MSc Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design Construction and Operations

Structure

Content

You'll study the following modules:

• BIM in Design Coordination (15 credits) - In this module, you'll explore the use of BIM in the design phase, with a focus on design coordination and collaborative workflows. You'll develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills of BIM frameworks, standards, and processes using BIM tools and emerging technologies.
• BIM in Construction Operations (15 credits) - Here you'll explore BIM in the context of construction operations. You'll examine how BIM integrates people, processes, and technologies to enhance collaboration, automate workflows, and improve project performance.
• BIM in Business and Practice (30 credits) - You'll begin this module with industry placement integration, giving you the opportunity to apply your BIM knowledge in professional environments with real organisations. Through structured engagement with industry partners, including high-profile professional firms and built environment collaborators, you'll work on a placement-linked business project that reflects current digital practices and organisational priorities.
• BIM in Operation and Maintenance (15 credits) - You'll explore the use of BIM in the operational phase of built assets, focusing on its integration with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Facilities Management (FM) practices for existing and newly built facilities.
• 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.
• 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 Law, Procurement and Project Management (30 credits) - In this module you'll get to grips with the main areas of construction law, procurement and project management, which will be reflected in the assessment criteria: procurement and law, project inception and feasibility and strategy.

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

Our BIM Master's uses a variety of teaching methods to build your knowledge and practical skills while keeping learning engaging and connected to real practice. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, guest speakers from industry and occasional site visits or field trips. You'll take part in technology-focused activities using relevant BIM software and hardware, fully supported by academic staff.  

Independent learning is key, with resources available through UWE Bristol's Virtual Learning Environment, alongside reading lists, tutor guidance and self-directed study.

Teaching is strongly practice-based. Project-focused assessments mirror real industry scenarios and current challenges in the built environment. Industry engagement runs throughout the course through the placement project, guest lectures, tech demonstrations, site visits and events. Class discussions and assessments develop your critical thinking, while research-informed teaching helps you justify decisions and build strong, evidence-based arguments.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

Full-time (one year, including dissertation): 40 teaching days, with 15 hours taught over 2 days and 30 hours of independent learning a week, respectively.  

Part-time (two years including dissertation): 30 teaching days in the first year, and 10 in the second year, taught over 1 day per week. 14 hours a week of independent study. 

Part-time students study the same modules with a different delivery pattern and can combine study with work, although being in work is not a requirement of the course. 

Full-time students, any accompanying job should not exceed 16 hours per week to allow you sufficient study time.

We provide tutorial support between teaching blocks. 

Assessment

Our BIM Master's uses a range of assessments, including portfolios with practical and research elements, individual and group presentations, reports and a dissertation. As a practice-led course, many assessments are project-based, allowing you to work on realistic BIM scenarios that reflect industry challenges. These individual and group projects help you develop collaborative workflows, problem-solving and critical thinking in contexts that mirror professional practice. 

Presentation assessments test your ability to explain and justify new skills to peers and industry audiences, while project-based reports require you to analyse briefs and propose evidence-based solutions. 

Your dissertation is a fully research-led project supported by a dedicated supervisor. Across all modules, you'll receive structured guidance and be expected to integrate appropriate research into your work, strengthening your analytical and professional decision-making skills.

See our full glossary of assessment terms.