Sustainable Building Design and Engineering, MSc

This MSc will give you the engineering and technical design skills to forge a career in the ever-expanding sustainable construction sector.

The increasing drive towards sustainable solutions in the built environment is driving the need for well-educated professionals with a real understanding of this issue. Our Sustainable Building Design and Engineering course teaches you about the technical design and engineering associated with the delivery of such projects in a commercially-focused world.

You'll consider both passive (building fabric) and active measures (building services and renewable energy technologies), with key modules covering sustainable and healthy buildings, building simulation, and environmental and passive design systems.

Career options open to upon successful completion of this course include roles within government agencies, local authorities, and development agencies.

School

Engineering

Location

Greenwich Campus

Duration

1 years full-time

Start month

September

Home /international fees 2025/26

£11,325 /£17,975

What you should know about this course

• The course combines technical design and engineering associated with the delivery of sustainable built commercial environments.
• You’ll learn which approach to take when considering new or existing building stock in terms of its sustainability.
• The course focuses on the presentation and communication of workable solutions to complex problems.
• We work with cutting-edge research carried out by the school on technical, behavioural and social issues associated with the delivery of sustainable built environments.

Accreditations and Academic Partners

IEMA University Partner

What you will study

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Environmental and Passive Design Systems (60 credits)
• Building Simulation and BIM (15 credits)
• Sustainable and Healthy Buildings (15 credits)
• MSc Dissertation (Built Environment) (60 credits)
• Sustainability Assessment Methods for the Built Environment (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)

Entry requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in a Built Environment subject such as, Civil Engineering, Construction, Surveying or Architecture.

Applicants without a degree that have relevant professional experience may be considered.

Applicants from other backgrounds may be considered.

International entry requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

How you will learn

Teaching

Teaching involves a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops and takes place 1 day per week (with additional tutorials). You'll be able to discuss and develop your understanding of lecture topics in seminars and smaller group sessions, as well as with your personal tutor. You'll also need to commit 2-3 days a week to independent learning, depending on your prior experience.

Class sizes

The typical student intake per year averages 20-30. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars or tutorials by smaller groups. Numbers can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.

Independent learning

Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. Our Stockwell Street Library and online resources will support you in these activities.

Fees and funding

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home | £11,325 | N/A | N/A
International | £17,975 | N/A | N/A

Accommodation costs

Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.

Careers and placements

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

This course is aimed at individuals with backgrounds in built environment and architectural background who are seeking management and leadership roles within the construction, property and surveying practices industry.

It also designed for mid-career professionals preparing to make the transition into the construction and property industry.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a dedicated employability team for postgraduate students to consult about specific opportunities relevant to the course. They work closely with professionals in industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the workplace and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.

The central Employability and Careers Service also provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.

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Sustainable Building Design and Engineering, MSc | University of Greenwich

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Degree Overview:

This MSc program equips students with the engineering and technical design skills necessary for a successful career in the rapidly growing sustainable construction sector. The program addresses the increasing demand for well-educated professionals who understand the complexities of sustainable building practices. The curriculum focuses on both passive (building fabric) and active measures (building services and renewable energy technologies) for sustainable construction. Key modules cover:

• Sustainable and healthy buildings
• Building simulation
• Environmental and passive design systems
Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared for roles within government agencies, local authorities, and development agencies.

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Outline:

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Year 1 (Full-time):

• MSc Dissertation (Built Environment) (40 credits): This module allows students to conduct in-depth research on a specific topic related to the built environment.
• Sustainable & Healthy Buildings (20 credits): This module explores the principles of sustainable and healthy building design, covering topics such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and material selection.
• Environmental and Passive Design Systems (60 credits): This module delves into the design and implementation of passive design strategies, such as solar energy, natural ventilation, and daylighting.
• Sustainability Assessment Methods for the Built Environment (20 credits): This module introduces students to various sustainability assessment tools and methodologies used in the construction industry.
• Research Methods (20 credits): This module provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge for conducting research, including data analysis, research ethics, and report writing.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by renowned experts in the field of construction, property, and surveying practices.
• Classes are held in the world-class facilities of Stockwell Street and are designed for small group sizes to maximize student-tutor interaction.
• The program incorporates cutting-edge research conducted by the school on technical, behavioral, and social issues related to sustainable built environments.

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Careers:

• This course is designed for individuals with backgrounds in built environment and architectural backgrounds seeking management and leadership roles within the construction, property, and surveying practices industry.
• It is also suitable for mid-career professionals transitioning into the construction and property industry.
• The program provides dedicated employability services, including consultations with industry professionals, CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the presentation and communication of workable solutions to complex problems.
• Students have access to Microsoft Project and RICS BCIS Online.

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Home/international fees 2024/25:

£11,000 /£17,450

University of Greenwich: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Greenwich is a public university located in London and Kent, England. It boasts three campuses: Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway. The university is known for its diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries, and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.

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Services Offered:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options are available at all three campuses.

Careers:

The university provides career guidance and support services to help students find employment after graduation.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, counseling, and disability support.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships and bursaries are available to help students finance their studies.

Digital Student Centre:

A digital platform offering support for new and returning students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Greenwich offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

Lively Students' Union:

Each campus has a Students' Union that organizes social events, clubs, and societies.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

Excellent Transport Links:

All campuses are easily accessible by public transport, with connections to central London.

Campus Bus Service:

A bus service connects the three campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Award-Winning Research:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, which has won numerous awards.

Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

Diverse Community:

The university welcomes students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Flexible Learning Options:

The university offers a range of flexible learning options, including online and part-time study.

Strong Graduate Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many graduates going on to successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the key academic strengths include:

Business and Management:

The university is known for its strong business programs, including MBA and MSc programs.

Engineering and Technology:

The university offers a range of engineering and technology programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

Arts and Humanities:

The university has a strong reputation in the arts and humanities, with programs in English literature, history, and creative writing.

Health and Social Care:

The university offers a range of health and social care programs, including nursing, social work, and psychology.

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has launched a university-wide transformation for a Greener future.

• The university is home to the Greenwich Portraits series, which celebrates the diverse journeys of its students and alumni.

• Student Life and Campus Experience:

  While the context mentions the Students' Union and facilities, it does not provide detailed information on student life and campus experiences.

Key Reasons to Study There:

The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the key reasons to study at the University of Greenwich.