Course details
Study options
Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2-3 years
UK fee
£8,525 for the full course or £950 per 20 credits* (2023/24)
International fee
£14,900 for the full course (2023/24)
Location
Markeaton Street, Derby Campus
- 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.
Student feedback - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023
100%of our students are satisfied with the overall quality of the course
100%of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things
100%of our students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
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.
Throughout my studies, the academics have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and have always encouraged and motivated me to push the boundaries to achieve more. Their genuine care and personal support has meant a world when I was facing difficulties.
Tommy Harrison
MSc Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings
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
This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and MSc.
Postgraduate Certificate
You will study modules such as:
Research Methods: Application and Evaluation
This module will advise, guide and develop you in the various elements that constitute the skills required for identifying and applying appropriate research methods and devising an overall research plan. Your learning will include how to identify, evaluate and apply different research philosophies, research approaches, research strategies, research methods, and methods of data collection and analysis.
Health in Buildings: Comparative Approaches
This module will raise your awareness of the different stages in implementing the health and safety aspects of the design of a new build, and the way remedies can be applied in dealing with existing environments.
Sustainable Architecture and Low Energy Design
During this module, you will critically evaluate the design principles, methodologies and techniques involved in the low-energy design of sustainable architecture, whether new build or retrofit. You will look at significant issues relating to climate change and the use of energy in the built environment.
Environmental Risk and Responsibility
You will evaluate how the professional actions, decisions and leadership of others interact with the society in which you are working, and how this affects environmental risk and the sustainable future of the planet. Starting with a global view of how environmental stresses are generated by developing technologies, the module takes a systemic approach to how responsibility for sustainability challenges does not always lie with the decision maker. This module will be delivered online for students joining the course in January.
Postgraduate Diploma
You will study modules such as:
CPD and Strategic Management
During this module, you will develop your managerial skills in preparation for working in a global industry environment. You will study strategic concepts and learn how to transfer them into your own industry or specialism using a structured approach. You will focus on managing the global future by analysis rather than by instinct and become adept at forecasting and financial analysis, while considering business ethics.
Sustainable Design Simulation and Analysis
This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical study of sustainable building analysis in relation to a design proposal, linked with its climate and location. You will look at significant issues relating to climate change and the use of energy in the built environment.
You will also choose one module, such as:
Sustainable Construction Methods and Materials
One of the important remits of sustainable construction is to reduce the use of fossil-fuel based energy consumption. This module will see you critically evaluating the principles, methodologies and techniques involved in the selection and specification of sustainable construction methods and materials.
Designing Environments
This module is an option for students with a background in architectural technology. You will explore issues related to sustainability and associated with key players and systems in regeneration as well as new research and developments in the design of the built environment.
Negotiated Module
This module is usually studied by part-time students who are in employment as it allows participants to take practical, work-based experience and develop it within an academic context.
MSc
You will study one module, such as:
Independent Scholarship
You will have the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills you have gained during your studies through an extensive investigation related to the course material. This can take the form of a dissertation, a research-based technical design and development project, or the exhibition of creative design artwork.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
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.
- You will normally be expected to have an architectural or other built environment undergraduate degree (2:2), or a professional qualification of equal standing, or significant practical or professional experience that would support your application.
- If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or the equivalent.
Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds are welcome to apply and will be accepted subject to successful interview and relevant work experience.
2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £8,525 for the full course or £950 per 20 credits* | £950 per 20 credits |
| International | £14,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
Additional costs and optional extras
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
International students
This course is now closed to new international student applications for September 2023.
To apply for January 2024 and September 2024, please keep checking for updates
As a graduate of this course, you will discover a wide range of career opportunities including senior sustainable design roles in architectural practice, consultancy or design management.
Alternatively, you could secure positions in environmental design assessment, central and local government, housing associations, retail enterprises and manufacturing companies. You could also consider further study towards a PhD and/or an academic career.
Career opportunities open to graduates include:
- Sustainability Consultant Architect
- Project Coordinator
- Project Manager
- Sustainable Energy Consultant
- BREEAM Consultant
Employers our graduates have gone on to work for include:
- Persimmon Homes
- Morrison Design Ltd
- CPMG Architects
- Leeds Beckett University
- Waterman Group
- Acorn Associates
- Kawneer
- Atkins and Voll Groll Consulting Engineers
- Anderson Green
- GHD
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Use of resources, use of workshop and specialist CAD/BIM/VR facilities
- Free student membership of accredited bodies
- Organised site visits and fieldtrips
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Ecobuild Trip contribution - £10 per person.
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Course books - approx. £15 per book depending on source
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