Meet Your Programme Lead - Bahriye Ilhan Jones

Programme lead for our Surveying MSc courses tells us more about her passion for online learning, and how these degrees could transform your career.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your professional background?

As an assistant professor at Northumbria University and previously at Istanbul Technical University, I have experience working with different module formats and learning environments including lectures, tutorials, studios, on-site and online in higher education. I am interested in teaching and research in the area of the modern built environment and its interactions with design, construction, information technology, and environmental sustainability.

I believe that my expertise and interest in construction project management, digital design and construction (especially Building Information Modelling (BIM)), modern methods of construction (including automation and robotics), and circular economy and sustainability, complement and extend the interests of the Surveying MSc. I apply this experience during my teaching of Construction and Sustainable Technologies – one of the core modules. My most recent publications focus on utilisation of digital tools for low carbon and adopting circular economy strategies within the construction industry.

What about your educational background?

I studied my first degree – in Architecture – at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey. I completed my MSc in Project and Construction Management and PhD in Construction Sciences at the same university. During my PhD, I proposed a framework for integrating sustainability data into BIM tools, enabling design stage decision-making. As a TUBITAK postdoctoral fellow, I worked at the Chair for Building Realisation and Robotics (br2) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and focused on robot-oriented construction management. My postgraduate studies have given me the chance to explore in detail, through academic literature and my own research, how students approach their studies – specifically collaborative learning and the co-creation of knowledge.

What excites you most about teaching on the Surveying MSc courses?

I love the variety that comes with being an academic, especially one involved in the development and delivery of distance learning programmes. There are opportunities to do research and add to knowledge, to influence how we develop and deliver our distance learning and, of course, to interact with students. As I said, I love the variety.

Why should people choose to study Surveying at Northumbria?

People should choose Northumbria University because we are investing heavily in creating an excellent online student experience. Our investment in technology is coupled with years of experience in delivering RICS accredited Surveying programmes; our courses have been online and accredited by RICS since 2007. In addition, we have committed and experienced teaching staff, whose research informs their teaching.

What can distance learning students expect when they join Northumbria University?

As you would expect, students sit at the heart of everything we do here at Northumbria. That is no different for our online students. From the moment you enrol, we want you to feel that you are an important part of our academic community. Our modules have been designed to facilitate this. You can expect interactive learning materials developed by academic experts, live webinars and student-focused discussion forums. In addition, we have Student Success Advisors offering support – you will always have a named contact to answer your queries.

How will this distance learning course transform students’ lives?

No matter which pathway you choose, successful graduation from our accredited Surveying MSc courses will demonstrate to employers that you meet the academic requirements for membership of RICS. You’ll also have developed the skills and understanding that is essential for a successful career as a surveyor. However, we aim for you to leave Northumbria with postgraduate knowledge that helps you beyond your role as a surveyor, which is why the themes of sustainability and ethics runs throughout our programmes. You’ll also leave here with a lifelong connection to us, and a network of contacts in your chosen sector, which you’ll develop over the duration of the programme.

Aside from being able to meet the academic entry requirements, what makes a perfect candidate for this course?

Most people undertaking a distance learning Masters work full time, so they need to be able to manage both commitments. Being able to look ahead, identify key milestones and plan accordingly is key. We structure your learning to support this but, ultimately, it is having the ability to balance your time and responsibilities that will lead you to success.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching?

In my spare time, I like swimming and walking, especially spending time in nature. I also like travelling and explore new places as well as learning new cultures.

Interested to discover more and become a chartered surveyor with Northumbria University? Take a look at our course pages below and apply now!