Master of Construction Management Practice
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Construction Management Practice aims to prepare students for roles managing people, equipment, materials, built environment and assets, as well as roles overseeing technological processes and with managerial aspects related to the design, construction and maintenance of buildings and civil infrastructure. It provides a structured study of advanced management theories, techniques and practices in the planning and management of building and infrastructure projects.
Students gain significant knowledge and skills in procurement and project delivery, resource planning and management, project costing, health and safety, and risk management. They also learn about the environmental, financial, legal and contractual considerations associated with project-based industries.
Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
Semester 2 -
31 July 2023
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
Semester 2 -
29 July 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The construction industry has been always noted as one of the substantial contributors to the economy and society. Numerous studies and reports revealed that the productivity and safety aspects in construction sectors require significant improvements through the adoption of sophisticated digital technologies, advanced management and novel systems. The necessities for improved efficiency and effectiveness through prudent modern professional practices is even greater in today's financial climate and business environment in the industry. Construction projects need to be efficient on all fronts and the construction management practice must have specialised knowledge and skills with a high level of advanced abilities to plan, execute and supervise jobs with professional skills in areas where each new technological advance creates a need for innovative and refined techniques, methods and equipment. The main purpose of this postgraduate course is to prepare graduates for future professional roles in managing people, equipment, materials, technological processes, projects and funds in the construction of buildings and civil infrastructure works. This purpose is facilitated by the study of advanced management and engineering techniques as well as sophisticated tools and software for professional purpose in the construction management domains for buildings and civil infrastructure.
Course structure
To qualify for the Master of Construction Management Practice, students must complete a total of 100 credit points comprising:
- 7 Core units
The Master of Construction Management Practice consists of 100 credit point). One capstone unit carries 25 credit points and all other units in the course normally carry 12.5 credit points. A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Master of Construction Management Practice is typically 12 months.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Construction Management Practice is 25 credit points (normally two units). Note that the Graduate Certificate of Construction Management does not provide advanced standing into this degree.
Research Statement
The AQF level 9 research components are met in the Master of Construction Management Practice specifically through the unit CVE80001 Research Paper. This postgraduate unit provides students with the opportunity to undertake a minor research investigation on a construction management topic and prepare a research paper having potential to be published in peer-reviewed conferences or journals. Elements of research methods will also be introduced in the core unit CSM80006 Engineering Project Management. Research methods and skills are also taught and developed over weekly synchronous lectures and material made available online in CVE80001 and assessed at mid-semester prior to the development of a full paper. The unit is primarily assessed on the strength of the students’ research skills, via the following assessment pieces such as (a) a final paper or report (70%); and (b) an oral-based presentation (20-25%). In this way, both written and oral communication skills are explicitly assessed. Conducting research on a topic specific to the postgraduate course allows students to develop, and be assessed on a range of skills such as: (i) the ability to work independently; (ii) the ability to work on a relevant problem that may be unfamiliar; (iii) open-ended problem-solving; and (iv) systematic analyses. Weekly tutorials and meetings with an academic supervisor provide opportunities for students develop the following research skills:- create, reflect upon, and iterate the study; understand and improve their knowledge of research design principles; manage a research project; analyse and appraise the literature and the current state-of-the-art. These skills are also inherent in the production of a paper that is targeting potential publication outcomes. Furthermore, the capstone unit would have some potential applied research opportunities in a relevant work-integrated learning environment.
Units of study
Core units
Complete all 3 units:
CSM80015 BIM and Digital Twins for Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure * 25 credit points
and
Choose four units from the following list:
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
The Master of Construction Management Practice postgraduate course aims to prepare graduates for future professional roles in managing people, equipment, materials, technological processes, projects and funds in the construction projects and construction industry organisations.
Aims and objectives
At the completion of the Master of Construction Management course, graduates will be able to:
- Apply high-level advanced knowledge and skills in Construction Management practice related to design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings and civil infrastructure
- Plan and execute an independent research project in a relevant Construction Management topic by applying appropriate research principles, sound methods and technical research skills
- Reflect in managing practical issues/ complex problems and describing/ developing contemporary and sustainable Construction Management trends and best practices related to design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings and civil infrastructure
- Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, perceptions, problems, concepts and theories of Construction Management practice to provide rational solutions to composite problems using critical thinking and team-based/ independent judgement in the project-based construction industry
- Exercise clear and coherent communication for all professional purposes with specialist and non-specialist audiences including clients, customers, multi-disciplinary/ multi-cultural project teams and stakeholders
- Exercise and exhibit a high-level of accountability, autonomy, credibility, ethics, and integrity in all professional responsibilities and personal work outputs.
Graduate skills
The program will provide the following generic attributes:
- Providing career orientated education
- Developing links with industry and knowledge transfer
- Undertaking research which is applied and relevant to the needs of industry
- Developing lifelong learning skills
- Establishing international links including opportunities for collaboration with Swinburne’s other campuses
Professional recognition
Completion of this course may assist graduates in meeting eligibility criteria for membership to various levels of Engineers Australia.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
• a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree (minimum 4 years of fulltime study) in any of following disciplines:
1. Engineering (Civil or Construction)
2. Building
3. Architecture
4. Quantity Surveying
5. Construction Management
6. Other related engineering/ technology disciplines assessed to be appropriate
OR
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Construction Management*
OR
a qualification deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.
*Note that the Graduate Certificate of Construction Management does not provide advanced standing into this degree