Construction Design Management with Industrial Placement

​​This MSc is applicable to Level 6 engineering students (civil, structural, architectural or mechanical), who are keen to embrace digital technology to assist them with their future civil engineering management careers, in large national or international civil engineering companies.  The emphasis of the programme will be on the use and understanding of digital data collection (satellite, LIDAR and drones), computer analysis and digital design (including BIM). 

​The programme will give you the skills and confidence to be able to use and understand the array of digital tools, available to the civil engineering industry.  And afterwards you will be able to assist companies to become more efficient and skilled in their delivery of large and complex built environment projects. 

​During the second year of this two year programme, you will find an industrial placement, with assistance from the university, following which you will submit your dissertation. 

​The proposed programme sits across two of the engineering department’s particular strengths; Civil Engineering and Management.​ 

On completion of this programme you will be able to achieve the following: 

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering 
• Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles 
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. 
• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems 
• Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts 
• Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct 
• Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks 
• Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems 
• Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights 
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance  
• Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters 

Learning and Teaching Methods 

Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasises collaborative Problem/Project Based Learning, contextualised teaching and a focus on skills development and practical application of knowledge. A blend of traditional and innovative teaching and learning approaches will be deployed. 

Distinctive Intentions 

The programme is built on Exeter’s culture of technology innovation and offers a unique blend of learning and doing. 

The MSc in Construction Design Management with Industrial Placement is a 24 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 2 ‘Stages’: 

Stage 1 consists of 6 modules taught during year 1. 

Stage 2 consists of a 9-12 month industrial placement, followed by completion and submission of a dissertation 

Students who do not secure a placement will be transferred to the MSc Construction Design Management programme. 

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:  

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/engineering/modules/ 

Stage 1: 180 credits of compulsory modules.

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. 

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook. 

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years. 

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk). 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. 

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. 

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.