MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Construction Technologies & BIM

The MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Construction Technologies & BIM is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to excel in the field of advanced construction technologies and building information modeling (BIM). The program is offered by the University of Strathclyde and is available in full-time and part-time study modes.

Key Facts

• Start date: January and September
• Study mode and duration:
  • MSc: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
  • PgDip: 9 months full-time, 18 months part-time
  • PgCert: 8 months full-time, 12 months part-time
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) options available

Course Overview

The program aims to develop the knowledge, practical, and personal skills of graduates to work in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry and to develop further research skills related to AEC fields. It enables practitioners to gain access to a theoretical base and to appraise current and future strategies in Advanced Construction Technologies and Building Information Modelling.

Why this Course?

The need for advanced technologies has become necessary to accomplish sustainable engineering projects, especially for the construction industry. Various advanced construction technologies (ACT) have emerged over the last decades, and with the development of building information modeling (BIM), the future of construction will be transformed into a more digital industry.

What You'll Study

Students will take taught modules and a group project in the first two semesters. MSc students then complete a dissertation project in a third semester. Areas explored in the modules include:

• Principles and practices of Advanced Construction Technologies in the architecture/engineering/construction industry
• New trends related to digital construction, Building Information Modelling, and construction technology
• Sustainability
• Facilities management
• Construction management (processes, people, procurement)
• Project management (planning, financing, risk)

Teaching Staff

• Professor Bimal Kumar (Course director)
• Dr. Zhen Chen
• Dr. Andrew Agapiou

Guest Lecturers/Speakers

You'll benefit from a large number of government, local authority, and industry partners, who'll lecture on up-to-date current practices, with diverse points of view.

Field Trips

You'll benefit from visiting various large construction sites to meet with Architecture/Engineering/Construction professionals working in projects and have the opportunity to explore how the obtained knowledge from the course is practiced in real projects.

Open Access

Open Access modules are offered on individual modules from the MSc program. Compulsory taught modules are delivered intensively and are accessible to part-time students and as stand-alone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) options or gradually built towards a qualification.

Course Content

A typical selection of classes offered on the program are outlined below. Please note that these classes may be subject to change.

Compulsory Modules

• Sustainability: This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development.
• Advanced Construction Technologies: This module focuses on developing knowledge, thoughts, and skills about advanced construction technologies (ACT) for a dependable built environment.
• Building Information Management: This module aims to provide the students with an insightful account of building information management (BIM), in relation to concepts and scenarios, principles, people, processes, protocols, enabling technologies, and best practices in design, construction, and operation.
• Sustainable Engineering Group Project: This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills through collaborations in study groups.

Elective Modules

• Contract Administration & Practice: This module provides students with an understanding of the major issues of law embraced by construction projects.
• Facilities Management: This module is an opportunity to learn how to develop informed design in connections to considerate construction and operation for lasting impression and value in use.
• The Construction Industry Client: This module takes inspiration from a former President (Sir Thomas Angus Lyall Paton, ICE President) of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• Design Management: This module provides structured introduction to the design management process, issues, and tools.
• Project Management: This module aims to develop project management skills with particular emphasis on the effective and efficient use of resources.
• Financial Engineering: The module introduces the elements of financial engineering applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and to enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises.
• Risk Management: Under Health and Safety legislation, and the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it is mandatory for many industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim to show that risk is As Low As Reasonably Practicable.
• Knowledge & Information Management for Engineers: This module aims to give students an understanding of types of knowledge, techniques, and systems used in building knowledge-based systems and discussion on the application of these techniques.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: This module provides an introduction to the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.

Individual Project (Dissertation)

This module aims to further develop students’ knowledge and skills in academic research and to enable students to advance and demonstrate independent research abilities and project management skills.

Facilities

• Studios: There are two fully-networked design studios; one dedicated to student self-study, the other to interactive design teaching.
• Library: In addition to the main University library, we have our own, on-site, reference library.
• Workshop: A full range of hand and portable power tools are available (complete with instruction).
• PC Lab: Our lab computers have the main applications required for the course.

Learning & Teaching

The course is balanced between theory and practice. It’s delivered through lectures, workshops, group projects, seminar-led learning, by staff and visiting experts.

Assessment

The Formative assessment will take place throughout the course. Some modules will also be assessed with weekly tasks, others with one/two tasks per semester. The summative assessment is usually held during the exam period as will be indicated on the University timetable.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements/experience: A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, Project management, or Quantity Surveying.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £10,800
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £10,800
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £23,850
• Additional Costs:
  • Books & printed materials: £250
  • Study trips (optional): £250
  • Drawing materials: £100
  • Model making: £200
  • Miscellaneous costs: £120

Careers

The intensive market activities in Digital Construction and in Building Information Modelling show how this area is gaining momentum for job opportunities. Professionals with the relevant technology and personal skills are in high demand. This course will help professionals and new graduates to develop specialist expertise in modern design and construction management. It also targets those who seek advanced roles in BIM.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities for graduates can be related to many construction professions in design, construction, operation of buildings, and infrastructure. Careers include both general professional positions (e.g., design or project management) and specialist roles such as integrated information managers and Building Information Modelling managers.

Graduate Skills

Graduates will develop technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to deliver construction projects with a more integrated approach. With the help of various digital and media technologies, they will be able to conduct design and construction activities in a more effective collaborative environment. Graduates will be able to develop BIM Strategy and Execution Plans for construction organisations. As the course is also research-focused, graduates will develop research skills on a selected related topic in digital construction.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation