Bachelor of Science (Project and Construction Management)

Course Overview

Over the past few decades, construction management has developed into a specific and necessary role within the construction industry as projects have increased in size and complexity and the need to deliver them in a timely, efficient manner has become critical. The BSc in Project and Construction Management is an interdisciplinary degree programme, providing students with an extensive training in both construction management and project management, essential managerial aspects to carrying out large, complex projects in industry. This degree programme prepares graduates for taking on technical, management, academic and research/development level positions in the construction industry, as well as across a range of other industries such as in the bio-pharmaceutical, technology and science industries.

Despite the downturn in the economy, construction remains hugely important as an industry and there is an ever-present need for skilled and resourceful project managers, nationally and internationally, as companies seek to carry out projects as efficiently and effectively as possible. The construction industry has seen many rapid changes in recent years, with the advent of new technologies and the extensive use of computer-based techniques. Added to this are developments in new materials with enhanced performance and new construction techniques. There is also the interdisciplinary challenge, with a blurring of boundaries taking place between traditional roles, both in construction and other areas requiring highly developed managerial skills in the overseeing of complex projects.

Becoming a project and construction manager will mean you will be trained in the fundamentals of civil engineering, construction, and business and economics. You will learn about managerial and accounting principles, get an introduction to human resources management and progress to getting an insight into the concepts of financial management. Other focuses over the four-year programme are health and safety law, quality management and planning, which is evolving to take account of changing environmental concerns, and sustainability issues. The course will provide you with the capacity to critically analyse and apply problem solving skills across a growing and diverse number of construction specialisms.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, and either Laboratory Sciences subject (such as Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry (joint), Physics or Computer Science), Technology, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics or Construction Studies, and any other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

The project management skills gained from the programme will be marketable across a wide range of industries that include biopharma, technology, and science. Graduates will be qualified to work as engineering assistants or construction project managers or their assistants, and in various supervisory positions, such as in building maintenance.