Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Professionals working in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Facilities Management (AECFM) sector who want to enhance their understanding of digital construction technologies and drive innovation in their organisations, this micro-credential is for you.

The aim of this micro-credential is to provide students with insight into the main concepts and principles of Building Information Modelling/Management, vis-à-vis processes, protocols, and enabling technologies.

The micro-credential is mainly concerned with the recent paradigm shift within the Architecture / Engineering / Construction / Facilities Management (AECFM) industries worldwide to implement BIM in projects. This micro-credential is also heavily inspired by the prospective of UK BIM Framework (formerly BIM level 3) and the relevant BIM BS ISO standards.

The micro-credential will cover strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with adopting BIM in AECFM projects and its impact on working procedures as well as business models of AECFM industry.

For the Built Environment, achieving the UN Sustainability Goals requires accurate and timely data / information / knowledge to be available for all projects teams to be able to eliminate errors, minimise waste, and reduce defects.

Construction projects that adopt effective communication management systems between designers, engineers and contractors, are more likely to be delivered on time, on budget and experience less snagging problems.

Digital Construction includes a range of digital technologies for data capture, data analytics, modelling and for communication that can be applied to any stage of a project life cycle to make it more effective.

Successful participants will be able to:

Understand the purpose of BIM and the benefit and appropriateness of its processes and systems for Built Environment applications.
Develop the capacity to analyse and articulate the complex management and design issues within the AEC industry with/without complete information in order to effectively/efficiently utilise BIM systems and techniques throughout the whole lifecycle of projects.
Realise the collaborative environment within the industry and the strategies to communicate effectively within an interdisciplinary project team environment using a range of tools and techniques.
Attain research skills and demonstrate the ability to identify, use, interrogate and critically evaluate available sources of information.

Career Options

The area of Digital Construction and BIM is expanding in the market and new posts have been created recently in the construction industry (e.g. BIM manager, Information manager) which requires specialist skills that this course will help learners to develop.

The micro-credential offers an opportunity for all Built Environment related graduates to develop digital and analytical skills applicable to their employment locally or internationally.

In addition, as the Architecture / Engineering / Construction /Facilities Management industries are transforming into the digital era, many industry professionals need to upskill in order to cope with this transformation and to develop strategic and critical thinking abilities to create policy and interventions to help create a more sustainable industry.

The micro-credential is designed to provide a balance between theory and practice with a hands-on approach to solving real industry problems. This strategy will provide learners with key critical thinking and analysis skills that are transferrable and applicable across a wide range of industry sectors.

Transferable Skills

Improve communication and interpersonal skills, work independently and in teams, and fit effectively in a multi-discipline environment
Develop high level research skills by conducting independent research through the evaluation and synthesis of relevant theory and critical perspectives in a chosen area of study
Employ reflective life-long learning and critical appraisal to continually improve both personal contribution and development to a professional level

The micro-credential will be delivered as a series of lectures and tutorials with readings, exercises, discussions, and a research / critical essay / assessment study forming integral components of the class.

Lectures will be supplemented by case reviews and project studies. Formative feedback will be introduced to help achieve the learning outcomes and to provide a context for the analysis of the current technologies and best models of practice.

Students will be directed to explore online materials and make best use of e-databases. They will be engaged in action learning settings to set up intensive intellectual discussions within students' groups, the outcomes of which will directly feed into their assignments. The class will also be guided through an online forum through BBL environment, engaging students as well as module tutors.

Lectures/Tutorials will be delivered on Wednesday's from 6pm to 8pm. To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available for each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Assessment: 100% coursework.

Participants who successfully complete this micro-credential will be awarded 20 credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.

Start Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026

Duration: 12 weeks

Delivery: Lectures/Tutorials will be delivered on Wednesday's from 6pm to 8pm. Final session to take place on Monday 21 December from 6pm to 8pm.

To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available for each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Entry Requirements

Ulster University general Postgraduate study entry requirements.
At least 2:2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, Construction or other Built Environment related subject.
Have a valid Irish PPS Number or UK National Insurance Number.
Live full‑time in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Have the required immigration permission needed to study in UK.

Funding Eligibility

Places are limited and only open to the following applicants:

Priority 1 - People who live in the North West cross-border region covering counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry~Londonderry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and / or people employed by companies based in these counties.
Priority 2 - People who live in Northern Ireland and the border areas of Ireland including Cavan, Louth and Monaghan and / or people employed by companies based in these areas.

North West DEPTH Terms and Conditions

There are a limited number of places on this course. Places are allocated subject to applicants meeting the relevant funding eligibility, prioritisation and entry requirements.
Within each priority group and at the point of application processing, a further level of prioritisation will be applied:
- Eligible New Learners - applicants who have not previously participated in a NW DEPTH funded programme at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Eligible Returning Learners – applicants who have participated in previous NW DEPTH funded programmes at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Date and time a complete application was received - where multiple applicants have the same priority and learner status, they will be considered in the order in which a complete application was received
Learners can undertake NW DEPTH funded courses at Ulster University up to a maximum of 60 credits of study per learner across the lifetime of the programme (ends June 2029). This may be achieved through studying of, for example:
- A number of standalone micro-credentials, or
- A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), or
- A combination of micro-credentials and other eligible provision.
Participation in NW DEPTH programmes at Ulster University is capped at 60 credits per academic year, with no more than 45 credits permitted to be studied in any one semester.
For the purposes of this limit, enrolment on a course will count towards a learner’s total participation, regardless of whether the course is completed, except where a learner withdraws within any agreed early withdrawal period defined by the delivery institution.
Participants who successfully complete a micro-credential will be awarded credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement. Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.
Learners may undertake additional study at Ulster University which is funded through other sources or is self-funded. Ulster University typically permits part-time learners to undertake up to 45 credits per semester, which may be funded through a combination of sources.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, a minimum cohort size is required to ensure a high-quality learning experience. The University reserves the right not to commence the programme where this minimum number is not achieved. Should this occur, applicants will be contacted and alternative options discussed.
Leave of absences - TBC