Sustainable Building Design and Engineering, MSc
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
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
---|---|---|---
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.
Program Outline
Sustainable Building Design and Engineering, MSc | University of Greenwich
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.
Outline:
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.
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.
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.
Other:
- The program emphasizes the presentation and communication of workable solutions to complex problems.
- Students have access to Microsoft Project and RICS BCIS Online.
Home/international fees 2024/25:
£11,000 /£17,450
Entry Requirements:
- UK citizens and permanent residents:
- An honors degree (2.2 or above) or equivalent qualification in a built environment discipline such as civil engineering, construction, surveying, or architecture.
- Other undergraduate degrees will be considered on an individual basis.
- Experienced applicants from CME will also be considered.
- International students:
- The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to its courses.