Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling (BIM) for Smart Engineering (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Modules are delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials, practical’s, workshops as well as research-led activities. These methods vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on subject matter and the method of assessment. Supplementary resources are also provided to both aid student learning and provide stretching activities.  

Individual modules provide further information on how to study and guidance on learning resources and further support. 

In the practical laboratory sessions, you will put the breadth of your knowledge and skills to use, whether using modelling skills to conduct collaborative design, or programming skills to extend the functionality of BIM software, or communication skills for data exchanging requirement development. The emphasis on the MSc Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling (BIM) for Smart Engineering is squarely on acquiring and demonstrating practical skills which will be of use in a research environment and hence highly sought-after by employers.

Dissertation topics are typically chosen from a range of project titles proposed by academic
staff, usually in areas of current research interest, although students are encouraged to put
forward their own project ideas.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessments are designed to best reflect practical relevance and to be authentic, while evidencing achievement of the learning outcomes. Formative assessments which carry no marks are used to assist students in preparing for summative assessments. This gives a measure of performance to inform you, us as staff, and potential employers about your progress and achievement. It can also help the learning process by highlighting areas of success and areas needing more attention. 

Assessment involves a blend of methods that are selected to suit the outcomes of each module and the course as a whole including: 

• Written assignments such as reports, essays and posters 
• Planning, conduct and reporting of project work 
• Problem-based exercises based on real-world challenges 
• Presentations – oral live and recorded 
• Peer review 
• Reflective practices 

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor to assist with both your academic progress and pastoral support in an informal and confidential manner. We take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment for all. 

Your personal tutor will see you regularly during the programme. For the dissertation stage, you’ll be allocated a supervisor and if appropriate, an industrial mentor in your specialist field, whom you’ll be expected to meet with regularly. 

In addition to the broad range of support services provided centrally by Cardiff University, our Senior Personal Tutor will be available to help and advise on any personal matters. 

You’ll have access to a comprehensive handbook appropriate to your programme, containing details of the School’s procedures and policies. We make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) to share information, teaching materials and support your learning. 

Feedback is an essential element of your learning experience and will be provided during the duration of your studies. Each module will have feedback mechanisms to aid in your learning and development. Formative assessments which have no marks will have feedback that assists you in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills. Feedback following summative assessments will outline the evidence used to mark your submission against set criteria and provide constructive comments towards developing your knowledge, understanding and skills for the future. 

Dedicated School Careers Advisers and staff from Student Futures will also support you to achieve your future career goals and develop your skills to be successful in the Graduate recruitment process. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Apply advanced knowledge of digital engineering, information modelling and engineering principles to complex infrastructure information systems. 
• Select, apply and critically evaluate digital engineering technologies, information management processes and data environments used in asset lifecycle management. 
• Evaluate sustainability and lifecycle impacts of digitally enabled infrastructure solutions. 
• Plan and critically evaluate an independent research project using appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques, culminating in a coherent and scholarly dissertation.

Intellectual Skills:

• Formulate and analyse complex digital engineering problems relating to infrastructure information management, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• Select and apply computational modelling, data analysis and digital engineering tools, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• Select and critically evaluate technical standards, digital frameworks and research literature relating to BIM and smart infrastructure. 

Professional Practical Skills:

• Design digital engineering workflows and BIM-enabled solutions for complex infrastructure delivery, that respond to societal, environmental, economic and regulatory requirements. 
• Apply a systems approach to infrastructure information management across the asset lifecycle. 
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights in a BIM context. 
• Use digital modelling, simulation and data environments to investigate complex engineering problems.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communicate digital engineering information effectively with technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Work effectively within collaborative digital teams and multidisciplinary environments. 
• Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Critically evaluate the role of quality management and continuous improvement in complex digital engineering processes.