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A QS has won a scholarship worth over £6,000 for a place on a pioneering "MBA for Construction Executives" at Manchester Business School Worldwide (MBSW).

Thompson Kapapa, 31, of John Doyle Construction, is one of 20 students aged between 27 and 43 that began the new distance-learning course this week.

Last month, the RICS and RIBA launched a competition, each offering a 50% scholarship to a chartered member. The other winner of the scholarship was Francis Henderson of architectural firm Sturgis Associates.

Kapapa said he had been applying for other courses but realised he "simply couldn't afford the crippling fees".

"They range from anything between £12,000 and £15,000, so I decided to postpone my application for a few years," he added. "When I came across the advert it seemed too good to be true and so I just went for it."

"I have always wanted to do an MBA and so there was no way I could turn it down. It has come at the right time as I feel I sometimes lack the jargon needed to deal with other companies. I hope by doing the course I can really understand the construction business."

I feel I sometimes lack the jargon needed to deal with other companies

Thompson Kapapa, John Doyle Construction

Kapapa will fund the remaining 50% independently by taking out a loan and will use the course as part of his CPD. He said he wanted to use the course as a springboard to start his own business.

"I want to set up my own consultancy and earn more money but it's not about holding my present company at gun point to pay me more. Ultimately I want to use it for career progression," he said.

The competition required applicants to submit an electronic presentation based on a provided case study entitled ‘Designing the Sheffield Arena', a multi-use facility on the edge of the city. MBSW academics and RIBA and RICS representatives then assessed the entries.

Professor Graham Winch, programme director of MBS, said: "The standard of entries was very high and it was interesting to note the differences between the architects and QSs in their approaches. Kapapa and Henderson distinguish themselves by being analytical, and having clearly read texts on construction project management."

"Without a doubt, an MBA is the way to get to the top of the construction industry. We are training the future leaders of the industry. If you want to become a partner or a director, then this is how you do it," he added.

If you want to become a partner or a director, then this is how you do it

Professor Graham Winch, programme director, MBS

Unlike most postgraduate courses that follow on immediately from a first degree, the Association of MBAs recommends that a student considering an MBA should have a minimum of two years' work experience before applying. This is due to the high level of construction expertise and business theory that is required for an MBA.

The MBA programme was devised by MBSW in collaboration with CITB-Construction Skills and through consultation with leading industry bodies. Research carried out with CITB illustrated the need for an MBA that prepared construction managers to lead in a competitive environment. Professor Winch said the industry requires transferable skills at every level as firms continue to show interest in staff that qualify in both technical and management arenas. The programme is therefore designed to attract managers within all construction disciplines, from surveying and engineering through to project management. It also appeals to those who want to progress into general management.

As MBSW is the distance-learning arm of the business school, students will complete their studies through a ‘blended learning' system. This is often the most popular method of studying an MBA, with a combination of allocated class time and independent learning enabling the student to continue working as a professional.

The course comprises of 12 modules with a total of 36 days timetabled for students to attend guest lectures, workshops and tutorials. The final assignment allows students to negotiate an independent project with their employees, from concept to creation, and is a platform for them to transfer skills and knowledge back into the job.