MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Construction Technologies & BIM
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: January & September
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time*
PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part-time*
PgCert: 8 months full-time; 12 months part-time*
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) options
(*September start only)
Study with us
- a multidisciplinary course that aims to develop the knowledge, practical, and personal skills of graduates to work in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry and to develop further research skills related to AEC fields
- enables practitioners to gain access to a theoretical base and to appraise current and future strategies in Advanced Construction Technologies and Building Information Modelling
Why this course?
The need for advanced technologies has become necessary to accomplish sustainable engineering projects, especially for the construction industry. Various Advanced Construction Technologies (ACT) have emerged over the last decades. With the development of Building Information Modelling, the future of construction will be transformed into a more digital industry.
Various Advanced Construction Technologies are now BIM compliant across stages such as:
- preparation of the client brief
- conceptual and detailed design
- construction and operational
These developments have provided technical and management support to solve complex and multidisciplinary problems for all project stakeholders.
There is a unique opportunity for the next generation of graduates to become highly-skilled in this field and gain further advantages in a highly competitive job market. The construction industry stakeholders are in need of high-calibre and highly-competitive candidates with knowledge and skills in construction disciplines, Advanced Construction Technologies and Building Information Modelling.

What you’ll study
Students will take taught modules and a group project in the first two semesters. MSc students then complete a dissertation project in a third semester.
Areas explored in the modules include:
- principles and practices of Advanced Construction Technologies in the architecture/engineering/construction industry
- new trends related to digital construction, Building Information Modelling, and construction technology
- sustainability
- facilities management
- construction management (processes, people, procurement)
- project management (planning, financing, risk)
Field trips
You’ll benefit from visiting various large construction sites to meet with Architecture/Engineering/Construction professionals working in projects and have the opportunity to explore how the obtained knowledge from the course is practised in real projects.
Guest lecturers/speakers
You’ll benefit from a large number of government, local authority and industry partners, who’ll lecture on up-to-date current practices, with diverse point of views.
Open Access
Open Access modules are offered on individual modules from the MSc programme. Compulsory taught modules are delivered intensively and are accessible to part-time students and as stand-alone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) options or gradually built towards a qualification.
Open Access students may transfer onto a part-time MSc or PgDip programme to complete their studies (subject to a maximum period of time).


Course content
A typical selection of classes offered on the programme are outlined below. Please note that these classes may be subject to change.
Compulsory modules
Advanced Construction Technologies
This module evaluates the innovative methodologies and approaches for adopting cutting-edge construction and ICT technologies to address the myriad issues related to AEC industry. Students will develop professional skills on the effective use of technologies in construction of buildings and infrastructures. They will also gain knowledge on innovative research and development in this field. This module also aims to provide rich connections to other related subject fields with more focus on integrated ICT in construction in order to develop a holistic view of the sustainable engineering of buildings and infrastructures. The module will fill the gap in curricula by supporting the AEC industry in coping with Industry 4.0 principles and the prospective BIM Level 3.
Sustainability
This class will provide you with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. The social, environmental and economic impact of development strategies will be identified and the mitigation of negative impacts discussed. The class will cover:
- Shifting world views
- Green politics
- Green Perspectives
- Climate change
- Sustainable development
- Limits to growth
Elective modules
Facilities Management
This module aims to develop students’ professional skills to address important issues on the management of built assets including buildings and infrastructures in connection with technical aspects on three domains covering clients and professionals, service products, and management processes.
Contract Administration & Practice
Design management
This class provides structured introduction to the design management process, issues and tools. It includes:
- organisation structures for effective design
- design models, approaches and methods
- the importance of costs and good design
- innovation in design management
- design performance
Project management
You'll gain project management skills with particular emphasis on the effective and efficient use of resources. The class will cover:
- project management techniques and project control
- project teams; project features; project constraints and resources; quality assurance
- presentation techniques as used in industry
- budgetary control including cash flow, financial borrowing and investment
The Construction Industry Client
This module seeks to encourage interdisciplinary collaborative learning between civil engineering and architectural students through examining role of the construction industry client. The assessment for this module requires students to complete a cooperative group project based on research involving a local / national construction industry client. The module takes inspiration from a former President of the Institution of Civil Engineers:
The principal duties of an engineer in all the branches are to safeguard the interests of the client or organization for whom he is working and to ensure a sound engineering job at a reasonable cost. One of the first tasks of the consulting engineer is the study of the client and his organization. How does the client operate; how should one organize one’s own practice to fit in with the client’s requirements, which can vary to a considerable extent? (Sir Thomas Angus Lyall Paton, ICE President 1970-1971).
Compulsory modules
Building Information Management
The aim of this module is to provide the students with insight about main concepts and principles of Building Information Management (BIM), vis-à-vis processes, protocols, and enabling technologies. The module is mainly concerned with recent paradigm shift within the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industries worldwide to implement BIM Level 2 and target BIM Level 3 in all public projects as well as encouraging it in private projects. This module is also heavily inspired by the UK Government's BIM mandate to adopt BIM technologies and processes on all public sector projects from 2016.
Group Project
You'll work collaboratively with students from different themes utilising various digital tools, BIM technologies and protocols to develop solutions for specific projects. These projects will address social, economic or environmental aspects of sustainability within a practice-based environment in association with an appropriate design or industrial organisation.
Field trips and regular progress reports are an important aspect of the project. Students present the outcomes of their group work at the annual student group project conference.
Elective modules
Knowledge & Information Management
This module aims to give students an understanding of types of knowledge, techniques and systems used in building knowledge-based systems and discussion on the application of these techniques; and an understanding of the types of different approaches, techniques and systems used in building information-based systems.
Environmental Impact Assessment
This class provides an introduction to the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations.
Financial engineering
The class introduces elements of financial engineering that are applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises.Also covered are the essentials of financial engineering both as an academic discipline and as a strategy of financial and business risk management in the light of current conditions.
Risk Management
Under Health and Safety legislation, and under the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it's mandatory for any industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim of showing that risk is “As Low As Reasonably Practicable”.
Compulsory module
Dissertation
The dissertation project enables students to demonstrate independent research abilities and project development skills. You'll have the chance to investigate a research problem and write a thesis on a selected topic under supervision of a member of staff. You will be able to combine many of the aspects learned during other modules within a specific topic and a coherent body of work. The dissertation project should demonstrate a substantial theoretical argument, critically reviewing you own work and reflect upon specific theoretical and practical issues of construction practices.
Facilities
Studios
There are two fully-networked design studios; one dedicated to student self-study, the other to interactive design teaching.
Library
In addition to the main University library, we have our own, on-site, reference library. Our collection is developed in direct response to the teaching delivered in the department.
Workshop
A full range of hand and portable power tools are available (complete with instruction).
PC Lab
Our lab computers have the main applications required for the course. We also offer plotter printing, scanning and laser cutting services.
Find out more about the full range of facilities we have on offer.
Teaching staff
- Dr Zhen Chen (Course director)
- Dr Andrew Agapiou
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Chat now!Learning & teaching
The course is balanced between theory and practice. It’s delivered through:
- lectures
- workshops
- group project
- seminar-led learning, by staff and visiting experts
Assessment
The Formative assessment will take place throughout the course. Some modules will also be assessed with weekly tasks, others with one/two tasks per semester. The summative assessment is usually held during the exam period as will be indicated on the University timetable. The Group Project involves one-to-one tuition and appraisals in review seminars and also through student peer group reviews.
You will be expected to participate in:
- project reviews
- individual written essays & reports
- oral presentations
- dissertation
Entry requirements
Academic requirements/experience | A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, Project management, or Quantity Surveying. Consideration will also be given to candidates with other relevant professional qualifications in a discipline related to the built environment and/or professional experience. |
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English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' sectionFees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland | £9,250 |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,250 |
International | £20,000 |
Additional Costs |
International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students
If you're an international applicant applying for a postgraduate taught programme in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your tuition fees, which will typically be £3,460.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time postgraduate taught programme in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught programme at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2022-23), this can be in September 2022 or January 2023.
Find out more about our scholarship for international students