Digital Architecture and Construction MSc drafted

Program Overview

The MSc Digital Architecture and Construction program at Nottingham Trent University equips students with the digital skills necessary for leadership in the field. The program covers key specialisms including computational design, parametric modeling, BIM, and sustainability, and culminates in a dissertation or research-by-design project. With a focus on preparing students to adapt to emerging technologies, this program provides a strong foundation for careers in the digital architecture and construction industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc Digital Architecture and Construction program is designed to equip students with the digital skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the field of digital architecture and construction. The program focuses on the knowledge, methodologies, and reasoning behind software, preparing students to adapt to any existing or emerging software and technology in the architecture and construction industries. The program aims to:

• Challenge current and prevailing digital orthodoxy in the built environment.
• Determine strategies to future-proof design and construction processes.
• Acquire digital theoretical, multi-disciplinary, technology, and design management skills.
The program covers key specialisms including:
• Computational design
• Parametric modelling
• Mixed-reality (including virtual reality, augmented reality)
• Building information modelling (BIM)
• Building performance analysis
• Historical building information modelling (HBIM)
• Rapid prototyping
• Sustainability

Outline:

The program is structured around seven core modules, one of which is a large-scale dissertation/applied research project. The seven taught modules total 180 credit points. The modules' credit points are weighted based on the total time expected to be spent studying the module content, both in terms of contact hours and non-contact hours.

• Digital Architecture and Construction (20 credit points): This module introduces theories and provides experience using advanced digital design techniques and methodologies to support architectural design and construction processes.
Topics include theories of digital architecture and construction, mixed reality, rapid prototyping and 3D printing, historical building information modelling (HBIM), and 3D data acquisition and processing. Students develop conceptual, methodological, and technical skills in architectural design and construction, and gain cross-disciplinary understanding of professional relationships, ways of working, and areas of responsibility in the industry and related disciplines.
• Computational Design (20 credit points): This module provides essential conceptual, methodological, and technical knowledge and skills to support the architectural and urban design process by engaging with contemporary trends in computational design.
The core content focuses on parametric modelling, computer scripting for design purposes, and physical computing in architecture.
• Applied Research (20 credit points): This module enables students to demonstrate their ability to conduct an independent investigation into an area of their choosing (from a list of available topics related to digital architecture and construction), leading to either a theoretical or design-based report.
The output of this module develops a clear, concise, and coherent research proposal on the chosen topic(s) that will underpin the dissertation/applied research project later in the year. Delivered through lectures and seminars, the module provides an overview of a range of real-life research projects, highlighting appropriate research methodologies, languages, methods, knowledge, and skills. Students gain hands-on experience in developing collaborative BIM models, merging models of different natures for coordination purposes, and undertaking clash detection, cost analysis, and construction planning.
• Building Performance (20 credit points): This module focuses on three core aspects of building performance and their performance during the building life cycle: acoustic comfort, energy efficiency, and building emergency evacuation.
Students explore building thermal performance in terms of heat transfer, human comfort, and user behaviour, and acoustic comfort in the context of building acoustics, sound insulation, indoor noise level, and reverberation times of different buildings. They are provided with opportunities to design, evaluate, and optimize different building components to achieve optimal performance, with a focus on the thermal, acoustic quality, and fire safety of new and existing buildings. This also enables students to gain hands-on experience using a range of simulation tools, including crowd movement simulation.
• Law of Digital Practice (20 credit points): This module provides a critical insight into the potential legal issues of data sharing between parties, including consultants, manufacturers, facility managers, and contractors in a digital environment (including BIM platforms).
Students are exposed to real-life case studies that utilize different methods of dispute resolution, including examples of BIM-supportive contract framework, copyright and intellectual property, liabilities, risk management, process, data, and interoperability.
• Dissertation (60 credit points): This module offers students the option to complete a dissertation formulated as a written thesis or a 'research by design' thesis where they will utilize different digital design communication tools to lead investigation and invention.
Students must select one option only. This module provides an opportunity to undertake an independent research project where they apply the academic, digital, and technical skills gained throughout their studies. Students build on the research proposal submitted in their Applied Research (20 credit) module and obtain comprehensive feedback to enable them to develop a robust research project. The module offers supervisory meetings throughout the academic year to support and monitor progress.

Assessment:

All assessment methods are coursework-based. Assessments vary from module to module and require students to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation to demonstrate the link between theory and practice. Assessment techniques include technical reports, case studies, individual and group projects, and presentations.

Teaching:

Teaching and learning methods include lectures and seminars, tutorials, critiques, case studies, workshops, visiting industry speakers, and directed and independent learning. Non-contact hours include direct out-of-classroom reading and activities, and independent learning and reading are deemed necessary to achieve the learning outcomes for the course. The university is ranked Top 5 for the percentage of Architecture graduates who are in graduate-level jobs or further HE or professional study within 15 months of graduating (Guardian University Guide, 2023). The Employability Team works closely with students at every stage of their career planning, providing personal support and advice. Students can benefit from this service at any time during their studies and for up to three years after completing their course. Throughout the year, the Employability team runs a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment, such as the NTU Built Environment Jobs Fair, offering employers the opportunity to advertise roles to students. NTU Enterprise provides opportunities for students to turn their ideas into a viable business.

Other:

• The program is based in the Grade II listed Gothic Revival Style Arkwright building, where students work with specialist facilities and design studios, including the Creative and Virtual Technologies lab.
• Nottingham Trent University is ranked the 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).
• Students have the opportunity to hear from visiting experts and discuss contemporary issues in architecture.
Recent industry speakers have included a number of RIBA Stirling Awards prize winners.
• The Creative and Virtual Technologies Lab is a multidisciplinary research environment where architects, artists, designers, engineers, computer scientists, and human scientists collaborate to explore the potential of new visualization techniques and digital design models and processes.
This enhances the quality of buildings and cities in a sustainable way, meeting user expectations.
• Academics are engaged in research that focuses on understanding the human intelligence involved in the design processes of buildings and cities and the role advanced digital and media technologies can play in supporting the design of more economically viable and more sustainable buildings.
Students can learn from research-informed teaching and take part in exciting projects.
• Field trips and study visits are an important part of the learning experience.
Trips may include site visits and visits to practices, museums, exhibitions, and events. Where a trip is mandatory, it will be aligned to modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organized, which can provide additional opportunities to enhance knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. A valid passport and any associated visas will be required for trips outside of the UK.

The yearly tuition fees for international students is £17,500. Payment can be made through advanced payments, installment plans, or other secure methods.