Applied Digital Construction Management

Construction is changing fast. This forward-thinking MSc will equip you with the AI-driven, data-centric and digitally fluent construction management skills needed to lead the future of the industry.



At its core, this is a project management course, covering essentials like planning, scheduling, cost control, procurement, risk and contract management. But it goes far beyond traditional models by embedding hands-on digital expertise in areas like AI, automation, Digital Twins, and IoT



You’ll learn to manage complex projects more efficiently and sustainably using cutting-edge tools such as Power BI with Python and Colab, Azure ML, Azure Digital Twins, Navisworks, Synchro, Advanced Revit Modelling, and BIM Common Data Environment (CDE) integration with AI. You’ll also explore Dynamo, Grasshopper, BIM-based AI chatbots, AI-driven cost engineering, and AI-powered facility management interactive dashboards,

all with no prior programming experience required.



Designed in collaboration with industry, this applied MSc will equip you to lead digital transformation across construction, smart infrastructure, and beyond.



Why is this course needed in industry?

The construction sector is undergoing a digital revolution, yet it remains one of the least digitised global industries. Manual processes, siloed data and outdated workflows create inefficiencies and missed opportunities.



This MSc addresses a critical skills gap by producing graduates who understand both the core principles of construction management and how to enhance them with digital tools, automation and real-time data insights.



What evidence is there for industry demand?

Reports from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey highlight construction as one of the industries with the most to gain from digital transformation. In the UK, government strategies like the Construction Playbook and Transforming Infrastructure Performance are driving digital adoption including mandatory BIM for public projects.



Globally, the digital construction market is forecast to grow by over 16% annually, creating strong demand for professionals who can deliver data-driven, AI-enhanced projects.

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree in a relevant discipline e.g. Architecture, Engineering or Social Science, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

2 years (Part-time)

1 year (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates will be well positioned to pursue a wide range of high-demand careers, including but not limited to:

• Project Manager or Digital Project Leader

• BIM Manager or Digital Construction Coordinator

• BIM Data Analyst or BIM Automation Specialist

• Facility Manager or Digital Twin Consultant

• AI and Data Analytics Specialist in Construction

• Construction Data Scientist

• Sustainability-Focused Digital Engineer

• Smart Infrastructure Specialist

• Cost Engineer or Procurement Lead with AI-enhanced workflows

These roles span across construction, infrastructure, AI and tech, consultancy, urban planning, and more.



Employment after the Course

Graduates of the MSc in Applied Digital Construction Management are well positioned for a wide range of roles across the construction and infrastructure sectors. These include: Digital Construction Manager, BIM Automation Engineer, Smart Infrastructure Analyst, AI and Data Specialist in Construction, Project Controls Engineer (4D/5D BIM), Digital Delivery Manager for Capital Projects, Digital Twin Analyst, Construction Technology Integration Consultant, Low-Carbon Construction Strategist, Digital Project Planner, Innovation and Digital Lead, Asset Information Manager, and Smart Building Analyst.



In the UK and Northern Ireland, there is a clear and growing demand for construction professionals with advanced digital skills. Industry consultations during the development of this programme confirmed a significant shortage in expertise across areas such as digital construction workflows, automation, AI integration, and smart infrastructure delivery. The MSc in Applied Digital Construction Management has been co-designed with industry to directly address these gaps, in alignment with strategic frameworks such as the UK Government’s Construction Playbook, the Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP) Roadmap, and the Northern Ireland Digital Construction Strategy. The course ensures graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the UK construction sector in digital project delivery, sustainability, and innovation leadership.



Countries such as India, China, Canada, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are undertaking multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure programmes. These global initiatives create a sustained demand for digitally capable project leaders who can apply advanced technologies to deliver complex, sustainable, and high-performing built environment projects. Graduates of this programme are well equipped to contribute to international efforts to transform construction through digital innovation.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/