Postgraduate Course

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Project Collaboration

MSc

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years

UK fee

£9,000 for the full course or £1,000 per 20 credits* (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 for the full course (2024/25)

Course level

Postgraduate

Qualification

MSc

Start dates

September, January

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Course description

A blueprint rendering of a building.

Student feedback - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023

100%  of our students are satisfied with the overall quality of the course
100%of our students agreed that the course is intellectually stimulating
100%of our students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach

Study an Accredited course; a springboard to Chartership

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologies (CIAT), a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.     

CIAT is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members, including those practising and studying within the discipline and profession, who wish to be professionally recognised.  

CIAT Accreditation implies that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute's requirements.   

Whilst enrolled on this course, you will benefit from free student membership with CIAT where you'll be able to:

The course is also accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)RICS is a globally recognised and highly regarded professional body that promotes positive change in the built and natural environments. They advocate and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real-estate, construction, and infrastructure around the world.

This prestigious RICS accreditation sets a quality benchmark which ensures that the MSc Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Project Collaboration course is delivered to a high standard, includes content relevant to current industrial practice and is future ready, enabling you to tackle societal challenges and create better places to live.

Become a Chartered Surveyor in 2 years through APC-24

If you are aspiring to become a Chartered Surveyor, then this accredited course will put you on track to achieve MRICS status in just 2 years. Upon completing the course, you will be able to go on to complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC-24) which requires 24 months of structured workplace training prior to undertaking the final APC assessment.

The RICS Chartered qualification (MRICS) is a highly valued asset in built environment sector, worldwide. This status can provide many professional benefits including being part of a global professional network, access to jobs around the work, and expanding your skills and knowledge, future career prospects and earning potential.

Build your professional network and strengthen your employability

If you are enrolled onto a RICS accredited course, you can:

A student working on a laptop at a desk

The academic modules were intellectually stimulating and eye-opening. Lecturers provided us with a wealth of knowledge and always encouraged us to think critically for ourselves. The lectures were adapted to our respective backgrounds, leaving no one behind.

Jerine Sunny
MSc Building Information Modelling and Project Collaboration

At the forefront of innovation

This programme has been introduced at a time when Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly playing a major role in the whole lifecycle of projects. It builds on the vision, showcased by the government in its strategic plan for Level 3 BIM, for greater efficiency and profitability in Digital Built Britain.   

You will study the theory and practice of BIM as the emerging industry-standard approach to the design, analysis and management of the building life cycle.

The course incorporates an innovative blend of design management, sustainable design analysis, advanced modelling, customisation and visualisation, all at the cutting edge of technology.

You will also have the opportunity to research novel approaches and technologies for more efficient design integration and project collaboration, so that you can understand the impact of BIM on the design process and workflow requirements.

Find out about our Architecture, Architectural Technologies and Interior Design courses at the University of Derby

Our MSc takes an innovative approach to BIM-enabled integrated design, drawing on work-based and real-life projects along with cutting-edge technology. It offers collaborative learning methods as well as flexible modes of delivery.

Get involved in pioneering research

You will be able to draw inspiration from – and take part in – the leading-edge research and consultancy projects being undertaken by our lecturers in the field of BIM-enabled integrated design and construction.

The built environment staff have strong research and practice backgrounds and are actively engaged in applied research and collaboration with the industry. Since most of our research is applied by nature and as such underpins the curriculum, the Master’s students are gaining from regular research seminars, guest lectures and CPD events. This includes research-active lecturers who are incorporating current research thinking and advances into their teaching, projects and independent studies supervision, wherever appropriate. The programme curriculum is aligned to the current needs of professional practice in the construction industry, complemented by the extensive industrial links and current staff expertise and research profile.

The research environment is provided by a multidisciplinary team which focuses on a research profile that in particular underpins teaching and the curriculum in areas of sustainable urban design and architecture, BIM and project collaboration, technical architecture and construction. Current research themes are organised around the following key areas:

a close up of a sustainable house (window and part of the wooden wall)

Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

Our Environmental Sustainability Research Centre provides exciting opportunities to contribute to urgent global challenges in climate change and sustainable development.

Find out more about our researchFind out more about our research
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.

You will study modules such as:

  • Research Methods, Application and Evaluation
  • BIM and Integrated Project Collaboration
  • nD BIM – Costing, Project Planning and Design Management
  • Environmental Risk and Responsibility (this module will be delivered online for students joining the course in January.)

You will study modules such as:

  • Advanced Parametric Design and Specification
  • Sustainable Design Analysis and Simulation

You will also choose modules such as:

  • Project Planning, Value Engineering and Risk Management
  • Construction Contracts and Dispute Resolution
  • Sustainable Architecture and Low Energy Design
  • Negotiated Module

You will study one module such as:

  • Independent Scholarship (Technology)

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

The programme focuses, at postgraduate level, on the theory and practice of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the emerging industry-standard approach to the design, procurement and management of a building life cycle.

It uses project collaboration simulation scenarios as close to real-world practices as academically possible.

We adopt a variety of assessment methods, including a combination of coursework and live project collaboration, assignments, exhibitions, graphic and oral presentations. To gain Autodesk Certification, you will need to undertake an exam.

Who will teach you

Dr Boris Ceranic
Programme leader

Dr Boris Ceranic is a long standing Programme Leader of undergraduate and postgraduate architectural courses and an experienced academic, practitioner and researcher. 

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

You will require:

If you don't have a relevant degree, applicants from non-traditional backgrounds are welcome and will be accepted subject to successful interview and relevant work experience.

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£9,000 for the full course or £1,000 per 20 credits*

£1,000 per 20 credits

International

£14,900 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Careers

Graduates from this course can look forward to a wide range of BIM-related career opportunities in consultancy and design management as well as architectural practices.  They could also take on many different types of roles with central and local government, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, retail enterprises and manufacturing companies.

You could also consider further study and research towards a PhD qualification and/or an academic career.

Career opportunities open to graduates include:

Employers our graduates have gone on to work for include:

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

† Additional information about your studies

January 2024 intake is only available for home students

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

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