Building Information Modelling and Digital Leadership

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Course Details

Course Code	GA_EBDLG_O09
Level	9
Duration	1.5 years
Credits	60
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	Galway City – Dublin Road
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Building Information Modelling and Digital Leadership

How to Apply

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Building Information Management (BIM) and Digital Leadership is a programme that will directly respond to a significant gap in national and international educational provision related to digital leadership across the built environment value chain. The programme will provide a flexible, multidisciplinary and industry-focused programme that will empower graduates to lead the transition towards a collaborative, digitalised built environment.

This course uses a work-based research learning practice. Each student will gain a broader knowledge, both National and International, on forward thinking strategies which can be applied to their interests and situation. Students will use Model based Analytical tools and Process analysis tools to improve their Organisation understanding of potential of BIM.

The expectation is that each student will become a BIM Leader within their organisation and have a clear set of skills to strategically develop BIM in their Organisation or Practice.

CPD Approved

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Leadership This module aims to immerse the student in the principles of building information modelling (BIM) and digital leadership for organisational and sectoral change and how it can be applied across the whole built environment supply chain. The module will explore the challenges and opportunities of leading organisational and sectoral change at different scales. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluateleadership and organizational change strategies at different scales within the built environment sector. 2. Map and analyse BIM and digital maturity at project-level and organisational scales. 3. Explore and critique BIM and digital leadership value chain best practice examples. 4. Examine potential BIM and digital transition interventions across the value chain at different scales. 5. Prepare and present a leadership strategy for organizational BIM and digital transitions across the value chain. 6. Demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on the professional development and personalized learning pathways required for BIM and digital leadership.	15	Mandatory
2	Visual Programming for Digital Construction To enable digital construction specialists to utilize appropriate visual programming tools to automate, improve workflows and gamify construction projects using a node-based interface. Students will require a good understanding and competency of BIM-related software to undertake this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify real-world problems in construction and develop innovative solutions using visual scripting for digital construction. 2. Design a visual programming application using construction authoring software to generate complex geometry and data. 3. Engage in the development of application programming interface (API) using a visual node-based interface. 4. Evaluate the limitations of construction-related software and present a range of possible solutions using application programming interface (API). 5. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate new and emerging technologies in the areas of Generative Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gamification.	15	Elective
2	Building Information Modelling for Sustainability This module aims to immerse the student in the applications of Building Information Management (BIM) and digital tools that can support the transition towards a more decarbonised, sustainable and circular built environment. The module focuses on daylight analysis, energy and thermal performance, ventilation design, building performance and lifecycle analysis. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluatehow BIM and digital tools can contribute to a more sustainable and circular built environment. 2. Explore and analyse the useof BIM and digital tools for sustainable building design. 3. Prepare and present graphical and written output to justify the approach and impact of design decisions. 4. Examine the interaction between competing factors which influence the overall approach to sustainable building design. 5. Explore and assess theprocesses and outputs related tolife cycle analysis.	15	Elective

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Build Digital Applied Work-Based Research Project This module aims to immerse the learner in applied research that will critically evaluate and examine the design, development, and piloting of building information modelling (BIM) and digital interventions within an organisational and/or project-based workplace context. The module will introduce contemporary research paradigms, methodologies, and methods within an applied work-based research framework that will include setting out research aims and objectives; undertaking a focused literature review; critically evaluating and selecting an appropriate methodology i.e., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods; recognising the ethical dimensions and limitations. The aim of the module is to support learners to undertake an applied research task that will address a current BIM and digital construction-related, and possibly ill-defined challenge or opportunity that is based in practice. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate evolving applied work-based research paradigms, methodologies, and methods, which are applicable within a built environment setting. 2. Evaluate and critically assess the applicability of built environment and digitalisationresearch strategies and frameworks at different scales across the value chain. 3. Critically examine the feasibility and applicability of emerging concepts of communities of practice and learning organizations within adigital built environment context. 4. Prepare a project-based and/or organizational applied work-based research plan of work that will set out the: aims and objectives; selected methodology; implementation and benchmarking framework; and critical reflection milestones. 5. Undertake a detailed and focused applied research study within a workplace context that will critically evaluate and examine the design, development, and piloting of digital constructioninterventions. 6. Critically evaluate different communicationtools to translate and present applied work-based research findings to different audiences.	30	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

Lectures typically are four hours a week with 6 additional self directed learning hours.

Examination and Assessment

This programme is based on project-based work and continuous assessment. There are no final exams.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

Attendance is required for some modules that required access to a PC, this could involve attendance for initial set up.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Progression

The Postgraduate Diploma will be facilitated over 3 semesters where students must complete the two mandatory modules, BIM and Digital Leadership (15 credits) and Applied Build Digital Work-Based Research Project (30 credits), and either one of the two electives currently on offer i.e., BIM for Sustainability (15credits) or Visual Programming for Digital Construction (15 credits).Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma can subsequently register for the MSc in Year 2.

Progression Pathways

A fully flexible learning pathway for students is afforded by this programme. There will be no obstacle to progression between embedded awards and within the programme itself. Students can also complete the programmes by ACCM i.e., accumulating credits. On completion of this programme, progression to the M.Sc. in Building Information Modelling and Digital Leadership and other programmes leading to a Doctoral Degree (Level 10) or to another Master’s Degree (Level 9) or to another Postgraduate Diploma will be possible.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold a cognate Level 8 Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent e.g., Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Architecture, Construction Economics and Surveying, Building Information Modelling or other similar degrees which provide students with knowledge of BIM as a technology and a process.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €4,000

Up to 40% funding available to the Irish Private Construction Sector and Sole traders.

Further information on fees

Careers

Graduate careers typically include roles such as Digital Application Specialist, BIM Implementation Manager, Organisational Digital Strategist, Virtual Construction Manager, and BIM Manager.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This programme is designed for working professionals with a Level 8 degree, who wish to develop new skills in leadership in the BIM environment and want to effect change in their organisation.