Construction Innovation (MSc)

Course Overview

The course aims to equip students with key knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable technological solutions to the challenges facing the construction and built environment sector in Ireland and elsewhere. The MSc in Construction Innovation is targeted at individuals wishing to upskill/reskill to meet the critical demand for skills in innovation, digital adoption, sustainability and modern methods of construction, as identified in the Ernst & Young ‘Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector’ report (2021). 

 The MSc in Construction Innovation will enable prospective students to:  

• Develop skills in sustainability, digitalisation and modern methods of construction, 
• Develop advanced research and analytical skills, including expertise in a specific field, effective communication, teamwork, and project management,
• Develop critical thinking, curiosity and problem solving to manage the innovation process, 
• Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector, 
• Create novel technology and service solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems,
• Continue their professional development to meet the future needs of the sector.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

 Course description:  

The course focuses on construction innovation, equipping learners with key knowledge and skills in innovation, digital adoption, sustainability and modern methods of construction. The course is delivered through blended learning, consisting of pre-recorded lectures, live online webinars (1 hour/week), live online workshops (2 hours/week), self-directed learning materials, online activities and extensive resources, and on campus sessions (full-day every 8 weeks).  Each module will consist of: 

(i) online materials and guided reading; 

(ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and 

(iii) one full-day workshop with discussions.  

Course content: 

Students must undertake the following core modules are: 

• CE5104 Sustainability Planning in Construction (10 ECTS; Year 1, Semester 1; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

This module will support the students, as the current/future construction sector stakeholders, in developing more sustainable construction processes and products, with a focus on areas of energy performance of buildings, retrofitting of existing structures, decarbonisation of construction processes and circularity. Finally, the module will introduce the concept of a just transition for the construction sector, where the needs of end users are understood and translated into new products and processes. 

• CE5105 Digital Construction Technologies (10 ECTS; Year 1, Semester 1; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

This module will cover the broad areas of building information modelling (BIM) technology, digital twinning, visualisation methods and their standard approaches within the construction sector. Digitalisation is fundamentally changing the ways in which construction teams interact. Technologies such as BIM can seamlessly monitor the materials and products delivered to the construction site, in a manner that respects the need for sustainability and traceability. Furthermore, sensors will provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements, thus the ability to analyse and exploit the large volumes of data is required. Furthermore, augmented reality technologies are beginning to be used for tasks such as site inspections, allowing continuous monitoring of construction process and conducting quality control checks with greater ease. Clash detection, has already been identified as a benefit of BIM, but recent developments in virtual reality and communication technologies will soon allow design teams to explore design issues from different locations. Technologies such as these will fundamentally change the way in which construction projects are managed and lead to new work processes. This module will engage with students to ensure they are fully prepared for the potential of these new work practices.   This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored 

• CE5106 Modern Methods of Construction (10 ECTS; Year 1, Semester 2; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

As part of this module, students will develop skills in MMC, as the sector moves rapidly towards Industry 4.0. The module will cover key areas of standardisation and routes to certification, next generation rapid build systems (off-site panelised and modular construction), automation and autonomous construction.  This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. 

• CE5108 Innovation & Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS; Year 1, Semester 2; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

This module focuses on the overall innovation process, from identifying domain-specific needs, validating those needs, brainstorming, and concept creation for new technology products. The module utilises the Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Disciplined Entrepreneurship" approach (https://www.d-eship.com/). The module highlights both business analysis and communication skills, ensuring that graduates are well equipped with skills to manage innovation projects and 

launch their own enterprises. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored.    

• CE5107 Innovation Project (20 ECTS; Year 1, Semester 3; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

This module is focused on students working in teams to identify a real-world problem in the construction/ built environment area that require an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability. Students may work on developing pitches for angel and venture capital funding to allow commercialisation. All projects must relate directly to the current needs in the construction/ built environment sector and apply the principles of sustainable design. The focus is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, curiosity and utilising a range of tools that will help manage the innovation process. The module is designed around self-directed learning, teamwork and reflection, which enables distance learning. However, workshops, tutorials and drop-in clinics will be provided via online platform to enhance students’ learning. 

Students undertaking the Full-Time course must undertake one of the following optional modules: 

• CE5109 Research Project in Construction Innovation (30 ECTS; Year 1, Full Year; Blended; No-prerequisites) 
• CE5110 Work Based Placement in Construction Innovation (30 ECTS; Year 1, Full Year; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

Students undertaking the Part-Time course, students must undertake the following core module: 

• CE5109 Research Project in Construction Innovation (30 ECTS; Year 2, Full Year; Blended; No-prerequisites) 

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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