Master of Science in Construction Management (MSc CM)

Master of Science in Construction Management (MSc CM) at Universal Engineering & Science College, Lalitpur

Master of Science in Construction Management (MSc CM) at Universal Engineering & Science College (UESC), Chakupat, Lalitpur, is a postgraduate program under Pokhara University. The program is designed for graduates from specified engineering and architecture backgrounds who want advanced study in construction planning, project administration, finance, safety, policy, law, human resource management, research, and related management areas.

The program runs for two years across four semesters. Students complete 45 credit hours of coursework and a 15-credit research project, giving the program a total academic requirement of 60 credits.

MSc CM at a glance

UESC offers the program under Pokhara University. The college's finalized academic context includes laboratories, library resources, workshops, research activities, seminars, conferences, and professional training alongside its engineering programs.

Program focus

MSc Construction Management is structured around the management of construction projects rather than technical engineering design alone. It combines construction-specific study with project planning, economics, finance, human resources, law, professional responsibility, safety, research, and project administration.

The curriculum has five components:

• Foundation and analytical courses

• Core and functional courses

• Capstone courses

• Electives

• Thesis and research project

The teaching approach includes classroom discussion, presentations, group work, case analysis, guest lectures, and research project work. Each regular semester covers 15 weeks excluding examinations.

Eligibility

Applicants must have at least 15 years of formal education, consisting of 12 years of schooling and at least three years of undergraduate education.

A minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 45% at bachelor's level is required.

Eligible academic backgrounds are:

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering

• Hydropower Engineering

• Architecture

Admission process

Eligible candidates take an entrance test after their applications are reviewed. Final selection considers three components:

The academic score allocation is 20 marks for Division I and 10 marks for Division II. Professional experience carries two marks per year for a maximum of ten years. The entrance test carries 60 marks.

Application requirements include:

• Completed and signed application form

• Reference letters from two referees

• Official academic transcripts

• Certificate of experience

• Attested photocopies of degree and experience certificates

Curriculum

Students complete 15 courses worth 45 credits during the first three semesters. Semester IV is devoted to the 15-credit thesis.

Semester I

• MGT 511 Project Planning and Control – 3 credits

• MGT 512 Human Resource Management – 3 credits

• STT 505 Statistical Analysis – 3 credits

• ECM 521 Professional Ethics and Liability in Construction – 3 credits

• ECO 501 Economics for Construction Managers – 3 credits

Total: 15 credits

Semester II

• ECM 522 Construction Policies, Environment and Law – 3 credits

• FIN 521 Financial Management – 3 credits

• ECM 523 Construction Project Management – 3 credits

• ECM 524 Management of Construction Plant and Equipment – 3 credits

• Elective I – 3 credits

Total: 15 credits

Semester III

• ECM 621 Construction Project Engineering and Administration – 3 credits

• ECM 622 Construction Safety Engineering – 3 credits

• RCH 601 Research Methodology – 3 credits

• ECM 623 Construction Management in Developing Countries – 3 credits

• Elective II – 3 credits

Total: 15 credits

Semester IV

• ECM 625 Thesis – 15 credits

The curriculum provides five listed options under Elective I and five under Elective II. These cover areas such as IEE and EIA, GIS, Operation Research, Concrete Technology, bridge inspection and maintenance engineering, water resource engineering, mountain risk engineering, conservation management, hydropower systems and management, and power plant systems.

Thesis and research work

The fourth semester is reserved for a research project in an approved area of construction management. Students prepare an integrative research report and participate in a viva-voce examination and seminar presentation.

The thesis carries 15 credits. Evaluation involves internal and external examiners, with the external examiner selected from a list approved by the Office of the Dean.

Academic requirements

The semester system uses continuous evaluation. For a three-credit theory course, the curriculum assigns 45 contact hours during a semester.

Students are required to maintain at least 80% attendance in each course. Falling below the required attendance results in Not Qualified (NQ) status for that course.

The normal duration is 24 months or four semesters. The curriculum also specifies a maximum completion period of four years, with an additional year available for thesis work under the stated approval provision.

MSc Construction Management at UESC

At UESC, MSc CM is part of a broader engineering academic environment that also includes Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Architecture, and Transportation Engineering and Management.

The college has 25 research laboratories and supports seminars, conferences, field activities, professional training, and research through its International Center for Applied Sciences. These institutional activities provide relevant academic surroundings for a master's program built around construction projects, research, management, and professional decision-making.

UESC has 15 seats for MSc Construction Management.

Career direction

The curriculum is relevant to professional work involving construction project planning, project administration, construction management, financial and resource decisions, safety, construction policy, project evaluation, and related management functions.

Career direction depends on a graduate's original engineering or architecture background, professional experience, research work, responsibilities, and available opportunities. The program does not replace the technical qualifications attached to the student's original professional discipline.

FAQ

How long is MSc Construction Management at UESC?

The program runs for two years across four semesters. The first three semesters cover 45 credits of coursework, while the fourth semester contains a 15-credit thesis.

How many seats are available for MSc CM at UESC?

Universal Engineering & Science College has 15 seats for Master of Science in Construction Management.

Who is eligible for MSc Construction Management?

Applicants need at least 15 years of formal education and a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 45% at bachelor's level. Eligible backgrounds include Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Geotechnical and Hydropower Engineering, as well as Architecture.

Is there an entrance examination for MSc CM?

Yes. The selection structure assigns 60 marks to the entrance test, 20 marks to the BE/B.Tech academic score, and 20 marks to professional experience.

How many credits are required to complete MSc CM?

Students complete 45 credits of coursework and a 15-credit research project, for a total of 60 credits.

Does MSc Construction Management include a thesis?

Yes. Semester IV consists of ECM 625 Thesis carrying 15 credits. Students complete a research project, prepare a research report, attend a viva-voce examination, and give a seminar presentation.

What is the attendance requirement?

Students are required to maintain at least 80% attendance in each course. Students who do not meet this requirement receive Not Qualified (NQ) status for the concerned course.