Building Information Modelling and Digital Construction - MSc

Program Overview

This MSc in BIM (Building Information Modelling) and Digital Construction from Birmingham City University equips graduates to lead digital innovation in the construction industry by providing comprehensive knowledge in digital transformation, BIM processes, and decision-making optimization. The course is influenced by the rapid development of automated processes in the built environment and the need for effective technological integration. Students benefit from industry partnerships, guest speakers, and access to state-of-the-art software.

Program Outline

It aims to:

• Provide a comprehensive portfolio of creative, professional, and practice-based education.
• Help students secure employment, further study, and career enhancement.
The course design is influenced by the rapid development in automated processes supporting different aspects of the built environment and the continual demand for strategies that support effective technological transformation. The course is designed for graduates from backgrounds including built environment, engineering, manufacturing, and computer science industry professionals.

Outline:

The MSc BIM and Digital Construction is built on three main areas of knowledge:

Digital Transformation:

• Provides knowledge and understanding of the role of information systems and technology within organizations.

BIM and Integrated Processes:

• Builds knowledge and practice of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the integrated processes on real-life projects.
• Covers knowledge and understanding about lean techniques and principles and its integration in BIM projects.

Decision-making and Optimisation:

• Provides insight into different computing-based areas to equip students with robust knowledge on data synthesis to optimize different aspects within the built environment.

Modules:

Core Modules (180 credits):

• Computing for AI (20 credits): Provides a holistic view of computing, covering data management, programming, and security considerations.
• Innovation in Construction (20 credits): Explores different conceptions of innovation and seeks to devise strategies for implementation and success within different contexts.
• BIM Process and Practice (20 credits): Identifies drivers and rationale to identify the business case for BIM in any project.
• BIM and Lead Integration (20 credits): Facilitates knowledge and practices of lean integration and production within the built environment, alongside the critical principles of sustainable construction.
• BIM and Automation (20 credits): Provides insight into "beyond BIM" applications to improve and optimize different processes within the digital built environment.
• Individual Master’s Project (60 credits): Enables students to undertake a sustained, in-depth, and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area of personal interest.

Professional Placement Module (60 credits):

• Professional Placement (60 credits): Provides the opportunity to undertake a credit-bearing, 20-week Professional Placement as an integral part of the Master’s Degree.

Teaching:

• The teaching for this course puts students at the center of learning and teaching, with a particular focus on the reflective learner and the development of professional skills and applied research.
• The course team uses lectures, seminars, workshops, action learning sets, group work, problem-based activities, guest speakers, online learning via Moodle, a study trip, and discussion forums to deliver learning.
• Critical thinking is vital in Master’s study, and students are required to develop their own ideas and come up with solutions to problems based on solid evidence and logical analysis.

Careers:

• Construction is seen as one of the top industries that rapidly is moving toward digitising its processes.
• The course anticipates engaging students with multidisciplinary industries to promote innovation and enable them to gain both practical and in-depth knowledge of tools and techniques within the Digital Built Environment for solving complex project problems.
• Students will benefit from resources and partnership with Autodesk, using software applications including Revit, Dynamo, BIM 360, and many others.
• The course responds to many of the current and future needs within the Built Environment.
• The course will invite leading guest speakers to share their knowledge across various modules.

Other:

• The course is accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
• The University is well connected with the industry, including large organizations and SMEs.
• The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows for expertise from both the construction industry and computer science to be brought together.
• The University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city.
• The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
• Students have access to a range of software, including Autodesk, CoStar, Blue Beam, Revu, QS Pro, Synchro, Navisworks, CostX, Enscape, V-Ray Lumion, and Sketch-up.
• The Built Environment Space in Millennium Point is available to all students with a huge resource of software-equipped laptops for loan on campus.
• Students have access to the Windows Virtual Desktop, allowing access to a range of software from anywhere where the internet is available.
• The Studio Space in Millennium Point is an open workspace where students can work on their design projects.
• The University has dedicated Civil Engineering facilities, including a Hydraulics & Structures lab, Concrete & Geotechnics lab, and a bending rig.

• UK students:
• Full Time: £9,710 in 2024/25
• Full Time with Professional Placement: £10,685 in 2024/25
• Part Time: £1079 per 20 credits
• International students:
• Full Time: £17,710 in 2024/25
• Full Time with Professional Placement: £19,485 in 2024/25