Construction Innovation

The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation was developed in response to critical and proven skills needs in the construction/built environment sector by Construct Innovate, Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation It is a one-year part-time course, funded through HCI Pillar 1, that 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 course will develop the newest breed of global entrepreneurs, construction experts and sustainable construction leaders, who can develop innovative concepts, identify market opportunities and tackle challenges related to getting new building products and services to market. This course will support the development of a modernised and sustainable construction sector underpinned by circular economy and climate action.



The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation will enable prospective students to:



Develop skills in digital adoption, sustainability and modern methods of construction,



Develop critical thinking, curiosity and problem solving to manage the innovation process,



Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector,



Create novel construction technology solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems,



Continue their professional development for meet the future needs of the construction sector.



Why choose this course

The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation is a one-year part-time course that 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 course will develop the newest breed of global entrepreneurs, construction experts and sustainable construction leaders, who can develop innovative concepts, identify market opportunities and tackle challenges related to getting new building products and services to market. This course will support the development of a modernised and sustainable construction sector underpinned by circular economy and climate action.

The Postgraduate Diploma consists of four taught modules and a project. It will be delivered by blended learning, consisting of live online lectures (three hours/week), self-directed learning materials, online activities and extensive resources, and on campus sessions (full-day every 8 weeks). Timing of student contact hours will ensure that those in employment can fully benefit.



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.



Module 1: Sustainability Planning in Construction (10 ECTS)

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.



Module 2: Digital Construction Technologies (10 ECTS)

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 will fundamentally change the ways in which construction teams interact. Technologies such as BIM will 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.



Module 3: Modern Methods of Construction (10 ECTS)

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.



Module 4: Innovation and Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS)

The module highlights both business analysis and communication skills, ensuring that graduates are well equipped with skills manage innovation projects and launch their own enterprises.



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



Module 5: Innovation Project (20 ECTS)

This module is focused on students working in teams to identify a real-world problems in the construction/ built environment area that require an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability, and 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, team work and reflection, which enables distance learning. However, workshops, tutorials and drop in clinics will be provided via online platform to enhance students’ learning. This module is a practical approach and the delivery of this project will be supported by modules 1–4.

Requirements:

The PG Diploma in funded by HCI Pillar 1. Applicants must meet the entry requirements as outlined on the Springboardcourses.ie portal and provide the required documentation in support of their application. Details of requirements are found at https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility



Applicants should hold:



an undergraduate bachelor degree 1st or 2nd class honours in any discipline (level 8), along with three years of relevant industrial experience;



or an ordinary bachelor degree or 3rd class honours undergraduate degree (level 7), along with five years of relevant industrial experience;



or a recognised professional qualification and five years of relevant industrial experience.



Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the programme's administrators to discuss eligibility through Recognition through Prior Learning (RPL) and may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the programme.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the programme's administrators to discuss eligibility through Recognition through Prior Learning (RPL) and may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

Closing Date

No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis.



Springboard course: apply via Springboard: https://springboardcourses.ie/details/13448.



Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited. Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Preferably supporting documents should be combined into one zip file and uploaded.



Check Supporting Documents website for details of any supporting documents that may be required.

1 year, part-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

The course is designed to provide upskilling opportunities for graduates in industrial and commercial construction, construction technology and in sustainable development sectors. It is also envisaged that graduates will take up leadership positions in the construction industry to lead change in the modernisation of the sector.



Whilst graduates of this course will be immediately employable or upskilled while in employment, we aim to develop academic progression opportunities (i.e. MSc in Construction Innovation). Through RPL, graduates are required to complete an additional 30 ECTS to achieve the award of MSc in Construction Innovation.