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Building Information Modelling and Digital Transformation MSc

The Building Information Modelling and Digital Transformation MSc is an advanced programme of study delivered in partnership with the Royal University for Women, Kingdom of Bahrain. The course will introduce students to the foundations of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the tools and technologies that are driving innovation in the contemporary Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

Introduction

The rapid evolution of digital technologies is coinciding with a set of economical, societal and environmental challenges facing architects and engineers in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry. In response, a wide range of digital technologies and methods in design and construction are transforming the way that practitioners create, communicate and collaborate.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is emerging as a new method, process and technology to automate information flow across disciplines, and facilitate collaboration, integration and coordination throughout a project lifecycle. This programme will introduce you to the theoretical, methodological, practical and technological aspects of BIM, and you’ll learn about the opportunities and challenges it presents. You’ll undertake team-based activities similar to real-world practice, including developing BIM implementation plans and strategies in line with national and international standards, and you’ll evaluate the ways in which new technologies and methods facilitate design coordination and support sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions.

This is a highly practical programme which will expose you to various BIM software and hardware tools, including:

  • Design authoring tools (e.g. Revit, ArchiCAD, Rhino)
  • Design coordination and clash detection tools (e.g. Navisworks, Solibri)
  • CDE (Common Data Environment) and project information management platforms (e.g. Dalux)
  • 4D Simulation tools (e.g. SYNCHRO).
  • Algorithmic and parametric modelling
  • Sustainable environmental design software
  • Virtual reality systems
  • 3D visualisation and animation software
  • Laser cutting
  • 3D printing
  • Robotic fabrication. You’ll also be introduced to related concepts such as cloud-based systems, big data, and smart cities, digital twins, the 'Internet of Things', machine learning and artificial intelligence. All of these concepts will enable you to understand the wider context of BIM and the future opportunities it offers to the AEC industry and beyond
  • The innovative, tools, technologies and methods that are driving the digital transformation in the contemporary AEC industry.

Who is this course for?

This programme is ideal for those wishing to a pursue a career either as a BIM specialist or in the broader AEC industry. It is suitable for graduates of Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Architectural Technology, Civil/Structural Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management and other closely related disciplines.

Please note: this version of the programme is delivered in partnership with the Royal University for Women, Kingdom of Bahrain. Students wishing to study in Liverpool should visit the Liverpool School of Architecture website.

What you’ll learn

  • The theories, technologies, methods and processes underpinning BIM
  • National and international BIM standards
  • Innovations driving digital transformation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry
  • How to use design authoring tools and design coordination and clash detection tools
  • How to develop and communicate BIM implementation plans and recommendations
  • How to design and manage effective workflows in collaborative BIM settings
  • The role of BIM technologies in sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions
  • The impact of BIM on the design, construction and operational stages of building projects

Course content

You’ll study 180 credits in total (120 credits in taught modules, and 60 credits through the dissertation). You will study entirely compulsory modules.

Semester one

Virtual Environments for Architecture – ARCH908 (15 credits)

This module aims to give a theoretical and practical grounding in Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Environments (VE) to equip you with the tools to use this technology. You will be introduced to the historical context of VE and VR, and different related concepts such as augmented reality and mixed reality. You will explore profoundly different VR systems through a comparative study, be introduced to various software specialised in advanced 3D modelling and visualisation, and be able to practice using this software through developing a detailed model for an existing space.

Computational Design Theory and Practice – ARCH977 (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to the different computational design methods, such as performative design, generative and algorithmic design, as well as parametric design. You will also be introduced to digital fabrication and will touch on some applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architectural design. You will therefore be able to scrutinise the real impact of the computational design methods on the architectural design process based on critical understanding of the nature, structure and methods of conventional design.

BIM Theory, Practice and Tools – ARCH924 (30 credits)

The module aims to provide you with a critical and systematic understanding of the theoretical, practical and technological aspects of Building Information Modelling as a tool, as a process, and as a managerial method. Through a combination of formal lectures, presentations and seminars managed by academic staff and leading practitioners from the AEC industry, you will be able to scrutinise the multi-faceted impact of BIM on the whole project life-cycle based on a thorough understanding of the limitations of traditional project delivery and the several challenges that may restrict full BIM adoption in practice. 

Semester two

BIM Implementation in Collaborative Environments – ARCH925 (15 credits)

The module is designed to develop the necessary understanding of the design and management of effective workflows in BIM-enabled collaborative settings. The focus of the module will be to introduce new ways of working, strategies and implementation plans necessary for the successful adoption of BIM on project and organisational levels. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) will be introduced and its contribution to early collaboration and effective decision making will be discussed and exemplified with real projects on both local and global scales. 

Interoperability and Design Coordination with BIM – ARCH945 (15 credits)

This module will provide an opportunity to develop hands-on skills and experience in generating both domain-specific and collaborative design models, and merging models for design coordination, clash detection, model checking and 4D simulation. You will be introduced to various BIM software applications and develop a comprehensive understanding of working with different BIM models including data sharing, merging information, and interoperability across various platforms aligned with their domain expertise. You will also be introduced to the legal implications for data sharing.

Research Methodology – ARCH907 (15 credits)

This module aims to equip you with the key skills needed to prepare a written dissertation or design thesis at postgraduate level in architecture, with visiting lecturers describing their own research and dissertation preparation and methods, with the overall aim of assisting you to select, define and launch their dissertation/thesis projects.

Design for Daylight, Health and Wellbeing in Buildings – ARCH960 (15 credits)

This module will look into how the built environment affects human health and wellbeing and how design with the assistance of digital tools can enhance them. There will be a particular focus on daylight, including theory, design techniques as well as how these can be integrated successfully as part of a sustainable design using digital/simulation tools. Within the context of health and wellbeing in buildings, theory and assessment techniques will be covered, as well as design principles on how they can be used as part of a successful design that can enhance them. You will have an opportunity to apply knowledge gained through teaching on the design of a building on a real site.

Summer

Dissertation – ARCH921 (60 credits)

A primary aim of this module is to offer the opportunity to submit a conventional written dissertation on an individual, approved topic related to the student's degree topic.

Careers and employability

BIM is a rapidly growing discipline in the global AEC industry. This programme will enhance your career opportunities by enabling you to get hands-on with a variety of design tools. You’ll gain practical experience and insights using these innovative technologies.

A variety of tasks will familiarise you with the activities and real-world challenges that BIM professionals encounter in practice. They’ll also enable you to demonstrate communication, teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills.

BIM professionals are in high demand in a range of roles and industries relevant to the built environment. These include careers in the AEC, management, project management, higher education, and conservation.

You may also wish to continue your studies and will find you are well-prepared for PhD research.

Fees and funding

International fees

Full-time place, per year:

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

  • You can pay your tuition fees in instalments
  • All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Architectural Technology, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Civil/Structural Engineering, Urban Design, Building, Design Management, Project Management, Construction Management, Facility/Built Asset Management, Building Surveying or Quantity Surveying.

Students with a degree classification lower than 2:1 (or equivalent) can also apply if they can demonstrate evidence of substantial professional experience in one of the fields mentioned above.

All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language and are required to provide evidence of this. Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS certificate with at least 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each component*.

*If the academic requirements have been met, but not the language requirements, students can complete a pre-sessional English Language course at the University of Liverpool or RUW.

How to apply

Visit the Royal University for Women website to apply now 

Contacts

Dr Adonis Haidar Adonis.Haidar@liverpool.ac.uk