Singapore BCA offers new degree on 3D modelling software. Using such software, otherwise known as Building Information Modelling, has long been touted by the Government as a way to identify potential problems in construction before actual work begins, thereby increasing productivity.

Singapore BCA offers new degree on 3D modelling software.

Using such software, otherwise known as Building Information Modelling, has long been touted by the Government as a way to identify potential problems in construction before actual work begins, thereby increasing productivity.

Here is the press release in full:

Singapore, 17 September 2013 - The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and The University of Newcastle (UON) Australia are offering the Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) Programme (BCM), which equips graduates with strong grounding in management and building information modelling (BIM).

The Programme offers diploma holders in the built environment a pathway to further enhance their academic as well as improve their career prospects with new skills and expertise.

Under the four-year degree Programme, students will gain construction management knowledge and skills with an emphasis on using BIM, a three-dimensional technology that allows building professionals to explore a building project digitally before it is even built.

BIM has been identified as one of the game-changing tools to improve construction productivity. The impetus for the built environment sector to embrace this technology is driven by mandatory requirements for the use of BIM for regulatory approval of building projects greater than 5,000 square metres by 2015.

Students from the Programme will learn the application of BIM in construction technology and services, project planning, building measurement, cost planning and estimating, contract administration, building law and economics. In their final year, students will apply what they have learnt by working on construction projects using BIM or embark on research topics involving construction management in the built environment.

BCA Academy Managing Director Mr. William Tan said: "BCA is proud to partner the University of Newcastle - one of the most progressive universities in Australia - for this Programme. The strong academic and research capabilities of University of Newcastle complements BCA Academy's effort in delivering quality education and practical training in Singapore's built environment sector. The Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) programme with strong emphasis in BIM will produce students with specialised competencies to serve the needs of the industry for an excellent built environment in Singapore.

"We invite diploma holders and practising professionals looking to improve their career prospects to consider the dual specialisation in BIM and construction management that the Programme offers," Mr. Tan added.

University of Newcastle Australia Pro Vice-Chancellor (Singapore) and CEO, UON Singapore Professor Amir Mahmood said: "Celebrating the launch of the Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) with BCA Academy is the University's way to create value to the evolving construction industry. With Building Information Modeling embedded in these courses, we see the alignment with Singapore's emphasis on increasing productivity and innovation."

Because of the Programme's curriculum - designed to cover all aspects of construction management - its graduates will be eligible for accreditation by various international bodies for professionals such as the Chartered Institute of Building and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. They will also be recognised under the Public Sector Panel of Consultants for Quantity Surveying services. Graduates may practise as construction professionals in Australia and Singapore as they are also eligible for accreditation with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveying and the Australian Institute of Building.

Conducted at the BCA Academy, the Programme's first intake of full-time students started their lessons on 16 September 2013. Its part-time programme will be offered in subsequent intakes.

Diploma holders from the BCA Academy and graduates from local polytechnics in relevant disciplines can earn advanced standings which will allow them to complete the Programme within minimum 2.5 years (Full-time study) and 3.5 years (Part-time study). The bachelor degree is conferred by the University of Newcastle, Australia. For more information about the Programme, please visitwww.bcaa.edu.sg.

Scholarship and sponsorship for this Programme are available for interested students under the BCA-Industry Built Environment Scholarship and Sponsorship Scheme. For more information, visit www.buildingcareers.sg.