Sustainable Building: Performance and Design – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Course length

Full-time: MSc: 12 months, PGDip: 9 months
Part-time: MSc: 27 months, PGDip: 18 months

The course is divided into two parts. In Semester 1 students are introduced to various theories which provide a foundation for learning, leading onto practical application in Semester 2. Part-time students follow a similar sequence.

It is organised on a modular credit system, 120 credits for the postgraduate diploma (9 months full-time, 20 months part-time) and 180 credits for the master's degree (12 months full-time, 27 months part-time). Modules combine a ratio of taught to self-led study. For example, a module of 20 credits approximates to 200 hours of student effort, up to 36 hours of which will normally be devoted to lectures, seminars, individual tutorials or other staff contact. The remainder of the time is devoted to student-led study and assessment.

Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.

The core modules for the MSc and PGDip are:

Building Physics and Thermal Comfort (20 credits) provides an introduction to the basic physics required to help develop low-carbon buildings which are both energy-efficient and comfortable.

The Sustainable Built Environment: a Bioregional Approach (20 credits) introduces the philosophy, theories and key concepts underpinning the principles of sustainable development and sustainability in relation to the built environment within the natural world. Sustainable design is of critical importance in tackling climate change creatively and providing dynamic environments for all lifeforms.

Post-Occupancy Building Evaluation (20 credits) focuses on the complex task of assessing the actual performance of existing buildings in respect of energy use, environmental impact and occupant satisfaction, known as post-occupancy evaluation (POE).

Low Carbon Building Technologies 1 (10 credits) identifies and evaluates different low-carbon energy strategies to be incorporated whilst designing low-carbon buildings. The module will introduce different standards and benchmarks for low-carbon buildings, and highlight strategies and approaches that could be deployed in heating and cooling buildings.

Low Carbon Building Technologies 2 (10 credits) identifies and evaluates the main low and zero carbon (renewable) technologies (LZT), available for buildings.

Modelling and Passive Strategies (20 credits) provides a theoretical and practical introduction to systematic building modelling as it is related to design with climate and location.

Sustainable Design in Context (20 credits) provides the opportunity to apply in practice the design principles gained in previous modules. It focuses on the challenge of reconciling regional identity and tradition with contemporary needs in building design and performance, relating to technological change and social transformation arising from globalisation, climate change and other factors.

The compulsory modules for the MSc are:

Research Methods and Design (10 credits) aims to advance your knowledge and understanding of research methods available to those wishing to improve buildings in terms of their sustainable design and performance. It presents a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods and provides a forum for debate about research as well as giving the opportunity to gain practical research skills.

MSc Dissertation (50 credits) The synoptic research or design dissertation gives the opportunity for application and expansion of the material presented in the programme through independent research.