If you are interested in efficient multidisciplinary collaboration through the design and construction process with the support of advanced BIM technologies, this is the course for you. It provides the skills and competences to support integrated design and delivery solutions and the coordination of roles and responsibilities for the financial, environmental and social performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle.
This course addresses currently emerging needs of new skills for architects, designers and design/project managers: efficient multidisciplinary collaboration through the design and construction processes, enabling the delivery of integrated design and solutions with the support of advanced technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). It will support professionals in responding to current and future challenges in client expectations and societal needs, which are pushing professionals to improve integration and coordination of formerly separate roles and responsibilities.
This course is based on state-of-the-art research and benefits from contributions of the world renowned integrated BIM implementation expert, and head of School of the Built Environment design directorate, Professor Arto Kiviniemi.
It addresses the benefits that can be achieved through the adoption of BIM and discusses:
This course can be studied full-time, part-time on campus, or part-time by online distance learning. Admission onto the course is in September or January.
You will study two 30 credit modules in each of your first two semesters on campus; these are designed to give you the core knowledge and experience required. In the final semester you have the choice of undertaking a dissertation or research by design project.
Part-time students attend the University one day per week, usually on day release from employment in industry. A 30 credit module is studied each semester. Throughout the final two semesters you choose to undertake a dissertation or research by design project.
A 30 credit module is studied each semester. Assessment of these modules is driven by real-world problems aligned to your workplace and job role. Teaching is based around a virtual learning environment supported by interactive online sessions. In the final two semesters you undertake a dissertation or research by design project worth 60 credits, which is also delivered online and incorporates extensive tutor engagement and support. You have the option to attend the University for specific activities like field trips, Salford study days and summer schools, which enable face to face interaction and knowledge exchange.
The Masters award consists of three core taught modules and one elective module, followed by your choice of a dissertation or research by design project. The PgDip requires the completion of the three core modules and one elective module. The PgCert requires completion of two specified taught modules. All modules are delivered over a 15 week period and are assessed through coursework.
Full-time - September start
Semester 1
Integrated BIM Projects (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to understand and critically evaluate key issues in the management of integrated BIM based projects. The module also provides an understanding of how process and technology changes can support better value generation through design. Module topics include:
- Building industry challenges and opportunities
- The business value of BIM and integrated design
- Design collaboration
- Lean design and construction
- Integrated project delivery
- Lifecycle management and BIM
close
BIM Theory and Practice (30 credits)
BIM theory and practice emphasises on how the design process needs to change to achieve benefits from the use of technology. The module addresses data structures and standards, describing data exchange needs in different use cases. It also describes collaborative multidisciplinary design settings, communication with project stakeholders, clash detection, design integration and management of design changes. Module topics include:
- The concept of BIM
- BIM deployment strategies
- Design and construction process for BIM
- BIM tools in design
- Interoperability, IFCs, parametric modelling and BIM
- Building information exchange
- Data sharing and design integration
- BIM, energy efficiency and sustainability
close
Semester 2
Lean Integrated Design and Production (30 credits)
This module aims to provide knowledge on lean design and construction. It focuses specifically on the integration of design and construction and its importance to the successful management of projects. Module topics include:
- Integrating people, process and technology
- Lean construction/production
- Continuous improvement
- Process design and implementation
- Process mapping analysis
- Integrating project lifecycles
close
Opional Modules
Advanced Technologies for Collaborative Design (30 credits)
This module aims to familiarise you with synchronous and asynchronous design communication and collaboration technologies and their impact on building design and production. It will investigate the extent to which various technological tools and systems facilitate the generation, representation, rationalisation, materialisation and fabrication of design artefacts in collaborative and multidisciplinary design settings. Module topics include:
- Contemporary techniques in collaborative design
- CAD/CAM paradigm and mass customisation in architectural production
- File-to-Factory Processes (e.g.3D printer and laser-cutting technologies)
- Fundamentals of BIM and GIS in architectural design
- Collaborative knowledge modelling in design
- Mixed, augmented and virtual reality applications in design
close
Sustainable Design Theory and Practice (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with critical awareness and appreciation of sustainable urban and building design to the development of sustainable communities. It describes design methods and assessment techniques for sustainable community design and development. Module topics include:
- Sustainable urban development theory
- Sustainable building design
- Visioning and sustainability assessment
- Sustainable urban design community considerations
- Sustainability appraisal
- Good practice case studies and examples
close
Semester three
Dissertation (60 credits)
This module allows you to develop a research proposal with clear aims and objectives related to your study. You will undertake critical analysis of existing research and engage in various forms of recognised research in order to produce a sustained, sophisticated, and logical argument in the form of a written dissertation.
Or
Research by Design (60 credits)
This module is project-based and intends to bring together design theory as well as technical skills as an integrated design project to provide a mechanism through which you can demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learnt in an innovative and creative project. This module allows you to generate knowledge and new insights while applying recognised research by design techniques to produce a sustained and logical argument.
close
Full-time - January start
Semester 2
Lean Integrated Design and Production (30 credits)
This module aims to provide knowledge on lean design and construction. It focuses specifically on the integration of design and construction and its importance to the successful management of projects. Module topics include:
- Integrating people, process and technology
- Lean construction/production
- Continuous improvement
- Process design and implementation
- Process mapping analysis
- Integrating project lifecycles
close
Optional Modules (30 credits)
Advanced Technologies for Collaborative Design (30 credits)
This module aims to familiarise you with synchronous and asynchronous design communication and collaboration technologies and their impact on building design and production. It will investigate the extent to which various technological tools and systems facilitate the generation, representation, rationalisation, materialisation and fabrication of design artefacts in collaborative and multidisciplinary design settings. Module topics include:
- Contemporary techniques in collaborative design
- CAD/CAM paradigm and mass customisation in architectural production
- File-to-Factory Processes (e.g.3D printer and laser-cutting technologies)
- Fundamentals of BIM and GIS in architectural design
- Collaborative knowledge modelling in design
- Mixed, augmented and virtual reality applications in design
close
Sustainable Design Theory and Practice (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with critical awareness and appreciation of sustainable urban and building design to the development of sustainable communities. It describes design methods and assessment techniques for sustainable community design and development. Module topics include:
- Sustainable urban development theory
- Sustainable building design
- Visioning and sustainability assessment
- Sustainable urban design community considerations
- Sustainability appraisal
- Good practice case studies and examples
close
Semester 3
No teaching
Year 2, Semester 1
Integrated BIM Projects (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to understand and critically evaluate key issues in the management of integrated BIM based projects. The module also provides an understanding of how process and technology changes can support better value generation through design. Module topics include:
- Building industry challenges and opportunities
- The business value of BIM and integrated design
- Design collaboration
- Lean design and construction
- Integrated project delivery
- Lifecycle management and BIM
close
BIM Theory and Practice (30 credits)
BIM theory and practice emphasises on how the design process needs to change to achieve benefits from the use of technology. The module addresses data structures and standards, describing data exchange needs in different use cases. It also describes collaborative multidisciplinary design settings, communication with project stakeholders, clash detection, design integration and management of design changes. Module topics include:
- The concept of BIM
- BIM deployment strategies
- Design and construction process for BIM
- BIM tools in design
- Interoperability, IFCs, parametric modelling and BIM
- Building information exchange
- Data sharing and design integration
- BIM, energy efficiency and sustainability
close
Year 2, Semester 2
Dissertation (60 credits)
This module allows you to develop a research proposal with clear aims and objectives related to your study. You will undertake critical analysis of existing research and engage in various forms of recognised research in order to produce a sustained, sophisticated, and logical argument in the form of a written dissertation.
close
Or
Research by Design (60 credits)
This module is project-based and intends to bring together design theory as well as technical skills as an integrated design project to provide a mechanism through which you can demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learnt in an innovative and creative project. This module allows you to generate knowledge and new insights while applying recognised research by design techniques to produce a sustained and logical argument.
close
Part-time on campus and distance learning September start
Year 1, Semester 1
BIM Theory and Practice (30 credits)
BIM theory and practice emphasises on how the design process needs to change to achieve benefits from the use of technology. The module addresses data structures and standards, describing data exchange needs in different use cases. It also describes collaborative multidisciplinary design settings, communication with project stakeholders, clash detection, design integration and management of design changes. Module topics include:
- The concept of BIM
- BIM deployment strategies
- Design and construction process for BIM
- BIM tools in design
- Interoperability, IFCs, parametric modelling and BIM
- Building information exchange
- Data sharing and design integration
- BIM, energy efficiency and sustainability
close
Year 1, Semester 2
Lean Integrated Design and Production (30 credits)
This module aims to provide knowledge on lean design and construction. It focuses specifically on the integration of design and construction and its importance to the successful management of projects. Module topics include:
- Integrating people, process and technology
- Lean construction/production
- Continuous improvement
- Process design and implementation
- Process mapping analysis
- Integrating project lifecycles
close
Year 1, Semester 3
No teaching
Year 2, Semester 1
Integrated BIM Projects (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to understand and critically evaluate key issues in the management of integrated BIM based projects. The module also provides an understanding of how process and technology changes can support better value generation through design. Module topics include:
- Building industry challenges and opportunities
- The business value of BIM and integrated design
- Design collaboration
- Lean design and construction
- Integrated project delivery
- Lifecycle management and BIM
close
Year 2, Semester 2
Optional Module (30 credits)
Advanced Technologies for Collaborative Design (30 credits)
This module aims to familiarise you with synchronous and asynchronous design communication and collaboration technologies and their impact on building design and production. It will investigate the extent to which various technological tools and systems facilitate the generation, representation, rationalisation, materialisation and fabrication of design artefacts in collaborative and multidisciplinary design settings. Module topics include:
- Contemporary techniques in collaborative design
- CAD/CAM paradigm and mass customisation in architectural production
- File-to-Factory Processes (e.g.3D printer and laser-cutting technologies)
- Fundamentals of BIM and GIS in architectural design
- Collaborative knowledge modelling in design
- Mixed, augmented and virtual reality applications in design
close
Sustainable Design Theory and Practice (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with critical awareness and appreciation of sustainable urban and building design to the development of sustainable communities. It describes design methods and assessment techniques for sustainable community design and development. Module topics include:
- Sustainable urban development theory
- Sustainable building design
- Visioning and sustainability assessment
- Sustainable urban design community considerations
- Sustainability appraisal
- Good practice case studies and examples
close
Year 2, Semester 3 and Year 3, Semester 1
Dissertation (60 credits)
This module allows you to develop a research proposal with clear aims and objectives related to your study. You will undertake critical analysis of existing research and engage in various forms of recognised research in order to produce a sustained, sophisticated, and logical argument in the form of a written dissertation.
Or
Research by Design (60 credits)
This module is project-based and intends to bring together design theory as well as technical skills as an integrated design project to provide a mechanism through which you can demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learnt in an innovative and creative project. This module allows you to generate knowledge and new insights while applying recognised research by design techniques to produce a sustained and logical argument.
close
Part-time and distance learning January start
Year 1, Semester 2
Lean Integrated Design and Production (30 credits)
This module aims to provide knowledge on lean design and construction. It focuses specifically on the integration of design and construction and its importance to the successful management of projects. Module topics include:
- Integrating people, process and technology
- Lean construction/production
- Continuous improvement
- Process design and implementation
- Process mapping analysis
- Integrating project lifecycles
close
Year 1, Semester 3
No teaching
Year 2, Semester 1
BIM Theory and Practice (30 credits)
BIM theory and practice emphasises on how the design process needs to change to achieve benefits from the use of technology. The module addresses data structures and standards, describing data exchange needs in different use cases. It also describes collaborative multidisciplinary design settings, communication with project stakeholders, clash detection, design integration and management of design changes. Module topics include:
- The concept of BIM
- BIM deployment strategies
- Design and construction process for BIM
- BIM tools in design
- Interoperability, IFCs, parametric modelling and BIM
- Building information exchange
- Data sharing and design integration
- BIM, energy efficiency and sustainability
close
Year 2, Semester 2
Optional Module (30 credits)
Advanced Technologies for Collaborative Design (30 credits)
This module aims to familiarise you with synchronous and asynchronous design communication and collaboration technologies and their impact on building design and production. It will investigate the extent to which various technological tools and systems facilitate the generation, representation, rationalisation, materialisation and fabrication of design artefacts in collaborative and multidisciplinary design settings. Module topics include:
- Contemporary techniques in collaborative design
- CAD/CAM paradigm and mass customisation in architectural production
- File-to-Factory Processes (e.g.3D printer and laser-cutting technologies)
- Fundamentals of BIM and GIS in architectural design
- Collaborative knowledge modelling in design
- Mixed, augmented and virtual reality applications in design
close
Sustainable Design Theory and Practice (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with critical awareness and appreciation of sustainable urban and building design to the development of sustainable communities. It describes design methods and assessment techniques for sustainable community design and development. Module topics include:
- Sustainable urban development theory
- Sustainable building design
- Visioning and sustainability assessment
- Sustainable urban design community considerations
- Sustainability appraisal
- Good practice case studies and examples
close
Year 2, Semester 3
No teaching
Year 3, Semester 1
Integrated BIM Projects (30 credits)
The aim of this module is to understand and critically evaluate key issues in the management of integrated BIM based projects. The module also provides an understanding of how process and technology changes can support better value generation through design. Module topics include:
- Building industry challenges and opportunities
- The business value of BIM and integrated design
- Design collaboration
- Lean design and construction
- Integrated project delivery
- Lifecycle management and BIM
close
Year 3, Semester 2 and 3
Dissertation (60 credits)
This module allows you to develop a research proposal with clear aims and objectives related to your study. You will undertake critical analysis of existing research and engage in various forms of recognised research in order to produce a sustained, sophisticated, and logical argument in the form of a written dissertation.
close
Or
Research by Design (60 credits)
This module is project-based and intends to bring together design theory as well as technical skills as an integrated design project to provide a mechanism through which you can demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learnt in an innovative and creative project. This module allows you to generate knowledge and new insights while applying recognised research by design techniques to produce a sustained and logical argument.
close
