Construction Project Management (Construction Site Manager Degree Apprenticeship)
Part-time
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
As a Construction Project Manager, you will manage the client's project from inception to completion. You will control the construction process, balance time, quality and resources to bring new developments to life. You will gain the skills to successfully plan, manage and implement decisions and processes that keep built environment projects on track.
You will work on behalf of contracting organisations or representatives of the client, aiming to deliver a high quality project to realise the client's expectations.
Career-focused curriculumesigned to support your working role, the course explores the processes involved in Construction and Project Management, and the strategic management techniques used by professionals. Topics covered include Construction Process Management, Lean and Offsite Production Management, Construction Law & Dispute Resolution and Sustainable Design and Construction.
Accredited, engaging learning
Accredited by both the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), you will be educated to the highest industry standards. Guided by expert and industry experienced staff, you will study a range of modules, designed to develop your professional, technical and interpersonal skill set so you are ready to build a rewarding career in the Built Environment
Incredible study location
We're excited to offer you a campus-based university experience, minutes from buzzing central Manchester. Our location and industry connections give you great access to one of the UK's largest property and construction markets.
At an Open Day, you'll talk to Programme Leaders, tour our facilities and attend one-to-one sessions with our team who will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
You will:
- Learn the scientific, technological and financial aspects of building development and construction management
- Understand the practicalities and legalities involved in building development and management
- Explore digital project management skills tools and technologies necessary for your future career
- Gain hands-on experience using built environment-focused IT equipment and software
- Acquire knowledge to explain, evaluate, and apply building construction techniques
- Build your confidence by strengthening team working, communication and study skills
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You are fascinated by buildings and passionate about the Built Environment
You are looking to build your technical knowledge skills for a recognised career role in Construction Project Management
You are a team player and want to focus on developing project management skills
You want to explore digital project management tools and technologies necessary for your future career
You want to start your journey on becoming a chartered professional
All about the course
Course Delivery
The degree apprenticeship route will enable you to work and study for your degree. Your employer and/or the government will pay your tuition fees for your apprenticeship course.
There are two distinct components to the degree apprenticeship – the academic degree programme and the work-based assessment. The University – as lead provider – is responsible for delivering your degree programme. Your employer is responsible for delivering the work-based assessment components.
We will work with your employer to:
- Assure that knowledge you gain on the degree apprenticeship can be successfully applied in the workplace
- Ensure that you can evidence the standards and practices required to meet the professional competencies contained in the apprenticeship standard
We will create an annual programme timetable, which will include your lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will receive your timetable once you have registered as a student.
As part of this course, you will work towards your Industry certificates in Site Safety Plus Site Managers’ Safety Training Scheme and Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme which are required for safe operations in the workplace.
You will also work towards an online or paper-based portfolio of evidence which demonstrates how you have met each of the knowledge, skills and behaviour statements in the standard. The portfolio can be used to help inform your employer that you are fully prepared to commence the End-point assessment process. Your employer must be able to support you in this journey – this is a requirement of the apprenticeship.
Entering the programme at level 5, the construction project management degree apprenticeship is delivered part time over three years via a programme of practice-focused modules, our course provides the ideal balance of academic study with the application of professional skills and competencies, mirroring the multidisciplinary, team-based approaches used in modern construction.
Our experienced academic team draws on strong construction industry links to ensure you a stimulating range of external guest lecturers, industrial site visits and career networking opportunities. You will benefit from field visits, practitioner-led lectures and real-world problem-solving work developed for and by industry.
Collaboration is core to our values, so we strive to embed this throughout your studies. You will experience group projects that will build your confidence and capabilities in team working, problem-solving and communication - all desirable skills for real-world construction careers.
- You will join the programme at Level 5 undertaking six 6 modules worth 20 credits each. At this level you will expand your subject knowledge and explore areas including Procurement, Lean and Offsite Production Management, Technology 2, Construction Management Project 2, Construction Process Management & the Multidisciplinary Project.
- During year two, you will also have the opportunity to complete a week-long field course as part of the Construction Management Project 2 module at Constructionarium where you can put everything you've learned so far into practice
- In your final year, you will study another six 20 credit modules at an advanced level in topics such as Sustainable Design and Construction, Project Management, Professional Practice, Integrated Design & Delivery Systems and Construction Law and Dispute Resolution. You will also demonstrate the knowledge you have gained by completing a research-based dissertation about a built environment topic of your choice
Following successful completion of the Degree, you will progress to your Apprenticeship End Point Assessment(EPA) in this case the professional review with the CIOB to become a Chartered Member.
Technology 2
You will enhance your knowledge and skills to describe, explain, evaluate, compare and apply building construction techniques and materials used in typical medium to large span single storey buildings and multi-storey industrial/commercial buildings. You will develop an understanding of both historic and contemporary construction techniques for medium to large buildings. You will learn to identify and critically review alternative construction technologies, and make informed decisions and recommendations.
Construction Process Management
You will develop a critical awareness and understanding of the construction process, at all stages, from inception to delivery. You will gain a practical understanding of the methods and techniques used in the planning and production stages of a construction project and competence in their application. This module will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of how effective planning and control of resources impacts on the control of a construction project and the supply chain. You will be able to understand and evaluate the concepts of risk and value and examine and apply techniques for their control and consider and review environmental impact, health & safety and other constraints on the construction process.
Procurement and Administration
This module enables you to explore and differentiate the principal types of procurement systems and associated contracts used in the UK, you will also explore the fundamental procedures related to contract administration.
Lean and Offsite Production Management
Through this module you will be able to understand the role and responsibilities of the production manager in the context of the UK construction industry. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the key organisational management principles and issues involved in lean theory and its applications in design, production and operations. You will be able to demonstrate how risk management processes apply to production management practice. On this module you will evaluate current and future production processes and methods by which the production manager can control resource efficiency, quality, safety and environment. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the implementation of offsite construction for an efficient and effective implementation of construction projects.
Construction Management Project 2
This project will provide you with an opportunity for discipline based project study on a range of built environment scenarios. You will develop detailed knowledge of discipline specific subject matter by applying relevant concepts and techniques to solve problems in project environments. You will also develop your project appraisal, collaborative team working, management, critical analysis and problem solving skills. This module will further develop and apply high-level communication and information technology skills to solve problems and present solutions to a competent standard appropriate for a built environment professional. You will also develop an understanding of the place of advanced ICT technologies within the sphere of the construction industry professional.
Development Appraisal and Viability
The purpose of the module is to provide you with a good working knowledge and understanding of the aims and objectives of delivering a property development scheme. You will be able to identify opportunities, undertake feasibility studies and development appraisals to ascertain the viability of a proposed project or site. You will be required to understand a variety of funding options and how to apply them dependent on your client’s needs.
Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
You will expand your knowledge of construction law, raise your commercial awareness and learn to consider risk management from a commercial perspective. You will explore the nature and causes of disputes between contracting parties and stakeholders in the construction industry, and the mechanisms for dispute avoidance and resolution.
Project Management
Project management is an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based. This module will help you develop knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of effective project management in a global business context.
We will look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars with input from our industry connections and the latest in research. We will examine the subject using theoretical approaches as well as the industry-recognised tools and techniques for planning and controlling projects.
Discipline Research Project
You will develop your knowledge of good research practice through the completion of a written research proposal and a research document. You will also develop data analysis skills through the collection and critical appraisal of different sources of data.
Professional Practice
On this module you will examine the concept of the reflective practitioner such that there can be an alignment of personal and professional development with the future of professional practice. The module aims to raise the level of awareness of major contemporary issues and developments in the built environment sector and to promote understanding of their significance and impact which will influence future professional conduct. It will encourage a deep level of understanding of corporate behaviour, the evolution of strategies and their implementation, and the significance for the built environment sector.
You will develop managerial skills and commercial acumen including the promotion of enterprise and innovation and its application in the built environment sector. You will gain competencies in the research and interpretation of business information and accounting to assist business decision-making and objective setting. You will also gain an understanding of the importance of the role of the professional in society, the relevance of ethical behaviour, and the social, economic, and commercial significance of corporate responsibilities, particularly in the context of the built environment.
Sustainable Design and Construction
You will develop comprehensive recognition of the principles of sustainable design and their application in the practice of construction. The module content aims to reinforce the relationship between sustainable design and construction processes.
Introduction to Design & Delivery Systems
You will develop knowledge and understanding of tools, techniques and key issues in construction project delivery using Building Information Modelling (BIM). On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of integrated project delivery and its impacts upon improved design co-ordination and information management and exchange amongst project stakeholders. You will also be able to critically appraise the business need for integrated project design and delivery systems and the benefits and impacts of integrated project delivery upon project management practice, as well as describing and critically evaluate the use of BIM tools in relation to integrated design and delivery systems.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
Experience a modern learning environment at our Peel Park campus, featuring accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software. Online, you will experience Blackboard Ultra, our sophisticated virtual learning environment.
As a construction project management student, you will learn in our carefully-designed study spaces that provide an inspiring environment to develop ideas, work collaboratively and share best practice.
Industry Focus
As a construction project management student, you might also encounter our Energy House Laboratories during your studies.
We are a leading centre for energy research and industry collaboration. We support the construction industry in tackling climate change by finding ways to use energy more efficiently in our built environment.
Through our pioneering research agenda, and world-class facilities, we help businesses understand how effective their products and services are in lowering consumers’ carbon footprint and reducing energy bills.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Following completion of the programme graduates will use this course to gain the skills and knowledge required to advance their careers and undertake a range of management roles, particularly for careers in the construction industry. Project management, Construction management, Architectural and Engineering Design Management are some of the roles that the apprentices will work towards and take on as graduates.
The university of Salford, particularly the School of Science, Engineering and Environment have close working links with employers throughout the Northwest and primarily in the Manchester area. These links are further enhanced with local and national contractors, consultants and clients choosing to educate and train their staff, particularly on the current Construction Project Management BSc.
FURTHER STUDY
You might find you want to learn more about the built environment, so we offer a range of specialism postgraduate study options to help you take your career and interests even further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a significant fees discount.
You might find you want to learn more about the built environment. Building on our expertise, we offer a range of specialised postgraduate courses that can help you take your knowledge and career opportunities even further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a substantial fee discount.
BIM and Digital Built Environments (MSc)
Construction Law and Practice (MSc)
Real Estate and Property Management (MSc
What you need to know
It is expected that applicants must have the equivalent of GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Level 4 or equivalent.
In addition to these applicants should hold an HNC/HND in Construction and the Built Environment (or equivalent qualifications appropriately mapped on an individual basis to University of Salford Level 4 modules). Alternatively, applicants should have achieved Technician status (or equivalent) with an industry recognised professional body (for instance, CIOB).
APPLICANT PROFILE
Applicants should have a passion for the Built Environment and a desire to gain an understanding of how projects are procured, built and delivered. Students should have a willingness to engage in group activities, be curious about the impact of the Built Environments carbon footprint and enthused by the positive impact we can have on people's lives, places we inhabit and the wider socio-economic environment.
Applicants should be working in the Built Environment and should hold an HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (or equivalent qualifications appropriately mapped on an individual basis to University of Salford Level 4 modules). Alternatively, applicants should have achieved Technician status (or equivalent) with an industry-recognised professional body (for instance, CIOB).
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
Higher National Certificate
Foundation Degree
Pass in a related subject for entry to level 5. Related subjects include Architecture, Construction, Civil Engineering, Building Studies, Estate Management
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
Please contact Admissions for further information.
How much?
The cost of the full degree apprenticeship programme is £18,000. The cost of the apprenticeship will be covered by your employer and/or the government. You will need to cover the cost of any study materials plus travel to and from campus if required.
Apprenticeship Funding
The apprenticeship levy was introduced in April 2017 and requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill of over £3 million each year to invest in apprenticeships.
The funding policy supports the changes to the way apprenticeships in England are paid for, underpinned by the apprenticeship levy of 0.5% of the annual pay bill for companies paying over £3 million per year.
There is also a co-investment model for companies who will not be paying into the levy. The government will cover 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship and the employer will only have to contribute the remaining 5%. Once payments have been declared to HMRC, employers will now have access to a digital apprenticeship account from which they will be able to access funding to pay for apprenticeship training.
The maximum amount of money allocated to each standard falls into one of 15 funding bands, ranging from £1,500 to £27,000.
Funding band maximum: £18,000
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Not in Employment
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must first be employed with a company willing to enrol you on the apprenticeship programme.
The government national apprenticeship website has further information on this. The website also advertises vacancies for apprentices.
Unfortunately, the University does not hold details of employer vacancies.
In Employment
Speak with the apprentice lead in your organisation in the first instance as they will provide the funding and will make initial contact with the Apprenticeship Services Unit. Your employer will need to confirm that they'll fund and support your enrolment with the University.
If you are currently in employment with a company that is willing to support you through an apprenticeship, then they will need to contact us in the first instance to express their interest in the apprenticeship programme and this will trigger the application process.
For general apprenticeship enquiries email apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk phone: +44 (0)161 295 3063 or complete the contact us form