MSc in International Project Management (with pathways in Construction Management, Oil & Gas and Energy)
MSc in Quantity Surveying
Dear New Student,
We are writing to formally welcome you to the School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE) at Glasgow Caledonian University. Theabove programmes share a common means of delivery(i.e. via GCU Learn the BlackboardOnline Learning System) and staffing. Over the coming months you will get to know both the areas of commonality and distinctive aspects, including differences in emphasis and core elements.
As the Programme Leaders, we will be available to help resolve any problems you may encounter and generally help ensure you enjoy a trouble-free and rewarding time over the months ahead. By now you should have had (or will imminently receive) all of your enrolment detailsand have registered online. If you have any problems that cannot be resolved without delay, we will be happy to advise and assist in minimising any disruption to your studies.
Our contact details are listed below but if either we are unavailableor your enquiry is a routine administrative matter, please contact the Programme Administration team, in the SEBE Reception, Room M209 – George Moore Building. E-mail: during office hours.
Attached to this letter are a series of important dates and pieces of information with regard to the operation of the above programmesfor those students commencing in Trimester Aof the 2017-18 Academic Year. We would ask you to make a careful note of the timing of major term-time events. As part of this year’s Induction programme, the ICT Tutors have implemented an online Pre-Induction ICT resource activity for all registered students to complete before their arrival on Campus – which can be found here: A student induction booklet ‘A Student’s Guide to University IT Services’ can be found on the University’s induction website at .
We hope you will enjoy the interaction with your tutors and fellow students during the period ahead. We are happy to respond to any suggestions of further opportunities for students to engage in organising cohort events, construction site visits or indeed any supportive activity. We trust you will go on to join the great number of our graduates who enjoy a successful career in their chosen profession across the world.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Nicola CallaghanDr. Ian Trushell
Programme Leader for IPM (with pathways)Programme Leader for QS
Office:George Moore Building, M521Office:George Moore Building, M536C
Phone:+44(0)141 331 8642Phone:+44(0)141 331 3891E-mail: E-mail:
MSc in International Project Management (with pathways)
MSc Quantity Surveying
Academic Year 2017 - 2018
Programme Operation
The primary mode of delivery for theseprogrammes is online, via the ‘GCU Learn’ system. In essence, all teaching is undertaken via GCU Learn with backup timetabled ‘Enhancement Sessions’ staffed by the module tutor(s).If you have already registered, a copy of the latest edition of your timetableshould be provided via the ‘My Caledonian’ portal ( These enhancement sessions enable you to explore issues in greater depth that may not have been covered in either the course material or the online discussions. Alternatively, they may provide an opportunity for clarification of lesson material.
If you are a full-time student it is expected that you attend these enhancement sessions unless otherwise arranged with the lecturer concerned. This expectation does not apply to distance learning students, but you are also welcome to attend any of these sessions at your convenience.
Reminder of Assessment Methods
You should be aware that both programmesaremainly based on coursework, with two formal written assessments per module. In addition, there is an assessment made on your contribution to the online discussions (via the ‘Discussion Board’ in GCU Learn) that take place during the delivery of each module. This element of the assessment is an essential, and indeed ‘compulsory’, element of all of the modules. Failure to participate via the ‘Discussion Board’results in failure of the module.
Professional Development (PD) Events
Every Fridayin Trimester A between2pm to 3pm, there will be a Professional Developmentclasswithoccasional guest speakers representing professional bodies as well as regular sessions on academic writing. Attendance is compulsory for all full-time studentsand reference will be made to your participation in these PDactivities upon receipt of a referencerequest.Part-time and distance learning students are welcome to attendif convenient.
The idea is that, while distancelearning students may have greater access to current practice within the construction industry and its professions, full-time students are often insulated from the day-to-day experience and challenges of the industry. These events are designed to represent a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) element in your learning experience, so that you are exposed to current challenges and developments affecting the industry and its clients. CPD is ultimately a key element in professional accreditation for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS),the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB),the Association for Project Management (APM) and Project Management Institute (PMI).
The full programme of speakers and their presentation topics will be made available at the start of the Trimester.
Induction Day (Thursday 21stSeptember 2017– Room M618)
The induction day will be held on Thursday 21st of September 2017.It will be an opportunity for full-time, as well aspart-time and distance learning students (if they wish to attend) to get to know the campus and its facilities. It is also an opportunity to get some basic administration tasks completed from the point of view of the Programme and the University. You will also be issued with printed copies of various guides and handbooks. Normal timetabled module enhancement sessions will apply from Tuesday 26th ofSeptember 2016 onwards.
Introductions by the Programme Leaders will commence at 1pm on the 21st of September. However, you can collect your student matriculation card from the ground floor of the Saltire Centre any time on the morning of the 21st, provided you have already registered. This will involve getting your picture taken and may involve some queuing so please leave plenty of time for this process.
The induction day provides an opportunity to meet fellow students and module tutors in a relaxed atmosphere. If you are not sure which of the optional modules meet your needs, this is the timetofirm up on your choice.Interaction with your peers is an essential element of your experience of the University, so don’t miss this chance to make introductions and share your experiences with those who perhaps havemore experience of life in Glasgow and can suggest solutions to any practical problems as they arise.
Timetable for the Induction Day
Time / Activity / Staff / Location10.00-13.00 / Students Matriculation Card Collection (if necessary) / Student Records / Saltire Centre
13.00-14.00 / Welcome and Introductions / Dr Nicola Callaghan & Dr Ian Trushell / M618
14.00-14.45 / Library Induction Workshop / Heather Marshall (Librarian) / M618
Break to network with other students
15.30-16.00 / GCU Learn and ICT Skills workshop / David McArthur / M618