A University of Wolverhampton staff member will be recognised for academic excellence after being awarded a winter graduation prize sponsored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), on the same day he graduates with a Master’s degree.
Joseph Pollard, who works in the Estates Department at the University, will receive the award as he graduates with a part-time MSc in Construction Project Management (MSc CPM Hons), having achieved outstanding academic results alongside his professional role. Joseph, who has worked at the University for four years, said the course played a key role in helping him progress his career into project management.
“I identified the MSc in Construction Project Management as the best way to progress my career into project management,” he said.
“The course has given me the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to develop professionally while continuing to work.” Originally graduating in History, Joseph explained that his career path into the built environment evolved naturally over time.
“I fell into this line of work,” he added. “I’ve worked in various roles within the built environment since leaving university, but it was always project-based work and delivering schemes that I enjoyed the most.”
Dr Paul Hampton, who encouraged Joseph to enrol on the course, praised his achievement. “Joseph’s success is thoroughly deserved,” he said.
“Balancing postgraduate study alongside professional responsibilities is no small achievement, and his academic performance reflects both his commitment and his capability. This award recognises not only strong academic results, but the practical application of learning within the construction and built environment sector.”
Joseph also paid tribute to colleagues who supported him throughout his studies, highlighting Rob Gilbert and Dave Purchase within his department, as well as Dr Emmanuel Daniel, Course Lead, and Issaka Ndekugri, who supervised his dissertation. “Their support has been invaluable and has given me the guidance and impetus to succeed,” added Joseph.
Joseph received the RICS winter graduation prize and officially graduate with his MSc Construction Project Management degree on Friday 30 January, with the award sponsor in attendance as part of the graduation celebrations. The MSc Construction Project Management course is designed to support professionals working within the construction and built environment sectors, combining academic rigour with real-world application.