Program Overview

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Building Information Modelling and Management

MSc

Overview

Our Building Information Modelling and Management course delivers a flexible and innovative programme of study. The course addresses the rapidly evolving needs of the built environment sector in respect to the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a working practice.

You will work on real-life or reality-based problems, as experienced within the construction sector and its associated industries, consultants, and clients.

During your studies, you will experience behavioural aspects of managing projects. Most construction project managers only experience these when their careers are well advanced.

The MSc is available as:

• a one-year full-time programme
• a part-time on-campus or part-time distance-learning (DL) programme normally taken over two years, extendable up to five years.

Before September 2016 entry, this programme was named Construction Project Management and BIM.

Please note, PGCert and PGCDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not accredited by RICS or CIOB. Applicants interested in these should apply for the MSc in the first instance.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum
  • You’ll benefit from the deep knowledge of academics and experienced practitioners.
• Flexible study
  • You can study full-time on campus for one year or part-time as a distance learner over two years starting in September or January.
• Problem-based learning
  • Working on real-life problems and case studies you’ll learn the challenges of design and construction management in an engaging and effective way.
• Networking Opportunities
  • Benefit from extensive alumni and industry networking opportunities with real-world exposure through site visits and field trips.
• Accredited
  • Globally recognised qualifications accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Course Details

Course Structure

Modes of study:

• full-time on campus
• part-time on campus
• part-time distance learning

There are two entry points - September and January.

Please note, PGCert and PGDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not accredited by RICS or CIOB. Applicants interested in these should apply for the MSc in the first instance.

For full-time students, lectures are held on two set days every week.

For part-time on-campus students, lectures are held on one set day every week.

For distance learners, the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. Students are supported by email, Zoom, Google Meet, on-line lectures, and telephone, and are welcome to attend all lectures on campus. Distance learners are advised to spend two evenings per week and one whole day per weekend on their studies.

There are also intensive on-campus study periods and a field trip, when students from all modes of study come together (attendance is optional).

Learning and Teaching

In response to industry feedback, we have made our courses more practical by using an 'applied' approach to learning. This is sometimes called 'problem-based learning' or PBL. You learn by working through problems that are adapted from complex, real situations. We use our links with industry to help devise the problems we use in class, leading to a more exciting and relevant student experience.

Full-time and Part-time On-campus Modes

You will receive new material weekly with intermediate tutorials or seminars. There are also intensive study weeks and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study.

Distance Learning Mode

The virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. You will also be invited to attend (non-compulsory) on-campus intensive study periods and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study. You will be able to contact the Programme Team by email, telephone, and through online meetings/tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment is 100% coursework, and includes a variety of types of work, including quizzes taken remotely on Moodle (our virtual learning environment). Moodle also allows you to:

• download course material
• take part in closed discussions
• remain in contact with other students whether you are on campus or distance learning students.

Field Trips

An optional European field trip is part of the course and typically takes place over a five-day period towards the end of January.

The field trip exposes you to European project management practices, allowing you to:

• consolidate the knowledge gained in the early part of the course
• develop team and other relationships
• assess your ability to observe and report on the different approaches to project management in the UK and in a European country.

The trip normally consists of visits to prominent construction/engineering projects and sites. Plus architectural attractions, both en route and at the destination. You will be introduced to the development and planning practices at the destination. And you will have the opportunity to visit major complex projects.

The majority of the costs are subsidised by the School, and a coach is also provided to transport students and staff from Oxford Brookes to the field trip destination.

There are some expenses you will need to pay for. Please see the Additional costs section of this page for details.

Study Modules

The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards, your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.

Taught Modules

• People, Leadership & Organisations
  • This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how behavioural and organisational issues influence project performance and how they can be harnessed to effectively deliver projects.
• Project Planning, Control and Risk
  • This module prepares you to manage projects within the built environment through the use of advanced planning and control techniques.
• Advanced Construction Technology and BIM
  • This module recognises that the current challenge of The UK construction industry is to find innovative solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
• BIM in Practice
  • Information rich Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, process and collaborative behaviours have the potential to unlock new more efficient ways of working.
• Applied Research Methods
  • This module provides you with the fundamentals of research design highlighting the difference between qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and demonstrates how data can be both gathered and analysed and how deductive arguments can be used to produce valid generalisations from data.

Final Project

• Dissertation
  • Your Dissertation follows on from Applied Research Methods and aims not only to generate new knowledge or insights but also to develop your capacity to undertake rigorous research, to plan and execute an extended project and to communicate complex ideas effectively verbally and graphically.

Research

Many members of staff are part of the Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development (OISD). OISD is noted for its work on sustainable technology in buildings and sustainable urban form among many on-going projects.

Areas of interest include:

• sustainability, adaptation and resilience to climate change
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• collaborative supply networks for procurement and delivery of project
• building economics
• forecasting techniques
• risk management
• social networks in project environments
• managing complex projects
• management of knowledge and innovation as a source of competitive advantage
• adaptive re-use of existing buildings
• facilities management
• health and safety.

Careers

Graduates of our postgraduate construction programmes have an outstanding employment record. Our graduates are recognised as having excellent levels of communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Consequently, our students go on to be project managers right across the broad spectrum of the construction industries both locally and internationally.

Entry Requirements

• The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.2 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject.
• We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can evidence substantiated & relevant experience in construction.
• Industry professionals with suitable practice qualifications (e.g MRICS, MCIOB) - demonstrating ability to study at master's level, are also encouraged to apply.
• For Distance-Learning study, it is recommended that applicants have at least six months work experience in the built environment sector.

English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
• OR
• An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.

Tuition Fees

• Home (UK) full-time: £10,800
• Home (UK) part-time: £5,400
• Home (UK) distance learning part-time: £5,400
• International full-time: £17,950
• International distance learning part-time: £8,975

Additional Costs

• Personal Protection Equipment to include: safety shoes / boots, hard hat, and hi-visibility vest/jacket.
• Intensive study periods for open-learners: accommodation fees
• UK field trip: typically £150-400
• It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required.
• You may choose to purchase books to support your studies.
• Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills)
• Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs)
• Graduation costs include tickets, gowning, and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41.
• Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes.