University of Cape Town
Construction Management
Hone your ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects in the South African context.
Start date
02 August 2021
Enroll by 27 July 2021
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The total value of infrastructure and capital projects that were underway in the Southern Africa region in 2020.
Deloitte (2020).
The value added by the construction industry to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019.
Construction Industry Development Board (Apr, 2020).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
With widespread transformation and infrastructure development on the agenda, the construction sector in sub-Saharan Africa is rich with potential. Success in this field requires sound planning, management, and coordination skills.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Construction Management online short course is designed to equip you with the practical skills you need to navigate the day-to-day management of both large- and small-scale construction projects. During this eight-week course, you’ll learn how to handle client relationships, address stakeholder needs, analyse health and safety risks, evaluate environmental considerations, and manage time and cost constraints. You’ll also gain a holistic understanding of the South African construction industry and the economic factors influencing it.
Enjoy expert instruction from the leading university in Africa,1 and walk away knowing that you’ve completed South Africa’s only online, university-accredited construction management short course.
1 QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021)
Is this course for you?
This online short course is suited to those looking for a pragmatic overview of construction management principles and best practices. The content is designed for both established construction industry professionals eager to formalise their knowledge, and those who are new to the field. Site managers, contractors, safety officers, quantity surveyors, and junior architects may also find it beneficial. The course prioritises problem-based learning and makes use of real-world case studies and practical exercises to prepare students for the South African building industry.
This construction management course has been accredited by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). Completing the course will entitle you to claim 25 Category 1 CPD hours.*
In addition to this, all existing ASAQS members are entitled to a 10% discount for this course.**
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the accreditation reference ASAQS CPD 2021/01(P).
**Students must furnish proof of their ASAQS membership.
This course is certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning and 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.
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the ECSA validation number UCTCON21.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
With widespread transformation and infrastructure development on the agenda, the construction sector in sub-Saharan Africa is rich with potential. Success in this field requires sound planning, management, and coordination skills.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Construction Management online short course is designed to equip you with the practical skills you need to navigate the day-to-day management of both large- and small-scale construction projects. During this eight-week course, you’ll learn how to handle client relationships, address stakeholder needs, analyse health and safety risks, evaluate environmental considerations, and manage time and cost constraints. You’ll also gain a holistic understanding of the South African construction industry and the economic factors influencing it.
Enjoy expert instruction from the leading university in Africa,1 and walk away knowing that you’ve completed South Africa’s only online, university-accredited construction management short course.
1 QS Top Universities (Apr, 2021)
Is this course for you?
This online short course is suited to those looking for a pragmatic overview of construction management principles and best practices. The content is designed for both established construction industry professionals eager to formalise their knowledge, and those who are new to the field. Site managers, contractors, safety officers, quantity surveyors, and junior architects may also find it beneficial. The course prioritises problem-based learning and makes use of real-world case studies and practical exercises to prepare students for the South African building industry.
This construction management course has been accredited by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). Completing the course will entitle you to claim 25 Category 1 CPD hours.*
In addition to this, all existing ASAQS members are entitled to a 10% discount for this course.**
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the accreditation reference ASAQS CPD 2021/01(P).
**Students must furnish proof of their ASAQS membership.
This course is certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning and 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.
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the ECSA validation number UCTCON21.
What will set you apart
An understanding of the South African construction industry and the factors affecting the market.
The skills to manage cash flow, the tendering process, and other practical aspects of construction work.
The ability to evaluate health and safety risks, and reflect on environmental management practices for a project.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to the South African construction industry
Module 2
Compliance, contracts, and regulation
Module 3
Implementing health and safety, and environmental management
Module 4
Tendering for construction work
Module 5
Pricing the project
Module 6
Planning the project
Module 7
Protecting the cash flow
Module 8
Quality management
Get course prospectus
What past students
think
Sean Cascaes
Self-Employed; Former National Project Manager, Pick n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd
I enjoyed the content of notes, videos and additional enrichment exercises, and found them pertinent, practical, and relevant to the course and real situations experienced during projects. The online experience was easy to navigate, with adequate, timely online support from the lecture and support team. I enjoyed the learnings from the diverse range of classmates from all over Africa and Australia, sharing their experiences from home and abroad. This course has given me insight into how to change some of the things I have been doing, either slightly or completely, to enhance my function going forward, and also what pitfalls and loopholes to be on the lookout for.
Course Convenors
Karen Le Jeune
Senior Lecturer, Department of Construction Economics and Management, UCT
Mark Massyn
Senior Lecturer, Department of Construction Economics and Management, UCT
About the certificate
Learn about construction management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
