Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Digital Construction and Design with Industrial Placement
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Digital Construction and Design with Industrial Placement | Programme code | PTS2ECSECS22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This MSc is applicable to Level 6 engineering students (civil, structural, architectural or mechanical), who are keen to embrace digital technology to assist them with their future civil engineering management careers, in large national or international civil engineering companies. The emphasis of the programme will be on the use and understanding of digital data collection (satellite, LIDAR and drones), computer analysis and digital design (including BIM).
The programme will give you the skills and confidence to be able to use and understand the array of digital tools, available to the civil engineering industry. And afterwards you will be able to assist companies to become more efficient and skilled in their delivery of large and complex built environment projects.
During the second year of this two year programme, you will find an industrial placement, with assistance from the university, following which you will submit your dissertation.
The proposed programme sits across two of the engineering department’s particular strengths; Civil Engineering and Management.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
On completion of this programme you will be able to achieve the following:
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles
Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate.
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance
Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters
Learning and Teaching Methods
Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasises collaborative Problem/Project Based Learning, contextualised teaching and a focus on skills development and practical application of knowledge. A blend of traditional and innovative teaching and learning approaches will be deployed.
Distinctive Intentions
The programme is built on Exeter’s culture of technology innovation and offers a unique blend of learning and doing.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc in Digital Construction and Design with Industrial Placement is a 24 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 2 ‘Stages’:
Stage 1 consists of 6 modules taught during year 1.
Stage 2 consists of a 9-12 month industrial placement, followed by completion and submission of a dissertation
Students who do not secure a placement will be transferred to the MSc Digital Construction and Design programme.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECMM163 | Sustainable Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENGM035 | Finance for Engineers | 15 | No |
| ENGM036 | Digital Mapping and Survey | 15 | No |
| ENGM038 | Digital Analysis | 30 | No |
| ENGM039 | Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management | 15 | No |
| ENGM040 | Research Ethics and Methodology | 15 | No |
| ENGM041 | Digital Design and Virtual Reality in Construction | 15 | No |
Stage 2
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECMM164 | MSc Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
| ENGM028 | MSc Industrial Placement | 60 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Gain understanding of advanced design and analysis methods in engineering | The modules will be delivered by a mixture of formal lectures, tutorial classes and computer practical /demonstration sessions. Example sheets and other assignments will be set and marked by the module lecturers. You will be expected to read the assigned texts and assistance will be given during tutorials and office hours. Dissertations (ECMM164) will be individually supervised, with a weekly meeting (typically one hour) between yourself and your supervisor. | All modules, except for ECMM164, will be assessed by a combination of a written examination and coursework. The dissertation (ECMM164) will be graded both by the supervisor and a second independent marker. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex problems in civil engineering and design appropriate solutions | All modules are designed to provide opportunities to gain skills (6 - 12). The dissertation module ECMM164 will further develop skills (6 -7), assisted by a project supervisor. | These skills will be tested by the marking of coursework, by examination and by the marking of the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
13. Improve necessary skills for independent learning. | (13) and (14) are required for the dissertation, (15) will be developed in Modules ENGM036, 037 and 038. (16) teamwork will be encouraged during coursework exercises to allow students to mentor and learn off each other but most coursework will be individually assessed. (17) and (18) will be developed throughout the programme. All the modules require timely submission of coursework and encourage students to organise their independent study and ensure effective time management.? We will encourage you to interact, as this will accelerate the learning process. Each student will have personal tutorial advice to achieve (17) and (18). | Assessed through the dissertation and the coursework of the modules. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
In accordance with University policy a system of?personal tutors?is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Information Technology (IT) Services?provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated?IT support?staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.
The?Harrison Learning Resource Centre?is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.
Online Module?study resources?provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).
Student/Staff Liaison Committee?enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Digital Construction and Design with Industrial Placement
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 240 |
ECTS credits | 120 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 22/10/2024 |
Date of last revision | 22/10/2024 |
|---|
