Construction Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Construction Management is a field of study that covers the planning, design, construction and management of facilities and infrastructure. It is a growing field, with an increasing demand for qualified professionals and researchers.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Construction Management?

Doctoral research in Construction Management can encompass a variety of topics, from the impact of new technologies on the construction industry to innovative approaches to project management. Typical research topics include:

• Building resilience
• Built environment
• Climate change resilience
• Energy demand
• Energy efficiency
• IT
• Procurement
• Sustainability

A PhD candidate in construction management might also choose to focus on a specific area of the construction industry, such as architecture, engineering or contracting.

No matter what the focus of their research, PhD candidates in Construction Management are expected to produce a substantial piece of original scholarship. This may include conducting original research, writing a dissertation or publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Construction Management usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Built Environment funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Construction Management are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), depending on the focus of your research. This funding will provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. You may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Construction Management (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Construction Management, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Construction Management careers

A doctoral degree in Construction Management can prepare you for a career in a wide range of industries, including construction, engineering, architecture, real estate and property management.

The skills you learn in a Construction Management doctorate can be applied in a wide range of industries, making you a versatile and employable graduate. You will be able to work in a range of positions, such as site manager, construction manager, project manager or estimator. You could also become a full-time researcher or teacher.