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Building Information Modelling & Construction Technologies MSc

Get the Building Information Modelling (BIM) compliance skills needed by the construction sector worldwide with a special focus on processes and 4.0 digitalisation frameworks
Code
K203
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Distance learning
Fees
£9,800 (UK)*
£12,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr. Noha Saleeb

Our MSc programme is aligned with the newest innovation, creative technologies and workflows in construction and Business Information Modelling (BIM), including industry 4.0 digitalisation frameworks.

Why choose Building Information Modelling and Construction Technologies MSc at Middlesex?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing construction information throughout a project's life cycle. This degree is designed to keep you up-to-date with the latest innovations, technologies, and workflows in construction and Business Information Modelling (BIM), including industry 4.0 digitalisation frameworks.

If you're an early career Building Information Modelling (BIM) practitioner looking to enhance your technical and operational capabilities on construction projects, this degree is for you. You'll use various smart technologies, tools, and software to negotiate, design, and complete BIM projects that meet the needs of all stakeholders, organisations, and environmental regulations.

For this degree, operational management is taught exclusively by industry experts. And through Middlesex's extensive industry network, you'll have the opportunity to analyse or work on real-life projects and gain experience in the industry. This will help you develop your professional and interpersonal skills, work collaboratively, and think critically and ethically. You'll also gain legal awareness and reflective decision-making skills that will serve you well throughout your career.

What you will gain

This course aims to produce competitive graduates who are proficient in technical and operational skills required for high-quality digital work production as design authors and team coordinators. It also provides you with interdisciplinary, hands-on technology and digital-specific skills.

The degree focuses on achieving skillsets for the four pillars of construction innovation – disruption (radical change), growth (incremental change), maturity (quality levels), and consolidation (integrative change) – through BIM, digital, and industry 4.0 technologies and processes.

Additionally, the programme places emphasis on devising and implementing solutions to practically address the UN 17 sustainable development goals. These goals are aligned with the course modules, providing graduates with a unique employability skillset.

The programme will incorporate teaching unique skillsets currently required in the industry including:

  • Sustainability design capabilities and Smart City strategisation
  • Technopreneurship skillsets and principles for setting up new businesses/start-ups, identifying opportunities and analysing their feasibility, and building a personal brand
  • Learning the adoption of lean processes and workflows on project operations
  • Acquiring automation and analysis skillsets through learning coding, scripting and visual programming, and usage of visual analytics and dashboards.

Accreditations

This programme is currently under accreditation by CIOB (chartered Institute of Building), CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology) and JBM (Joint Board of Moderators).

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Excellent reputation
    Top 2 university in the UK – Times Higher Education Young Universities, 2022
  • Postgraduate success
    95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes, 2022
  • A top 20 UK university
    For business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023.

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

This degree aims to ensure that you will be BIM-enabled and highly employable project team practitioners with technical, operational and sustainability hands-on skillsets. We do this by building hands-on technical and operational skillsets in contemporary innovative Integrated Digital Delivery and construction technologies. Additionally, it focuses on developing research and management skills in standard and unpredictable construction scenarios.

You will gain skills in BIM modelling processes and principles. This work will incorporate documentation workflows, project logistics and planning. You will also have a clear understanding of issues such as health and safety, sustainability, security, risk and quality.

The course consists of eight modules. It's possible to leave the course after seven modules, skipping the research project, and be awarded a PGDip.

The course consists of eight modules. It's possible to leave the course after seven modules, skipping the research project, and be awarded a PGDip.

  • Modules

    • BIM Modelling and Integrated Collaboration (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to develop holistic technical skillsets for Building Information Modelling and usage of a myriad of integrative software and tools to design an asset in its different disciplines. Through working on creating a real-life project, the module will develop skills in 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, architectural, structural, services and detailed design and modelling, validation and clashes review and resolution, information exchange formats and platforms, defining / assigning tasks and team collaboration, and designing a project’s processes, workflows and data drops. All this while ensuring adherence to the client’s requirements and documentation, and industry standards and regulations with deliverables applicable to the different asset’s lifecycle phases. Deliverables will also include graphical and non-graphical information for the operations phase. The module will integrate knowledge acquired from other modules running concurrently.

    • BIM Principles for New Practice and Heritage (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to deliver knowledge and skills to apply / evaluate the use of innovative digital technologies, integrated processes and practices underlined by the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a mechanism for new and heritage built assets’ delivery and maintenance. This includes developing practical processes, workflows, documentation to enhance project collaboration, procurement, information exchange, and quality deliverables to achieve the different stakeholders’ goals and objectives. The module will utilise different standards / protocols to manage BIM processes on real-life case studies to create new builds and renovate/maintain existing heritage buildings, with special consideration to health and safety processes and procedures and creating building performance benchmarks and Key Performance Indicators for BIM related processes, outputs and outcomes.

    • Techno-preneurship and Lean Construction (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to build knowledge and skills required to use innovative digital technologies and BIM techniques/processes to develop and manage own business / brand in technology-aided construction, or use an entrepreneurial mindset in established construction organisations to drive positive change on a global scale. This includes the ability to identify and validate new opportunities, products, services, funding, conduct feasibility studies and create competitiveness in the market by adopting the 4 pillars of innovation: disruption, growth, maturity, and consolidation. Furthermore, this module will build methodologies to achieve lean outcomes/deliverables within different lifecycle phases of a construction asset, to eliminate and manage waste in processes, recycling and resources and create sustainable solutions for both the different stakeholders and the environment.

    • Sustainability and Smart City Design (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to deliver knowledge and skills required to apply and evaluate innovative digital technologies usage, construction techniques / processes and building materials for the sustainability of the whole building lifecycle. This includes hands-on designing for energy efficiency, carbon neutrality and other global UN sustainability goals to achieve a higher appreciation of the impact and risks of the built assets on the global environmental management context. Additionally, the module will provide guidance on the conceptual practices for smart design applications on both city and asset level, including use of different technology/software platforms, sensor telemetry data, internet of things, off-site manufacturing, digital twins, computational urban design, to achieve BIM-enabled sustainable design.

    • Construction Law and Finance (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to deliver knowledge and skills to apply and evaluate laws and regulations for drafting of construction legal documents and managing legal issues relevant to designers/contract administrators’ roles on a construction project throughout its lifecycle. This includes assessing contract types, procurement methods, IP, arbitration, dispute resolution, insurances, risks, liability/accountability hierarchies in construction roles, to examine complex issues arising from the multi-party nature of the construction process, and uncertainties that can arise from time and latent defects. It will include stakeholders’ approach to construction processes, risk, cost (profit), quality and programme, which affect legal choices. The module will also deliver knowledge related to construction projects’ accounting, funding, finance for decision making, investment analytics, quantity take-offs, surveying and cost estimation/calculation for design, bids/tenders or other lifecycle phases to enable seamless collaboration between different stakeholders and achieving their financial goals.

    • Visual Programming and Data Analytics (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to develop skillsets in coding, scripting and data and visual analytics to optimise processes/workflows within the digital deliverables of a construction project in different lifecycle phases. This allows speeding and streamlining manual tasks to save time, minimise human error, provide tools for quality control and conducting complex computations, query searches and deriving data analyses and results that would be difficult manually, to aid project decision-making. These programming skillsets will be developed using the aid of visual programming, data analytics and visual analytics tools to: automate repetitive tasks, query and access building data faster and more efficiently, explore multiple generative design options, test performance and perform complex computations within the project models and documents. This is in addition to analysing data in complex statistical techniques and be able to produce useful visual dashboards that can help teams with taking different decisions and actions.

    • Integrated Project Management and Planning (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to deliver knowledge and skills required to apply and evaluate management and planning strategies for projects across their lifecycle. This includes management of information, risk and hazard, quality, time, cost, supply chain, site, procurement, teams collaboration, work ethics, logistics, resources, training and coaching, and most essentially fire, health and safety. This module also addresses the challenges of change management, human-technology barriers, and methods to resolve them. Furthermore, socio-technical factors driving BIM processes and workflows will be considered specifically in terms of how the factors affect the performance needs on a project and influence its efficiency gains and objectives, and how that impacts the global sustainable goals.

    • Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to amalgamate your knowledge, understanding and skillsets developed over the course of the programme. This is by showcasing their abilities in Building Information Modelling to achieve through digital and industry 4.0 technologies and processes, 4 pillars of construction innovation. This will allow you to demonstrate their competencies in identifying detailed problems in assets and focusing on formulating and managing solutions for them in detailed design, collaboration and management of new or existing build using new construction technologies. Furthermore, you will demonstrate critical analysis skillsets of different project workflows and processes though development of an analytical publication-based technical group report and publication. This will allow acquiring capabilities in research related to newly emergent BIM practices and developing skills for reviewing, critical analysis, reporting and presenting these issues.

To find out more about this course, please download the Building Information Modelling and Construction Technologies MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

This course is an online distance learning programme, so all teaching and learning is done online. Times for delivery will be suitable for different time zones to allow global industry practitioners to join. Each module will be taught via a two-hour interactive webinar weekly. Four modules will be taught per term in full-time, and two modules per term in part-time mode.

All modules will be taught through interactive live online 2-hour weekly webinars. Furthermore, all material will be recorded and uploaded on the university e-learning system. Continuous assessment feedback, reviews and support will be provided by industry experts through the Construction Cloud, and also during the live webinars.

Where will I study?

For distance learning courses, you can study from anywhere with an internet connection.

Timetable

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time over two years.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

There are no exams but your individual and group coursework including journals, live projects and case-study critical analysis reports and publications will be assessed by university staff and 10 different industry experts.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Facilities

The Sheppard Library

If you are based near London, our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Building Information Modelling and Construction Technologies MSc support your career?

Graduates of this course have career opportunities to work as BIM coordinators, BIM engineers, digital engineers, technical designers, sustainability designers snd coordinators, and other roles related to design, construction delivery on site and facilities management.

MDXWorks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

UK students1

Full-time students: £9,800
Part-time students: £65 per taught credit
Part-time per dissertation credit: £33

International students2

Full-time students: £12,600
Part-time students: £84
Part-time per dissertation credit: £42

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr. Noha Saleeb
Programme Leader

Associate Professor in Creative Technologies & Construction / Business Development Group Lead - BIMAfrica Organisation / CIOB SIG Advisory board for Innovation in Construction/ Editor in Chief International Journal of Smart Infrastructure and Construction / Best European Women in Construction Award – 2016 / Hong Kong Institute of BIM Award – 2020.

Dr. Tong Yang
Module Leader

Senior Lecturer in Architecture Construction and BIM / CEng, MCIBSE / High Performance Computing (2010) award.

Dr. Homeira Shayesteh
Module Leader

Senior Lecturer in Architecture Construction and BIM / Programme Leader BSc Architectural Technology / Delivery team for Digital Built Britain UK Gov Strategy.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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