Building Information Management MSc

The Building Information Management MSc is mainly aimed at graduates who are already in construction-related employment and who aspire to senior positions in their field. The course aims to provide a challenging, stimulating and professionally relevant course of study which is directly related to the effective management of construction projects.
The course aims to offer learners flexible access to the core content, whilst still providing the discipline and structure of regular attendance at the University. This is achieved through the use of a 'blended learning' approach. The design of the part-time course recognises the significant challenges of combining postgraduate-level study with full-time professional employment.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATED PRACTICE
This double module covers the implementation of Building Information Management and Integrated Practice, throughout the project life cycle from inception to project delivery, asset performance and efficient disposal/adaptation/recycling of the building/project. The principles of client requirements, critical success factors and sustainability are addressed and developed within the project prototype, aiding the analysis of project options to improve the delivery and asset performance. Evaluations of software tools, in the context of multi-dimensional modelling, are analysed for both new build and retrofit projects.
The module introduces the principles of integration and collaboration across the entire supply chain to increase improved project delivery in line with the Government Construction Strategy. Analysis is made of the socio-technological skills that are required by BIM professionals to implement these changes in project delivery.
Assessments are made of the structured methodologies, monitoring and control systems employed in the systematic delivery of a BIM construction project. The module introduces the concepts of whole life costing, sustainability, information creation, management, distribution, utilisation, benchmarking, operating and lifetime benchmarking throughout the project life cycle.
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT
In this module you will investigate strategic management issues in relation to organisations that commission and deliver construction projects.
CONSTRUCTION DISSERTATION OR WORK-RELATED PROJECT
In this module you will identify a topic or project directly related to construction management which will provide a basis for a research study. You will develop explicit goals and devise an appropriate methodology, undertake the research study and produce a dissertation/project.
ECONOMICS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
In this module you will look at the economics of the construction sector, the economic environment in which construction firms operate, and the economic role of the construction industry both nationally and internationally.
PROCUREMENT
In this module you will look at the key stages in the process of procuring consultants and contractors for construction projects, the critical success factors, client requirements, the statutory and legal framework, the concept of best value, shortlisting and pre-qualification.
RISK MANAGEMENT FOR PROJECTS
In this module you will investigate the management of uncertainty and risk in a construction project environment, examining qualitative, but mainly quantitative, techniques.
Option modules
BUILDING DESIGN MANAGEMENT
You will gain an understanding of the function of design management and its efficient integration into project management processes. You will examine devising and applying techniques for the design of major construction projects, taking particular account of client needs, future proofing, procurement structure and adaptability.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLANNING
This module covers the key principles of construction project planning, from initial briefing to managing the construction process. You will consider the analysis of management systems in the context of successfully co-ordinating and delivering a construction project, and monitoring and control systems.
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE PROJECT TEAMS
In this module you will look at the selection, development and maintenance of effective and efficient teams throughout the duration of the construction project. You will study the principles of team selection, group dynamics and appraisal, and the process of identifying client requirements for team deliverables.
Any other 20 credit, Credit Level 7 core module from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment can also be taken as an option module on this course, subject to timetabling constraints and the agreement of Course and Module Leaders.
This list is indicative of what you will study on the course. For more specific and detailed module information please refer to full course document.
Course team
The teaching team includes:
Malcolm Smith, Course Leader
Martin Ball, Senior Lecturer, Department of Property and Construction
Rob Garvey, Senior Lecturer, Department of Property and Construction
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.
Associated careers
This course is aimed at graduates who are, or have been, in construction-related employment who aspire to senior positions in the construction industry.
Enhancing students' employability and industry connections is a key aim of the course. In 2013 Westminster ran Project Intermission, in partnership with industry mentors DMA Architects, Studio Klaschka and Gardiner & Theobald. Students from various built environment disciplines worked collaboratively on a 'real' project for a 'real' client, with input from industry practitioners, using cutting-edge Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies. From this project, construction student Kevin Hernandez secured a work placement with AECOM. Project Intermission was also shortlisted for a CIOB International Innovation and Research Award 2013.
Length of course
One year full-time; two years part-time. Blended learning approach.
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
Related courses
Construction Commercial Management MSc
Construction Project Management MSc