This course is open for applications
If you would like to study this course from January 2025 please see the 2024/25 course page.
Page last updated 2 October 2024
Introduction
Unique in the way it explores all aspects of a building's entire lifecycle, from design to demolition, this course offers you the chance to cover new ground and be at the forefront of this exciting, emerging discipline using a combination of theory and real-life practice.
Accreditations and partnerships:
Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design, Construction and Operations is fast becoming the industry standard approach to designing, analysing, and managing building lifecycle. On this course you'll learn a holistic approach to everything from design and construction to maintenance, operation, and sustainability from industry and research experts using state-of-the-art BIM software. You'll also benefit from regular talks from BIM experts and close links tothe industry and BIM Regional Hub: South West.
Why UWE Bristol
This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). A RICS-accredited course assures employers you hold a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification. It's also the first step to becoming a chartered surveyor.
The course is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Hands-on experience and world-class research
A unique feature of this course is that you have the opportunity to be placed with a company to deliver a BIM Organisational Strategy and a BIM Implementation Plan. You'll also provide companies with BIM research that has real business value producing an organisational strategy and implementation plan to ensure their BIM is aligned with business strategy. You'll then research a BIM-related topic of your choice in-depth for your dissertation.
The MSc in Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design Construction and Operations is challenging, as we cover a lot of ground, and prepare you in all aspects of BIM, so you are better equipped for employment. To do this we split the course, so its half theory and half practice, using the latest modelling and management, analysis and visualisation tools. You'll learn to understand the complete building lifecycle, exploring innovative sustainable and collaborative practices in building information modelling and management, and examine a range of existing and emerging BIM issues.
Hear more about the type of projects you can get involved in on this podcast between the course academics and Vinci Construction.
The Government's Construction Strategy says all publicly funded projects must now meet the BIM protocol and is pushing for faster adoption of BIM. But, with a lack of skilled professionals, there are major obstacles. This fast-growing area is perfect for anyone looking to respond to this challenge and seize opportunities.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
You'll study the following modules:
- BIM in Design Coordination (15 credits) - Develop an advanced understanding of BIM approaches for retrieving, analysing and integrating information to aid decision-making, and using appropriate BIM tools.
- BIM in Construction Operations (15 credits) - Looks at a range of BIM approaches and applications for construction planning and operations, including simulating construction schedules and logistics, buildability forecasting and clash detection.
- BIM in Business and Practice (30 credits) - The opportunity to pursue a case study closely related to a company's interests, and how they use BIM approaches and protocols. You'll help the company with a BIM organisational strategic and implementation plan to ensure it's aligned with their business strategy.
- BIM in Operation and Maintenance (15 credits) - Examine the role of BIM for building and asset operation and maintenance, and the challenges of BIM-Facilities Management (FM) integration.
- Low/Zero-Impact Buildings (15 credits) - Assesses the role of BIM in designing and operating comfortable buildings that significantly reduce or eliminate energy use. You'll evaluate low or zero-carbon and renewable technologies, apply BIM to evaluate buildings' environmental performance and explore the impact of Part L, BREEAM, LEED and EPC ratings.
- Construction Project Management Practice (15 credits) - Here you'll integrate your project manager skills by selecting a project case study and analysing it in relation to environment, client objectives, feasibility, strategy, implementation, and commissioning.
- Dissertation (60 credits) - This module will equip and guide you to undertake independent research on issues and topics relevant to construction and the built environment.
- Construction Procurement and Law (15 credits) - This module covers Construction Procurement and Construction Contract Law. Standard forms of Contract are examined together with risk allocation theory and the newer forms of procurement including frameworks and alliancing.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
The course uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. We expect you to learn both in groups and independently, as well as using online resources. The programme team will provide all the support and help you need, and encourage you to learn effectively.
Scheduled learning includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstration and workshops, supervised BIM workshops and essential reading, case study preparation, and written assignments.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Study time
We teach most modules through five formal 'contact blocks' throughout the year, with each block one day long. Between blocks we expect you to undertake reading and other tasks to reinforce your understanding of the issues, and complete your coursework and practicals.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods, but your knowledge is tested mainly through BIM 'real-life' projects, with a focus on the various aspects of built environment lifecycle, including design, construction, operation and maintenance. We also assess through written work, coursework and verbal presentations.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Features
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). A RICS-accredited course assures employers you hold a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification. It's also the first step to becoming a chartered surveyor.
UWE Bristol also holds Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Accredited Centre Status during the period 2022-2027 and this course is CIOB Accredited during the period 2022-2027, having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and once they have gained three to five years' relevant work experience may enter CIOB membership as an applicant to progress towards Chartered Membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.
Study facilities
You'll have access to the latest BIM resources, including state-of-the-art software such as AutoDesk Revit and Naviswork. The Department of Architecture and the Built Environment has excellent IT facilities and support staff in CAD and BIM, as well as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and computer graphics. It houses an open learning area where staff are on hand to loan out the latest equipment, including interactive whiteboard, CD burners, scanners, digital cameras, and other equipment.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Construction, Property and Surveying facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
This course is designed to create the next generation of BIM leaders ready to work with technical professionals on project teams. It's highly relevant to architects, project managers, and construction professionals. Professionals with BIM expertise and knowledge are increasingly sought after in industry, academia, training and consultancy, and this course can lead to a variety of career options, including BIM Designers, BIM Managers and Digital Engineers. Other linked careers include teaching and research in further and higher education, training, and consultancy such as BIM Modelling Services. You may even choose to set up your own BIM company.
Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
Fees
Full time course
Part time course
Supplementary fee information
For information on fees, managing your money and determining your fee status, please go to our fees and funding pages.
For information about funding options visit our postgraduate funding and scholarships pages.
Entry
Entry requirements
We normally require an honours degree of 2.2 or above in a built environment subject, or if in a different subject, with built environment experience.
If you do not meet the above grade requirements but have at least 12 months relevant professional experience and/ or equivalent qualifications, we will consider you on an individual basis.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
English language support
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
Personal Statement
You are required to complete a personal statement for this course. Please read the personal statement guidance carefully and make sure that you answer the questions on the postgraduate application form within the personal statement tabs, keeping to the advised word count.
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need in our English Language section.
How to apply
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333