Masters of Science in Facilities Management

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Heriot Watt University Dubai

Program Overview

The MSc Facilities Management at Heriot-Watt University Dubai is a postgraduate degree that equips students with the strategic and operational skills needed to manage and optimise facilities within complex and evolving business environments. It suits aspiring facilities managers, built-environment professionals, and those seeking leadership roles in sectors where efficient space, asset, and service management is critical.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Phase – Semester 1):
In the first semester, students establish their core understanding of facilities management with modules including Sustainability for Construction Professionals, Service Procurement and Provision, Strategic Commercial Management, and Value and Risk Management. These units introduce learners to sustainable operations, procurement strategies, commercial decision-making, and risk assessment within facilities contexts, laying the foundation for effective management in built environments.

Year 1 (Taught Phase – Semester 2):
The second semester deepens professional expertise through units like Strategic Asset Management, Construction Financial Management, People and Organisation Management in the Built Environment, and Space Planning and Management, where students learn to align asset strategies with organisational goals, control financial aspects of construction and maintenance, manage workforce dynamics, and optimise spatial resources for business performance.

Final Phase (Research Project):
At the end of the taught courses, learners undertake a Research Dissertation (CPMQS) where they apply research methodologies to investigate a facilities management issue of their choice, demonstrating their ability to synthesise theory and practice in a substantial project that supports professional and academic growth.

Focus areas: Strategic facilities management, sustainability, asset and space planning, financial and commercial management, people and organisational management.
Learning outcomes: Apply strategic and operational frameworks to manage facilities; integrate sustainable and financial practices; conduct independent research addressing built-environment challenges.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK, and fully recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Reputation (employability rankings): Heriot-Watt University Dubai has earned consecutive five-star ratings from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), with over 90 % of graduates securing employment or further study within six months, reflecting strong outcomes in international graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Heriot-Watt University Dubai's MSc Facilities Management (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, AED 99,528) equips professionals with strategic skills through core modules like Sustainability for Construction Professionals, Strategic Asset Management, Service Procurement, Value and Risk Management, Construction Financial Management, People and Organisation Management, and Space Planning, ending with a research dissertation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates lead facilities operations in Dubai's real estate, hospitality, and corporate sectors, optimizing asset performance, sustainability, and risk amid mega-projects and smart city initiatives. RICS accreditation and industry relevance ensure immediate contributions to built environment efficiency.

Typical roles: Facilities Manager, Asset Strategist, Procurement Specialist, Sustainability Coordinator.

University services: Go Global transfers, dissertation support, professional networking.
Employment stats/salaries: 90%+ graduate jobs; UAE roles AED 20,000-48,000/month.
Partnerships: Ties to construction/real estate for practical projects.
Accreditation value: RICS full accreditation boosts chartered status pathways.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni enhance business via strategic FM, sustainable practices, stakeholder alignment.

Further Academic Progression

Dissertation excellence opens PhD routes at Heriot-Watt in built environment research, targeting senior FM leadership or academia.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Heriot-Watt University Dubai's MSc International Business Management with HRM (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, AED 95,700) targets non-business graduates, delivering core international business foundations (Competitive Strategy, International Business Context, Business Economics, Research Philosophy) alongside HRM specializations (HR Strategy and Practice, Digital Human Resource Management) and electives like Project Management, culminating in a dissertation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates excel in Dubai's multinational HR functions, blending global strategy with digital talent management to lead diverse teams amid UAE's workforce localization and growth. Evening classes, team-building events, and KHDA 5-star accreditation support seamless career shifts for professionals.

Typical roles: HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Organizational Development Manager, Digital HR Strategist.

University services: Networking events, Go Global transfers, dissertation supervision.
Employment stats/salaries: 90%+ graduate employment; UAE roles AED 18,000-45,000/month.
Partnerships: Industry-aligned for practical UAE application.
Accreditation value: UAE MoE and UK QAA for international credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni optimize HR systems, drive ethical strategies, foster inclusive cultures.

Further Academic Progression

Dissertation strength enables PhD or DBA at Heriot-Watt, advancing to HR leadership or consultancy research.