Course description

• Study a CIAT accredited course at a university which is one of only four CIAT Centres of Excellence in the UK
• Draw on our extensive industrial links and the expertise of our research and practice active highly experienced staff
• Add a new dimension to your knowledge of design and technology relating to energy efficiency in buildings
• Gain vital practical experience through live sustainable design projects
• Be inspired by specialist guest lectures, seminars and workshops
• Learn from influential academics who are conducting important research into sustainable design

Our MSc is a contemporary sustainable architecture course offering an innovative blend of the established scientific theories and design principles relating to healthy buildings and environments.

CIAT Accredited course; a springboard to Chartership

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologies (CIAT), a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.    

CIAT is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members, including those practising and studying within the discipline and profession, who wish to be professionally recognised.  

CIAT Accreditation implies that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute's requirements.  

Whilst enrolled on this course, you will benefit from free student membership with CIAT where you'll be able to access their recourses to further enhance your professional development and enrich your studies.  Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership (ACIAT) and you will be entitled to exemptions against the educational standards of the MCIAT Professional Assessment when progressing to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT

New perspectives on design practice

This course enables you to build on your existing knowledge and skills by raising your awareness of the environmental impact of design decisions. It also looks at how to undertake holistic sustainable design analysis integrated within the building information modelling environment.

You will critically analyse current sustainable architecture and low energy design principles and technologies, government legislation, codes for sustainable design and other important professional, industrial and commerce drivers. You will also research issues that could adversely affect the health of building users, coming up with findings and solutions which are people-centred, proactive and preventive.

Sustainability is not just about the environment so you will also consider it in a broader contextual framework, including socio-cultural, economic and governance factors as well as advances in scientific and technological research

Engage with influential research

You will be able to draw inspiration from – and take part in – the leading-edge sustainable design research initiatives being undertaken by our lecturers.

The built environment staff have strong research and practice backgrounds and are actively engaged in applied research and collaboration with the industry. Since most of our research is applied by nature and as such underpins the curriculum, the Master’s students are gaining from regular research seminars, guest lectures and CPD events. This includes research-active lecturers who are incorporating current research thinking and advances into their teaching, projects and independent studies supervision, wherever appropriate. The programme curriculum is aligned to the current needs of professional practice in the construction industry, complemented by the extensive industrial links and current staff expertise and research profile.

The research environment is provided by a multidisciplinary team which focuses on a research profile that in particular underpins teaching and the curriculum in areas of sustainable urban design and architecture, BIM and project collaboration, technical architecture and construction. Current research themes are organised around the following key areas:

• Sustainable Architecture
• Healthy Buildings
• Technology and Materials
• BIM and Project Collaboration
• Digital Technologies
• Education and Pedagogical Research
• History and Theories of Architecture methods and site preparation

How you will learn

This programme explores, at postgraduate level, the theory and practice of sustainable urban and building design and its potential impact on the health of users.

It includes live projects, field trips, site work, physical model experimentation, guest lectures and specialist workshops so that your learning experience is as close to real-world practices as academically possible.

A variety of assessment methods is used, including a combination of coursework and live project work, assignments, exhibitions, degree show, peer group reviews, graphic and oral presentations, and portfolios.