CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders

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The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced the launch of its first-ever degree programme in partnership with De Montfort University in Leicester.

CIOB’s Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc Integrated Degree Apprenticeship marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s commitment to developing skilled professionals across the built environment.

The new, fully funded programme combines academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience, giving apprentices the knowledge and skills they need to lead, manage and coordinate the design and construction processes on building and infrastructure projects.

It allows students to earn while they learn, something 42 per cent of parents surveyed by CIOB in 2026 said they would prefer their child to do rather than traditional university courses.

Rosalind Thorpe, Director of Education and Standards at CIOB, said: "We are proud to be working with De Montfort University to launch our first degree level apprenticeship.

“It is a significant step forward by strengthening our role in shaping the next generation of professionally competent construction managers, which the industry so desperately needs.

“Designing our own course, using insights from education experts as well as our own members enables us to embed our ethical standards, technical expectations and professional pathways directly into higher education, creating a clear route from apprentice to chartered membership.

“The classroom elements of the course will be carried out online which gives apprentices far greater flexibility and means they can access the content from anywhere in the country."

Applicants for the new degree apprenticeship will be working in roles which include leading and overseeing design, coordination and procurement processes within consultant design organisations such as architectural, engineering or architectural technology practices.

Bobby Upple, Head of UK Validation Services, DMU; Rosalind Thorpe, Director of Education and Standards at CIOB; Prof. Lisa Stansbie, PVC Education and Student Experience, Education and Equalities, DMU; Sophia Welton, UK Validation Services Officer, DMU; Dr Nicola Brooks, Associate Dean (Education), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, DMU; Dr Luis Zapata Montalvo, Programme Link Tutor, DMU and Steve Conopo, Head of Apprenticeships at CIOB.

Apprentices may also work closely with clients and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle, including briefing, design, delivery and handover stages.

Rosalind continued: “Examples of job roles appropriate for the course include Architectural Technologist, BIM Manager, Construction Manager, Project Manager and Technical Manager, to name but a few.

“Our new degree apprenticeship has also been carefully designed to align with leading professional bodies across the built environment.”

Jill Cowley, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Extended Education and Director of DMU London, said: “The government has set ambitious targets to train thousands of new construction workers, so we’re proud to be working with the CIOB to develop the next generation of construction managers and skilled workers. DMU is an institution focussed on improving access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds, finding the right route through higher level learning that helps fulfil their career ambitions.

“Degree apprenticeships offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working on-site while also studying for a university qualification within their relevant field, which makes them immensely attractive and relevant.”

To enrol on the programme through CIOB, apprentices must be employed in a trainee role with a relevant job description. There is no requirement for applicants to hold A-levels or equivalent. It is only available to students in England.

A validation event was held at CIOB’s Bracknell office on 25 March, officially marking the launch of the new degree.

You can find out more about the new course here.

This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders" dated 26 March, 2026.

--CIOB

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