Engineering

Master of Construction in Project Management

The Master of Construction in Project Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is a postgraduate programme offered through the Department of Construction Management in the School of Architecture and Building Sciences. The programme trains professionals in advanced construction project management, addressing the growing complexity of construction projects in Kenya and the wider East African region.

The programme covers management theory and techniques, construction economics and finance, project planning and control, construction law, procurement systems, and management information systems for construction. Students develop competencies in managing construction projects from inception to completion, including scheduling, cost control, quality management, and risk assessment.

The curriculum includes eight compulsory courses in the first three semesters, followed by a research thesis in the third and fourth semesters. Students also engage with computer packages commonly used in project management, including scheduling software, building information modelling, and management information systems for construction organisations.

Admission requires a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in a field related to the built environment from JKUAT or any recognised institution. Holders of Second Class Honours (Lower Division) may be considered with two years of relevant experience and evidence of professional development. Pass degree holders with five years of post-qualification experience in the built environment are also eligible.

The programme is offered on both full-time and part-time bases at JKUAT's main campus in Juja, with a duration of two academic years for full-time students. The Department of Construction Management, established in 2001, has a strong reputation for practical and hands-on training in construction processes and management.

Graduates are prepared for senior project management roles in construction companies, real estate development, infrastructure projects, government agencies, and consultancy firms. The programme directly addresses Kenya's infrastructure development needs and the growing demand for qualified construction project managers.

Skills Required

Construction project planning and scheduling
Construction economics and cost management
Construction law and contract administration
Procurement and tender management
Project risk management
Building information modelling (BIM)
Management information systems for construction
Construction quality management
Research methods in construction
Construction project control and monitoring

Key Subjects

Management Theory and Techniques
Construction Economics and Finance
Project Planning and Control
Management Information Systems for Construction
Construction Law
Research Methodology
Procurement Systems
Project Management Studio
Building Information Modelling
Construction Project Scheduling

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) Membership
Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Membership

Specializations

Construction Project Planning and Control

Focuses on advanced project planning, scheduling techniques, progress monitoring, and project control methods for construction projects.

Construction Economics and Finance

Examines cost management, financial planning, investment appraisal, and economic analysis for construction projects and construction firms.

Construction Law and Contract Administration

Covers construction contract law, dispute resolution, claims management, and contract administration for construction projects.

Procurement and Tender Management

Focuses on procurement systems, tender processes, supplier management, and procurement strategy for construction projects.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Develops skills in BIM technology, digital construction modelling, and information management for construction projects.

Construction Risk Management

Examines risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and management strategies specific to construction projects.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 178,500
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Management Theory and Techniques
Construction Economics and Finance
Project Planning and Control
Management Information Systems for Construction
Construction Law
Research Methodology
Procurement Systems
Project Management Studio
Building Information Modelling
Construction Project Scheduling

Modules

10 in the programme

Management Theory and Techniques
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers management theory principles and their application to construction organisations, including organisational behaviour, leadership, and management techniques.
Construction Economics and Finance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines economic principles applied to construction, cost analysis, financial management of construction projects, and investment appraisal techniques.
Project Planning and Control
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers project planning methodologies, scheduling techniques, progress monitoring, and project control systems for construction projects.
Management Information Systems for Construction
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Trains students in computer packages for project management, including scheduling software, spreadsheets, building information modelling, and database management.
Construction Law
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the legal framework governing construction projects, including contract law, construction contracts, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance.
Research Methodology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduces research methodologies for construction management research, covering study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and research ethics.
Procurement Systems
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines procurement systems and tender processes for construction projects, including procurement strategy, supplier selection, and contract types.
Project Management Studio
Year 1Semester 29 creditsCore
Practical studio course integrating project management concepts through simulated construction project exercises, case studies, and group projects.
Research Thesis (Part I)
Year 2Semester 315 creditsCore
First part of the research thesis, involving topic selection, literature review, research design, data collection, and initial analysis.
Research Thesis (Part II)
Year 2Semester 415 creditsCore
Completion of the research thesis, including final data analysis, thesis writing, and defence, demonstrating mastery of research methods.

Specialisations

Construction Project Planning and Control
Focuses on advanced project planning, scheduling techniques, progress monitoring, and project control methods for construction projects.
Construction Economics and Finance
Examines cost management, financial planning, investment appraisal, and economic analysis for construction projects and construction firms.
Construction Law and Contract Administration
Covers construction contract law, dispute resolution, claims management, and contract administration for construction projects.
Procurement and Tender Management
Focuses on procurement systems, tender processes, supplier management, and procurement strategy for construction projects.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Develops skills in BIM technology, digital construction modelling, and information management for construction projects.
Construction Risk Management
Examines risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and management strategies specific to construction projects.

A day as a student

A typical day for a Master of Construction in Project Management student at JKUAT combines morning lectures on management theory, construction economics, or project planning with afternoon studio sessions and computer laboratory work. Students engage with project scheduling software, building information modelling tools, and management information systems. Case studies of construction projects provide practical context for theoretical concepts, while group projects develop teamwork and communication skills. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, and site visits to ongoing construction projects offer real-world exposure to project management challenges.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's ongoing infrastructure development and urbanisation create strong demand for qualified construction project managers.
The programme has a practical, hands-on approach with studio sessions, computer laboratory work, and site visits integrated into the curriculum.
Total tuition of KES 357,000 for the full programme is relatively affordable compared to similar programmes at private institutions.

Against it

The programme is offered only at JKUAT, limiting institutional choice for prospective students.
The thesis component in the final two semesters requires significant independent research, which can be challenging for part-time students with work commitments.
The programme's focus on construction may limit career flexibility compared to a general project management qualification.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public179k to 179k

179k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology179k at University of Nairobi

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

JKUAT 178,500/yr verified (357,000/2yr). Private unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, JKUAT internal postgraduate scholarships, and employer sponsorship for professionals working in the construction industry.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Scholarships
Employer Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Students demonstrating academic merit and financial need at JKUAT, subject to availability.
Employer Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 357,000Kenyan
Construction industry professionals may receive sponsorship from employers for advanced training in construction project management.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Second Class Honours (Lower Division) with two years of relevant experience and evidence of professional development. Pass degree holders with five years of post-qualification experience in the built environment may also be considered. A postgraduate diploma in a relevant field is also accepted.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Case study analyses, project plans, research papers, and practical assignments submitted for each course unit.
Studio and Practical Assessments
Practical25% of the mark
Assessment of practical competencies through project management studio exercises, computer laboratory work, and project simulations.
End-of-Semester Examinations
Exam25% of the mark
Written examinations at the end of each semester, testing mastery of construction management theory, economics, law, and planning.
Research Thesis
Project20% of the mark
An original research thesis in construction project management, demonstrating research competence and contribution to construction knowledge.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT is a CUE-chartered public university. The programme is offered through the Department of Construction Management in the School of Architecture and Building Sciences.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan university programmes. JKUAT is a CUE-chartered public university.
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Professional certification
Global professional body for project managers. Graduates may pursue PMP certification through PMI for international professional recognition.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Construction Project Manager
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 400,000
Manages construction projects from inception to completion, overseeing scheduling, budget, quality, safety, and stakeholder coordination.
Construction Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides advisory services to construction clients, developers, and contractors on project management, procurement, and construction strategy.
Project Planning Engineer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 280,000
Develops and maintains project schedules, monitors progress, and coordinates project planning activities for construction projects.
Construction Cost Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 270,000
Manages construction project costs, including budgeting, cost estimation, cost control, and financial reporting for construction projects.
Procurement Manager (Construction)
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages procurement and tendering processes for construction projects, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and procurement compliance.
Construction Management Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 220,000
Teaches construction management at universities and technical colleges, combining academic instruction with research and industry engagement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue senior project management roles in construction companies, real estate development, infrastructure projects, government agencies, and consultancy firms across Kenya and East Africa.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Project
SoftwarePrimary
Project management software for scheduling, resource allocation, progress tracking, and project control in construction projects.
Primavera P6
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise project management software widely used in construction for planning, scheduling, and managing large-scale projects.
AutoCAD
Software
Computer-aided design software for architectural and engineering drawings used in construction project documentation.
Revit (BIM)
Software
Building information modelling software for digital construction modelling, coordination, and information management.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for construction management research, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Construction project management is just about building houses.
The programme covers all construction sectors including infrastructure, roads, commercial buildings, and industrial projects, with management skills applicable across the entire built environment.
Experience alone is sufficient for construction project management without formal training.
While experience is valuable, the programme provides advanced theoretical foundations, research skills, and exposure to contemporary management tools and techniques that experience alone cannot provide.
The programme is only for architects and engineers.
The programme accepts graduates from various built environment fields including quantity surveying, real estate, construction management, and related disciplines.
Construction management has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya's ongoing infrastructure development, urbanisation, and real estate growth create strong demand for qualified construction project managers across public and private sectors.
The programme focuses only on technical construction skills.
The curriculum emphasises management, economics, law, procurement, and research skills, developing well-rounded professionals capable of leading complex construction projects.