Building Information Modelling Project Management Higher Level Apprenticeship

Overview

The course’s primary focus is on project management using the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process, which is the industry standard design, analysis, construction and operations management tool in the UK. You will learn the tools and processes, management standards and theories that you need to be able to sustainably manage a construction project in the digital age.



The course is all about balancing theory and practice – a mixture of hands-on building, manipulation and management of models, as well as consideration of the higher level analytical and critical thinking skills that come with Masters level education.



Lectures and workshops are taken by a mixture of research active academic staff and industrial practitioners, bringing cutting edge research combined with real world experiences into the classroom. We have strong links with industry including guest lectures from AECOM, the Kane Group, BAM Ireland and Graham Construction.



Course Structure

The Higher Level Apprenticeship is a part time programme, to enable students to learn on the programme, whilst consolidating their new skills and knowledge at work.



The programme is delivered 1 day per-week (Monday for the first year, Friday for the second year). Nine modules (including Dissertation) totalling 180 CATS points are included in the programme, with no optional modules available.

Course Details

The course content gives theoretical and practical coverage across a wide variety of topics:



Building Information Modelling in Practice (10 CATS) gives an overview of the underlying principles of BIM implementation.



Emerging Digital Technology (20 CATS) explores the new technologies which are emerging in the field of Digital Construction.



Procurement Contract Administration and Law (20 CATS) gives students an understanding of construction procurement and contract routes, contract and tort law and their practical application in construction.



Project Coordination, Planning and Control (10 CATS) gives students an introduction to project planning, scheduling and control within the context of BIM Project Management.



Research Methods for Managers (10 CATS) equips students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake a research project from the formulation of research questions, through literature review and data collection, to analysis and presentation of data.



Project Planning for Sustainability (20 CATS) enhances student awareness of developments in the field of sustainable project development and construction.



Technical BIM Implementation (30 CATS) develops students' comprehensive understanding of the detailed principles of BIM implementation using a suite of software packages, both architectural and engineering, in the development of intelligent 3D models



Individual Research Project (Dissertation) (60 CATS) an independent research project, focusing on a particular issue within the realm of BIM project management. For Higher Level Apprentices, this research project will be connected with your workplace – investigating an issue, resolving a problem, or introducing a new process as agreed with your employer

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.



Students wishing to apply for this Higher-Level Apprenticeship should also upload their CV and a letter of support from their employer (combined in one file). The employer’s letter of support must state that the employer supports their application, that they are prepared to release them from work for one day per week to attend the course, and that, if they are an existing employee, they need this qualification for a new role. The new role can be a change of title/role within the company.



This Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) is fully funded by the DfE therefore it is not open to international applicants. Further information on eligibility criteria for Higher Level Apprenticeships can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships



The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.

http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 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 this course is subject to renewal of funding by the Department for the Economy and applicants must be working for a company with a base in Northern Ireland.

3 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Many Higher Level Apprentices take this course to aid boost their career progression or become a chartered professional. This course will equip you with the management skills you will need to advance your career to the next level.



Postgraduate benefits

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to increasing skills, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.



Our dedicated Careers, Employability and Skills hub can help you position yourself to achieve your career goals on graduation:

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