Heriot-Watt University

PhD Construction Management and Innovation

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

A PhD in Construction Management and Innovation is an advanced research degree that looks at new ideas and ways of doing things in the building industry. Students in this program do a big research project, which they write about in a long paper called a thesis. They also attend classes and discussions to help them become better researchers and learn more about the subject. 

This course aims to create experts who can bring new ideas and make construction work better and more environmentally friendly. The learning involves doing your own research, writing, and discussing ideas with experts. Your progress will be checked through your research work and the final thesis you write.

Entry requirements

To apply for this program, you need to write a personal statement explaining why you want to study the PhD Construction Management and Innovation course at Heriot-Watt University and give details about your past studies. You also need a letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone you worked for. You can also include your CV to show your work history. You also need to send in a research plan, including the full title of your project and any reference number it has. In this plan, you should write at least 250 words about what you want to research.

Grade Requirements:

  • To apply, you need to have a Master's degree or an undergraduate degree with at least a second-class or higher in a subject that is related to this PhD. Alternatively, you also need to send in a copy of your grades (transcript). The university also accepts other qualifications from students who studied in other countries.

English Proficiency:

  • If English is not the first language you speak, you will need to show that your English is good enough for the course. Usually, this means getting a score of 6.0 overall in the IELTS test, with at least 5.5 in each part, except for writing, where you need at least 6.0. The university also accepts other English test scores, like PTE or TOEFL.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

    Please contact the provider.

  • Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

    We are offering up to £525 from the access to learning funding to students to help cover costs. This could be to purchase a laptop, pay for WiFi access or travel expenses.

    Up to £525

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Award value: Varies by region

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

Graduates from a PhD program in Construction Management and Innovation can pursue various career paths, including:

  • Academic Researcher/Lecturer
  • Construction Manager
  • Innovation Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Policy Advisor

Cost of study

The 2025/26 fees for international students taking the PhD Construction Management and Innovation program are £19816 for studying full-time. If you study part-time, it costs £9908.

Admission

You can apply directly to Heriot-Watt University by using their online application form or by going through AHZ consultants. You can also talk to our trained advisors to get more information about how to apply and how to best show your strengths so that you meet the program's requirements.

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