Program Overview

Sustainable Buildings

Overview

A shift towards zero carbon solutions for both new and existing buildings will be integral to the global strategy to deliver sustainable built environments. Immerse yourself in perspectives and practice in the decarbonisation of buildings with our highly-relevant Sustainable Buildings postgraduate degree.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Course Duration

• One year (full-time)
• Two and a half years (part-time)

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

Designed to build relevant professional knowledge, this Cabe (chartered association of building engineers) accredited course will enable you to explore industry-tested methods for modelling energy efficiency, designing low carbon retrofit solutions, undertaking performance gap analysis, evaluating and specifying smart solutions.

Course Accreditations

• MSc Sustainable Buildings

Course Team

• Course leader: Dr. Juan Antonio Ferriz-Papi

Course Delivery

• The course curriculum is based on industry-aligned themes and topics.
• The 180-credit MSc award comprises eight taught modules, plus a dissertation.
• The 120-credit PgDip comprises eight taught modules.

Course Structure

• Full-time students: four 15-credit taught modules in each of the first two trimesters on campus, followed by a dissertation worth 60 credits in the final trimester.
• Part-time students: two 15-credit modules in each of the first four trimesters on campus, followed by a dissertation worth 60 credits across two additional trimesters.

Modules

Trimester One (and Trimester Two for Part-time Learning)

• Building Retrofitting
• Building Whole Life Carbon and Cost Analysis
• Sustainable Building Design
• Building Modelling and Simulation

Trimester Two (Trimesters Three and Four for Part-time Learning)

• Contemporary Issues in Sustainability
• Circular Economy in Construction
• Energy Systems for Buildings
• Domestic Energy Monitoring Systems (SB)

Trimester Three (Trimesters Five and Six for Part-time Learning)

• Dissertation

Learning Experience

• The course focuses on topical themes connected to sustainable buildings.
• You will explore industry methods for modelling energy efficiency, low carbon retrofit solutions, performance gap analysis and smart solutions.
• You will also look at the built environment within the wider context of whole life carbon and the circular economy.

Assessment

• Written coursework (100%)
• Continuous informal assessment by tutors
• Methods include:
  • Design projects
  • Essays
  • Case study analysis
  • Precedent studies

Employment and Stats

Employment

• With global government commitments to achieving net zero, there is growing demand from the construction industry for specialists with the knowledge and skills to develop and deliver sustainability and carbon and energy efficiency in new and existing buildings.
• Career opportunities are likely to emerge in both public and private sector environments.

Further Study

• You might decide to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research.
• Our Centre for Urban Processes, Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environments is home to PhD and research study opportunities exploring how we can enhance our built environments at local, national and international scales.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

• This course is recommended for current built environment professionals who want to formalise, update or enhance their existing skills in building energy and sustainability.
• The course is also open to graduates from across the humanities, science, or business, who are interested in refocusing their skills to work on the design, construction, retrofitting, building services, or costing of sustainable buildings.

English Language Requirements

• All of our courses are taught and assessed in English.
• If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements.
• An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

International Applications

• Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: Applicants must have a minimum of a second class (2:2) honours degree.
• International student entry requirements: We accept qualifications from all around the world.

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
• We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

Fees

• Type of study | Year | Fees
  • Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,800 per year
  • Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000 per year
  • Part-time | 2025/26 | Calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional Costs

• You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International Student Scholarships

• If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.