Construction Management online short course
Learn construction management with UCT's accredited online short course. Gain insights into the SA construction industry, client relationships, health & safety.
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The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an eight-week online short course focusing on construction project management in the South African context. Students will gain a comprehensive view of the South African building industry, covering topics such as client relationships, project stakeholders, timing, costs, sustainability, and health and safety.
The UCT Construction Management online short course addresses the demand for professionals well-versed in navigating the complexities of construction work amid widespread infrastructure development in Southern Africa. Ideal for both experienced industry professionals and newcomers to the construction sector, this course aims to improve understanding of the essential daily practices in overseeing projects of all sizes. The course equips site managers, contractors, site supervisors, quantity surveyors, and junior architects to make well-informed, strategic decisions for the successful execution of construction projects.
This online course in construction management begins by examining the current state of the South African construction industry and the economic factors influencing it. Students will explore construction project planning, pricing for work execution, supply chain management planning, and project cash flow oversight, studying the laws governing the sector. The course also covers environmental management best practices, quality control, and the tendering process in the construction industry. Students benefit from expert instruction, becoming prepared to make informed, strategic decisions to improve construction tasks.
The University of Cape Town Construction Management online short course is delivered entirely online. Through problem-based learning using real-world case studies and practical exercises, students acquire hands-on experience in essential areas of construction project management.
What you'll learn
Acquire valuable and relevant construction management skills, and walk away with:
- Increased knowledge of the South African construction industry and its market influences
- The competence to handle cash flow, the tendering process, and practical aspects of construction
- The skills to evaluate health and safety risks and consideration of environmental management practices for projects
- Validation of your skills in the form of a certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town
- Full access to edX’s Career Engagement Network for exclusive resources and events to propel your professional journey
Modules
ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus
Meet and engage with your learning and peer networks as you navigate the Online Campus.
MODULE 1 Introduction to the South African construction industry
Discover the fundamentals of the South African construction industry, and the stakeholders and economic factors that define its context.
MODULE 2 Compliance, contracts, and regulation
Learn about the laws and regulations relevant to working in the construction industry.
MODULE 3 Implementing health and safety, and environmental management
Discover the importance of health and safety, and environmental management in the construction industry.
MODULE 4 Tendering for construction work
Explore the documents and processes involved in tendering for construction work.
MODULE 5 Pricing the project
Learn how projects in the construction industry are priced.
MODULE 6 Planning the project
Discover how project planning and supply chain management impact a project.
MODULE 7 Protecting the cash flow
Discover how the requirements of the construction industry impact the management of project funds.
MODULE 8 Quality management
Learn how quality is managed and controlled in the construction industry.
FAQs: Career in construction management
The UCT Construction Management online short course is eight weeks, excluding one orientation week.
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This construction management course covers the principles and practices involved in overseeing construction projects of all sizes. It includes topics such as client relationships, project stakeholders, timing constraints, budgets, sustainable practice, and health and safety risks. It aims to equip students with the skills needed to manage construction processes effectively from start to finish.
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The UCT Construction Management online short course is suitable for both experienced industry professionals and those new to the construction sector. Site managers, contractors, site supervisors, quantity surveyors, and junior architects will all benefit from the practical knowledge and skills gained through completing this course.
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Construction managers oversee building projects from planning to completion, playing a pivotal role in ensuring successful, on-time, and within-budget results. The duties of a construction project manager include project planning, team coordination, budget management, risk management, quality control, timeline management, communication, site inspection, permitting, and compliance.
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The path to becoming a construction project manager may vary, but typically, individuals need a formal qualification in construction management or a related field. Practical experience in the construction industry is crucial, often gained through entry-level roles, where they should develop project management, budgeting, and communication skills.
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The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has accredited this construction management course. You will be able to claim 25 Category 1 CPD hours on completion of the course.*
This course is also certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points. With an estimated 80 hours of learning, South African engineering professionals can earn up to eight CPD credits.*
International students need to consult their national professional engineering bodies to check whether this course is recognised for points towards maintaining professional status.
*It is your responsibility to claim CPD activity. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility.
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Typically, skills and knowledge for a career in construction management include:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Organisation
- Negotiation
- Technical knowledge
- Risk management
- Adaptability
- Budgeting and cost control
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Client relations
- Knowledge of construction technology
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