DEGREE GUIDE

Building and Construction Management

What do Building and Construction Management degrees involve?

Building and Construction Management degrees teach you how to plan, manage, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. You will explore key areas such as project management, building design, construction technology, sustainability, and health and safety regulations. These courses develop your problem-solving and leadership skills while helping you understand the financial and legal aspects of construction. You will also learn how to work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Many degrees include industry placements or site visits, giving you hands-on experience to prepare for careers in construction management, project planning, and the built environment.

Example
Modules

Foundations in Building Technology: Learn how buildings are constructed by exploring materials, structural systems and core construction techniques used in the industry.

Project Management and Site Coordination: Develop skills in planning, resource management and on-site leadership to deliver construction projects on time and on budget.

Cost Estimation and Financial Management: Study how to budget for materials, labour and equipment, and manage project finances from tender to completion.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are very common, often in construction firms, site management, or surveying roles.
🌍 Study abroad is available at some universities, though less common than placements in this subject.

BSc (Hons) Construction Management
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
BSc (Hons) Building and Construction Management
BSc (Hons) Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
BSc (Hons) Construction Management with Architecture

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Building and Construction Management prepares you to manage construction projects, from planning to completion. Entry requirements are broad and flexible.

Subjects that could strengthen your application are:

Maths – often preferred, especially for project planning or cost management
Geography or Business Studies – helpful for land use and business aspects
Physics or Design & Technology – valuable for a technical focus
Economics or ICT – sometimes useful for project management

✨ Maths or a technical subject is a strong foundation. You don't need to have studied construction before.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Construction, Engineering, or Business—often accepted for direct entry
T-levels in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or Building Services Engineering for Construction

✨ Entry requirements vary depending on whether the course is more management-based or engineering-based—always check the details on the university’s course page.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications like National 5s or MYP

📘 Some courses may ask for a higher grade in Maths if there’s a strong numerical or technical focus.

GCSEs (or equivalent) in Geography, Design & Technology, or Business Studies may also be useful but aren’t required.

💬 Interviews
Most Building and Construction Management courses do not require interviews. Some universities may offer informal discussions as part of an applicant day or to explore your career interests.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no national admissions tests required for this degree.

🔍 Work Experience
Not essential—but any hands-on experience in construction, engineering, surveying, or design can help strengthen your personal statement and show your enthusiasm for the industry.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Construction or Engineering
If you don’t meet the subject or grade requirements, many universities offer a foundation year in Construction, Engineering, or Built Environment studies.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Engineering, Construction or Business)
An Access course with relevant units can provide a route into university. Aim for Distinctions in units related to Maths or technical subjects, especially if applying to more competitive programmes.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships such as Construction Site Supervisor, Surveying Technician, or Construction Design Technician can be a strong pathway. You may go directly into a job or use your experience to apply for a degree—especially if combined with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Building and Construction Management degree

Project Management: Plan, organise, and oversee construction projects from start to finish.
Business & Commercial Awareness: Understand how construction businesses work, including budgets, contracts, and resources.
Technical & Practical Skills: Learn how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained using modern methods and technology.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Evaluate construction plans, data, and problems to find effective solutions.
Problem-Solving: Tackle on-site and planning challenges quickly and effectively.
Decision-Making: Make informed choices about construction methods, resources, and safety.
Attention to Detail: Ensure work meets high standards, regulations, and safety requirements.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software for project planning, cost estimation, and construction design.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work with architects, engineers, and clients to deliver successful projects.
Adaptability & Resilience: Manage unexpected issues, deadlines, and changing conditions on construction projects.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Building and Construction Management degree a good match for you

Careers a Building and Construction Management degree could lead you to