycle, with particular focus on the Project Manager’s role in coordinating people, processes, and decision-making to achieve successful outcomes. Key subjects include feasibility briefing, stakeholder management, risk, planning methodologies, communication strategies, and collaborative leadership. 

The final stage of learning focuses on the practical application of these concepts through the development of a professional Project Management Plan (PMP), preparing students to manage projects confidently in real-world professional environments.

For full-time delivery, the module is typically structured through weekly lectures, seminars, and applied workshop activities. For part-time or online delivery, the same content is delivered through blended learning, combining guided independent study, virtual discussions, and milestone-based project work.

Student Stories

Read about Louis' experience of the MSc Construction Project Management course that this module is part of.

Graduate Stories - Louis Fousu Nsowah

Learning Methods

This module is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, professional podcasts, workshops, case-study discussions, and guided independent learning, enabling students to connect theory with practical project scenarios. Learning activities focus on collaborative problem-solving, leadership exercises, and the staged development of a Project Management Plan (PMP). 

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 supports lectures and workshops through directed reading, case-study analysis, reflective learning, and research into project management tools and methods. Students use this time to develop their Project Management Plan portfolio, prepare presentations, review professional practice and ethics, and consolidate learning through self-managed study and collaboration activities.

Assessment

Assessment is based entirely on coursework, consisting of a portfolio of work including a PMP (or similar professional documentation) and a presentation of the project plan. There is no written examination or practical examination. Assessment methods and timings may be adjusted by the institute where necessary.

• Portfolio
• Oral Assessment and/or Presentation
• Group Critique

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.

Successful completion of this module supports progression into a wide range of project-focused and leadership roles across industries such as construction, engineering, business, digital transformation, and the built environment. Learners will strengthen transferable skills in leadership, collaboration, stakeholder management, ethical decision-making, planning, and risk awareness, all of which are highly valued in professional practice.

The knowledge and practical experience gained in developing a Project Management Plan (PMP) can enhance progression into roles such as Assistant Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Site/Operations Coordinator, Team Leader, or Planning Support roles, while also strengthening readiness for chartership pathways in relevant professional bodies.

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