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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our Building Information Modelling and Management course delivers a flexible and innovative programme of study. The course addresses the rapidly evolving needs of the built environment sector in respect to the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a working practice.
You will work on real-life or reality based problems, as experienced within the construction sector and its associated industries, consultants and clients.
During your studies you will experience behavioural aspects of managing projects. Most construction project managers only experience these when their careers are well advanced.
The MSc is available as:
a one year full-time programme
a part-time on campus or part-time distance-learning (DL) programme normally taken over two years, extendable up to five years.
Before September 2016 entry, this programme was named Construction Project Management and BIM.
Please note, PGCert and PGCDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not are not accredited by RICS or CIOB. Applicants interested in these should apply for the MSc in the first instance.
Modules
Compulsory modules
People, Leadership & Organisations (30 credits)
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how behavioural and organisational issues influence project performance and how they can be harnessed to effectively deliver projects. It includes an overview of management approaches, exploration of the issues around understanding self and others, team theory and leadership, communication, conflict theory and resolution, conflict resolution strategies and learning from experience in project environments and also conflict and negotiation in the context of personal and cultural differences. The application of the PBL approach in this module is facilitated through problem solving exercises based on prominent case studies and game play exercises.
Project Planning, Control and Risk (30 credits)
This module prepares you to manage projects within the built environment through the use of advanced planning and control techniques. You will learn and apply a range of skills in project planning, scheduling, monitoring and control that includes cash flow and capital expenditure analysis, value management, risk and opportunity management and the use of software-based decision support tools as used in industry.
Advanced Construction Technology and BIM (30 credits)
This module recognises that the current challenge of The UK construction industry is to find innovative solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Sustainable Construction, Off-Site Construction and Smart Technologies are some of the methods being developed to deliver a high quality, productive and more sustainable built environment for our future generations.
Though yet to be fully incorporated into standard practice, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the emergent technology that is becoming the fundamental vehicle in driving and delivering these innovations. This module therefore explores both advanced construction technologies and innovations and the use of BIM in managing and organising construction project information.
BIM in Practice (30 credits)
Information rich Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, process and collaborative behaviours have the potential to unlock new more efficient ways of working. This module develops your understanding of the principles behind BIM and its application in practice.
Applied Research Methods (10 credits)
This module provides you with the fundamentals of research design highlighting the difference between qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and demonstrates how data can be both gathered and analysed and how deductive arguments can be used to produce valid generalisations from data. It also provides you with an overview of particular research techniques such that you can choose and develop those tools most appropriate to your particular research project.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (50 credits)
Your Dissertation follows on from Applied Research Methods and aims not only to generate new knowledge or insights but also to develop your capacity to undertake rigorous research, to plan and execute an extended project and to communicate complex ideas effectively verbally and graphically. You will work with a supervisor from within the department to produce an original piece of work of publishable quality through conducting your own primary research and presenting your findings in a professional manner.
Research
Many members of staff are part of the Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development (OISD). OISD is noted for its work on sustainable technology in buildings and sustainable urban form among many on-going projects.
Areas of interest include:
sustainability, adaptation and resilience to climate change
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
collaborative supply networks for procurement and delivery of project
building economics
forecasting techniques
risk management
social networks in project environments
managing complex projects
management of knowledge and innovation as a source of competitive advantage
adaptive re-use of existing buildings
facilities management
health and safety.
In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), our Unit of Assessment (UoA 16) ranked 4th within the University in terms of its Grade Point Average (GPA). We hold the 11th position in terms of Research Impact and Power Rating among the 45 institutions that submitted to our unit of assessment.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject.
We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can evidence substantiated & relevant experience in construction.
Industry professionals with suitable practice qualifications (e.g MRICS, MCIOB) - demonstrating ability to study at master's level, are also encouraged to apply.
For Distance-Learning study, it is recommended that applicants have at least six months work experience in the built environment sector.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
the Welsh Baccalaureate
the Access to Higher Education Diploma
a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
the European Baccalaureate Diploma
Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
a recognised foundation course
T-levels*.
* T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Learning and assessment
Modes of study
There are two modes of delivery for this course:
full-time on campus
part-time on campus
part-time distance learning.
There are two entry points - September and January.
Please note, PGCert and PGDip qualifications are offered as exit awards only and are not accredited by RICS or CIOB. Applicants interested in these should apply for the MSc in the first instance.
For full-time students lectures are held on two set days every week.
For part-time on campus students, lectures are held on one set day every week.
For distance learners, the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. Students are supported by email, Zoom, Google Meet, on-line lectures and telephone, and are welcome to attend all lectures on campus. Distance learners are advised to spend two evenings per week and one whole day per weekend on their studies.
There are also intensive on-campus study periods and a field trip, when students from all modes of study come together (attendance is optional).
Start this course in January
You can start this course in January or September.
Only the Dissertation module (independent study) runs in the summer, so course lengths for January starters will appear longer due to the summer vacation.
The summer vacation does provide a good opportunity for students to find an internship or gain work experience. Please note that there is no formal internship or placement as part of the course. We do however provide many networking opportunities and advice on how to find your own internship.
Learning and teaching
In response to industry feedback we have made our courses more practical by using an 'applied' approach to learning. This is sometimes called 'problem based learning' or PBL. You learn by working through problems that are adapted from complex, real situations. We use our links with industry to help devise the problems we use in class, leading to a more exciting and relevant student experience.
Full time and part-time on-campus modes
You will receive new material weekly with intermediate tutorials or seminars. There are also intensive study weeks and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study.
Distance learning mode
The virtual learning environment (VLE) is the primary mode of delivery. You will also be invited to attend (non-compulsory) on-campus intensive study periods and field trips where you will learn with students from all modes of study. You will be able to contact the Programme Team by email, telephone and through online meetings/tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment is 100% coursework, and includes a variety of types of work, including quizzes taken remotely on Moodle (our virtual learning environment). Moodle also allows you to:
download course material
take part in closed discussions
remain in contact with other students whether you are on campus or distance learning students.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our postgraduate construction programmes have an outstanding employment record. Our graduates are recognised as having excellent levels of communication, presentation and problem-solving skills. Consequently, our students go on to be project managers right across the broad spectrum of the construction industries both locally and internationally.
Many of these companies visit the department annually to meet students for graduate positions as assistant project managers whilst all of our distance learning students are employed full time by prominent companies in the sector.
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