New distance learning BIM Msc courses on offer

Middlesex University is launching part-time distance learning BIM Masters degree aimed at industry professionals which could qualify its graduates for “Chartered BIM Manager” status in the future.

The MSc, which will be available from October 2013, is aimed at professionals with at least three to five years working experience in the construction and infrastructure industry who aim to hold a managerial role on BIM projects.

The course, which will focus on technical, operational and strategic BIM management issues, will be structured to enable students to achieve a variety of qualifications all the way up to a Masters level, with a number of exit opportunities for those who simply want to attain a diploma or certificate. It can be studied part time over two years or 12 months full time.

Speaking to CM, the University’s BIM Management programme leader Dr Noha Saleeb said: “We have recognised that there is a need for an accessible course for all industry professionals, not just architects, but engineers, building surveyors, quantity surveyors, contractors, facilities and project managers, subcontractors and all those who work in the construction and infrastructure supply chain.”

She added: “There have been recent discussions within professional bodies such as the CIOB about creating ‘Chartered BIM Manager’ status. As such we have tailored our programme specifications and learning outcomes to perfectly align with MSc requirements of professional bodies in general, and MSc descriptors of the CIOB in particular, using them as a guide to help structure our programme so that our Masters degree would be accreditable by the CIOB and other professional bodies. Consequently, if Chartered BIM Manager status or any other BIM related status is developed, our graduates would be able to apply for it."

The course is focused on the management of the BIM process covering teams, risks, quality assurance, legal issues and ability to manage 3D digital and information assets, rather than the application of a particular software programme.

The course will be delivered online, though will include some lectures including guest lectures from experts in the industry. It also includes a short summer school, which will enable students from different industry disciplines to share their experiences.

Expanded course

Meanwhile, Northumbria University, which has offered a design-oriented BIM masters course since September 2012, is expanding the course to cover the construction and property management aspects of BIM, with the new suite of options available from this September.

As with the existing MSc, the new flavours will be available on a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis. Course director Professor David Greenwood told CM: “Currently the course is designated as Msc Building Design Management and BIM, but it will be expanding to cover other construction disciplines. The current students are mainly architects and architectural technologists, but BIM clearly has ramifications through construction and property management. The new suite of BIM programmes will be available from September and we think it will very much appeal to CIOB members.”

Northumbria University runs a joint venture with local design practice Ryder Architecture called the BIM Academy, giving its students access to real-world case studies.