Master Lean Construction Management

Technological developments and social changes mean that construction projects are becoming increasingly complex. To ensure that they can still be successfully realised, a more efficient and sustainable design of the entire value chain is required.

The Lean Construction Management master's programme addresses engineers who want to face these challenges and play a key role in shaping a modern construction world.

In addition to Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM), the course focuses on Virtual Design & Construction and Integrated Project Management (IPA).

Technological developments and social changes mean that construction projects are becoming increasingly complex. To ensure that they can still be successfully realised, a more efficient and sustainable design of the entire value chain is required.

The Lean Construction Management master's programme is aimed at engineers who want to face these challenges and play a key role in shaping a modern construction world.

The programme provides the opportunity to develop deep knowledge and understanding of different areas of construction management with a strong focus on Lean Construction, Building Information Modelling, Virtual Design & Construction and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

In order to prepare for a subsequent professional career, a strong practical orientation and a high degree of application-orientation are central aspects of the programme.

The programme has a standard period of study of 3 semesters and is accredited with 90 credit points. It is possible to start in the winter as well as in the summer semester. The courses are preferably grouped into blocks.

In the first two semesters of the programme in Lean Construction Management, students build on the knowledge they have already acquired. As the programme can be started in the winter and summer semesters, each semester offers self-contained modules:

• Building Construction
• Building Processes (Lean Design, Virtual Design & Construction)
• Property Management
• Collaboration (Lean Construction)
• Intelligent Construction
• Processes and Management
• Integrated Project Delivery

The course content is taught in a practical manner using various forms of teaching and learning, and project-based work is integrated into the curriculum.

The focus in the third semester is on the preparation of the Master's thesis, which should preferably be carried out in cooperation with a company. The following courses are also offered:

• Scientific Work

• Leadership and Communication

   

The contents of the individual modules can be found in the module handbook.

As a university of applied sciences, we train our students for practical work. Practical work experience is therefore integrated into the curriculum in various ways.

As part of the lectures, guest speakers are regularly invited to give exciting presentations on their experiences in business practice and current challenges.

Students are encouraged to write their Master's thesis in co-operation with a company and to investigate issues relevant to the company.

Through this intensive exchange with specialised authorities, engineering offices and construction companies, our students gain insights into practice, they can apply their specialist knowledge in the company and build up a network for their future career.

Especially in the area of lean management, many impulses come from other countries and from internationally active companies. In terms of efficient and sustainable organisation of the entire value chain, international experience is more in demand than ever before. In addition, personal life experience is enriched by communicating in another language, immersing oneself in new cultures and gaining new, refreshing approaches to the field of study. And it is easier to go abroad during your studies than later in life!

Although the curriculum does not provide for a scheduled stay abroad, the degree programme and the university encourage and support students in planning and carrying out stays abroad, be it internships or study visits. Students therefore have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of the university's numerous partner universities in a semester of their choice. The International Office at HFT Stuttgart organises regular information events on this topic. Study and examination credits earned abroad can be recognised with appropriate proof.

The programme addresses graduates of Bachelor's degree programmes with a construction-related focus (e.g. civil engineering, industrial engineering in construction and real estate, infrastructure management, architecture).

Applicants need a first successful, professionally qualifying university degree with at least six semesters of study at a German university or a comparable foreign university in a field of study with a construction-related focus.

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree must have at least 210 credit points (CP) according to ECTS. Missing modules or CP can be acquired by attending suitable courses at HFT Stuttgart.

As the programme is predominantly taught in German, applicants from abroad who have not obtained their degree or equivalent qualification at a German-speaking university must provide proof of sufficient German language skills (e.g. German Language Test for University Admission (DSH), Large or Small German Language Diploma of the Goethe Institute, Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) at least level 4).

Professional experience in the field of construction management is desirable and advantageous.

Note for Bachelor's graduates in architecture: The Master's degree programme in Construction Process Management does not fulfil the requirements for registration with the Chamber of Architects, which focus on the field of architectural design.

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications, German language skills and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

You can find the online application form here.

The construction and real estate industry has an increasing need for well-trained specialists who, in addition to a solid technical and economic foundation, have a deep understanding of modern project and production organisation processes as well as a sound knowledge of digital methods and tools.

The programme in Lean Construction Management is an application-oriented and interdisciplinary degree programme. It prepares graduates to accompany construction and property projects from planning to execution and operation with optimum added value for the client.

The current labour market situation suggests that graduates will be able to take up suitable employment immediately after completing the Master's degree course in Construction Process Management. The ‘Master of Engineering’ degree qualifies graduates for the higher civil service and, in co-operation with a university, for a doctorate.

Typical employers are:

• Companies with a focus on project development, planning, construction or property management
• Engineering firms
• Consultancy firms
• Construction departments of public and private clients
• Universities and institutes in the field of research