In the Limelight: MSc Digital Construction: Innovation at Heart

The new MSc Digital Construction course at Birmingham City University aims to provide a platform for built environment professionals to improve or further develop their digital competency, awareness and practical skills that support them to cope with the ever-changing technological advancements. The course also acts as a bridge for those coming from other educational backgrounds, particularly computer science, who are interested in joining the built environment world. MSc Digital Construction takes students from a broad range of subjects in the built environment, such as engineering, manufacturing, and computer science industry professionals. The course Design Philosophy empowers learners to understand industrial trends and prepares graduates for employment. The industry focus on the course design and graduate opportunities, both for placement and employment, attracts national and international applicants. Furthermore, Birmingham City University’s proven track record in delivering courses to the target demographic, coupled with the accessible location of study, makes the course attractive.

The design of MSc Digital Construction is considered to be unique and innovative as it combines knowledge from both the built environment and computing. The course uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the common data environment platforms and advanced technological processes that support the whole life cycle of the built environment. It further equips students with the knowledge and the confidence to empower them to join the digital world of the built environment, and support organisations in their journey of digital transformation. The MSc Digital Construction course is built on five main areas of knowledge: Digital Transformation, Integrated Processes, Innovation, Smart Production and Decision-Making, achieved through six modules. 

Digital Transformation: Through Information System lenses, students are provided with knowledge and understanding on role of Information Systems and Technology within organisations, shedding  light on a range of techniques that support formulating an effective strategy for digital transformation.

Integrated Processes: Reflecting on best practice of employing integrated processes across different built environment disciplines, we will provide knowledge in and practice of using BIM, one of the integrated processes on real-life projects.

Innovation: Extending on integrated processes, you will be exposed to different innovative solutions that can be applied during and after building delivery, and how they can be used to improve overall building performance and management.

Smart Production: With the continual evolvement of engineering and manufacturing processes within the construction industry, we cover knowledge and understanding about different approaches primarily through lean principles towards achieving smart production.

Decision-making: With the expansion of integrating technology-based solutions within the built environment, the value of understanding data/information in informing different decisions across the whole life cycle is becoming increasingly essential. Through interdisciplinary expertise, we will provide you with an insight into different computing-based areas to equip you with robust knowledge on data synthesis to optimise different aspects within the built environment.
 

MSc Digital Construction: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The development of the MSc Digital Construction course satisfies many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support reaching a wider audience, providing more opportunities and coping with the rapid pace of industry and research evolvements. Below describes the SDGs that MSc Digital Construction correspond to:

Mapping MSc Digital Construction to relevant SDGs
 

Quality Education:

• This is embedded in the delivery pattern of the course which is heavily research and industry-led.
• The assessment strategy support leveraging student skills at both strategic and technical levels.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The course provides students with both built environment knowledge and competencies of computer science to expand career opportunities.
• The course allows different roles (built environment-led or computer science-led) to contextualise knowledge and skills.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The course is built on five themes that support innovation and improving infrastructure.
• The harmony of the modules provides a solid foundation for transferable skills, so that students apply their knowledge in different contexts.

Reduced Inequalities

• The course is designed for different levels of students to support a more inclusive digital transformation journey.
• A range of technical competencies provide flexible learning for students and multiple paths to satisfy intended learning outcomes.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Most of the modules demand lifecycle-related considerations which put user demands and sustainability at the heart of most modules.

Responsible Consumption and Production

• The course integrates lean-based processes so that students are aware of production and waste management.

Partnerships for the Goals

• The course allows for hybrid integration with industry and practice so that students develop best practices.
• The course allows for industry-led projects which can provide better opportunities for placements and employment.