| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc in Digital Construction course is designed in response to the growth of digitalisation in the built environment, to produce pioneers who can lead and apply digital innovation to the construction industry. This new course is aimed at:
The course design has been influenced by the rapid development in automated processes that support different aspects within the built environment, as well as the continual demand of the commercial sector for strategies that support effective technological transformation. Improving digital competencies amongst different professionals at technical, operational and managerial levels across the built environment sector is becoming vital. With the continual technological evolution of this sector, the demand for graduates who can advance the use of data / information is on the rise, especially with many emerging potentials resulting from applying areas of knowledge such as techniques from big data analytics, block-chain and information system management strategies. We anticipate that both professionals and graduates are motivated and capable in terms of both academic ability and real-world understanding to study this course.
MSc Digital Construction is a cognate course, which means that it is designed for graduates from different educational backgrounds including built environment, engineering, manufacturing, and computer science industry professionals. This goes hand-in-hand with the applied nature of the taught modules, which contextualise theory and practical exercises into areas where we have considerable expertise, e.g. BIM, information systems and computer science.
This course is
open
toInternational
students.What's covered in this course?
The MSc Digital Construction is built on five main areas of knowledge: Digital Transformation, Integrated Processes, Innovation, Smart Production and Decision-making.
Digital Transformation:
through Information System lenses, we will provide you with knowledge and understanding on role of Information Systems and Technology within organisations shedding the light on a range of techniques that support formulating an effective strategy for digital transformation.
Integrated Processes:
reflecting on best practice of employing integrated processes across different built environment disciplines, we will pave knowledge and practice of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the integrated processes on real-life projects.
Innovation:
extending on integrated processes, you will be exposed to different innovative solutions that can be applied during and after building delivery, and how they can be used to improve overall building performance and management.
Smart Production
: with the continual evolvement of engineering and manufacturing processes within the construction industry, we cover knowledge and understanding about different approaches primarily through lean principles toward achieving smart production.
Decision-making:
with the expansion of integrating technology-based solutions within the built environment, the value of understanding data/information in informing different decisions across the whole life cycle is becoming inevitable. Through interdisciplinary expertise, we will provide you with an insight into different computing-based areas to equip you with robust knowledge on synthesis of the data to optimise different aspects with in the built environment.Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
Become a specialist in Digital Construction
- this course will go beyond upskilling your knowledge on technological advances in the construction industry to equip you with pragmatic and dynamic mind-set that places you at the front line in the construction market.Widening your job prospects
- in addition to your opportunities in the construction market, our course will enable you to step into businesses that are undergoing or planning to undergo a digital transformation journey where your role will be forming strategy, improving processes and support their technological adoption.Links with industry
- we are well connected with the industry, and this includes large organisations and SMEs. The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows us to bring expertise from both the construction industry and computer science together.Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place
measures in response to Covid-19
to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of thestudent contract
.Program Outline
Master's
Professional Placement
Master's
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Innovation in Construction 20 credits
This course is seeking to create effective, efficient and creative managers of construction projects from design right through to occupation. Innovation is a key aspect of this both in managers’ ability to conceive of new approaches but also to implement series of improvements and to cope with disruption. The module takes a ‘learning approach’ to innovating considering this at both the system level and the individual level. In this, it explores and challenges different conceptions of innovation and seeks to devise strategies for implementation and success within different contexts.
BIM Process and Practice 20 credits
This module aims to provide a holistic view of the process and practice underlined by the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the mechanisms for integrated delivery. Using case studies and real life scenarios, the Module commences by identifying drivers and rationale to identify the business case for BIM in any project.
Lean Integration and Production (20 Credits) 20 credits
This module aims to facilitate knowledge and practices of lean integration and production within the built environment. It provides an overview of lean principles, techniques and approaches, and how they smart production processes. The module also touches on the integration of lean principles and production within built environment technologies, and attempts to reflect different stakeholders’ perspectives of lean integration across the whole life cycle.
Fundamentals of Data Analytics 20 credits
This module aims to provide an insight into the synthesis of data analytics knowledge and its application to optimise different aspects within digital built environment. Due to the advent of technological advancements, and since the introduction of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, research continues to show that deeper insight into the data/information can support overcoming many of the complex issues within built environment projects.
Digital Change Management 20 credits
The module is concerned with the social context in which technology is employed and the relationship that develops thereby. The module focuses on effective strategic thinking and a holistic integration approach to IT challenges and barriers. The module debates the interdependent relationship between people, processes and technology to deliver enterprise solutions able to exploit information and IT in a constantly changing international context
Strategic Information Systems Planning 20 credits
This module aims to encourage self-directed, individual and life-long learning through the adoption of problem-based learning strategy to enhance your problem solving skills. The module requires you to work in teams to address the challenges presented in case studies, simulating real-word scenarios. You will gain practical experience of applying, analysing and critiquing a range of modelling techniques to formulate IS strategies.
Individual Master’s Project 60 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
Professional Placement
In order to qualify for the award of MSc Digital Construction with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 7 modules listed above as well as the following Level 6 module:
Professional Placement 60 credits
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 20-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
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The teaching for this course puts you at the centre of learning and teaching, with a particular focus on the reflective learner and the development of professional skills and applied research. The course team use lectures, seminars, workshops, action learning sets, group work, problem based activities, guest speakers, on-line learning via Moodle, a study trip and discussion forums to deliver learning.
Critical thinking is vital in Master’s study, and you are required to develop your own ideas and come up with solutions to problems based on solid evidence and logical analysis. You’ll also be expected to complete reading and assignments outside of class hours.
This course is accredited by
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
This course is accredited by Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)