Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance

Overview

This course was developed around the core strengths of the Institute for Sustainable Construction and to meet the demands of the industry. It offers a well-balanced blend of theory and practice informed by our links with industry that prepares you for the workplace.

Mode of Study:

• Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

• 2 years

Start date:

• Sep

Course details

This course is built around the knowledge and current applied research of four of the University’s key research centres that sit within the Institute for Sustainable Construction:

• Building Performance Centre
• Scottish Energy Centre
• Centre for Off-site Construction and Innovative Structures
• Centre for Timber Engineering

You will gain the knowledge and experience required in the 6 taught modules that can then be applied to complete a major design project that should enhance your career prospects.

Subjects include

All modules are worth 20 credits unless stated otherwise.

YEAR 1

• Trimester 1
  • Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)
  • Building Acoustic Performance (BSV11151)
• Trimester 2
  • Architectural Design & Technology (BSV11158)
  • Building Energy Performance (BSV11153)

YEAR 2

• Trimester 1
  • Sustainable Building Design (BSV11114)
• Trimester 2
  • Health and Safety (BSV11142)
• Trimester 3
  • Masters' dissertation (BSV11120) (60 credits)

Modules

Modules that you will study as part of this course

Architectural Design & Technology (BSV11158)

Architectural Design & Technology is a design-led module that challenges students to engage with a comprehensive architectural project, emphasizing conceptual innovation, aesthetic refinement, and the practical integration of technology and sustainability.

Building Acoustic Performance (BSV11151)

This module includes the following… Introduction to sound insulation measurements and performance monitoring Sound transmission pathways and mechanisms Designing for School, Hospital buildings and other Civic and commercial buildings Designing and performance of rooms for the control of ambient noise Designing and performance of rooms for the control of reverberation time Assessing the implication of external noise sources on the design, orientation and layout of buildings Designing and performance for timber frame attached houses and apartments Designing and performance for blockwork and masonry attached houses and apartments Designing and performance for steel frame and in-situ concrete attached housing Understanding pre-conversion acoustic testing and refurbishment developments Innovations in acoustics and sound insulation

Building Energy Performance (BSV11153)

Building Energy Performance (BSV11153) covers key aspects of building thermal performance, focusing on heat loss and energy-efficient construction. It explores sustainable design strategies, including the use of software tools for designing energy-efficient buildings, SAP/SBEM compliance, energy performance certification, and simulation.

Building Information Modelling, Management and Evaluation (BSV11159)

The module focus on the significance of digitisation and information management in the built environment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of topics about the creation, extraction and management of digital data throughout various stages of construction, starting from site analysis and extending to modelling design, structural systems, material options, and modern construction processes.

Dissertation (BSV11120)

The Dissertation module constitutes a substantial piece of independent work executed within the traditions of scholarship and research characteristic of a particular discipline. Students will learn various research skills which they will then apply to their own chosen research, including developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and writing up of the dissertation.

Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)

This module examines the evolution and adaptation of the UK’s historic building stock, beginning with an analysis of archetypes, ages, and characteristic features—flooring, walls, and roof systems—found in traditional domestic and commercial structures.

Sustainable Building Design (BSV11114)

This module explores the key principles, strategies, and practical applications of sustainable design in the built environment. It offers an integrated understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability as they relate to buildings and infrastructure.

RECOGNISED BY

• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.

Entry requirements

• The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. We are looking for an academic background in Architecture or Architectural Technology (RIBA Part 1 accredited).
• We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

Fees & funding

• Tuition fees for 2024/25:
  • Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
  • Overseas and EU-Total Fee: £20,845
• Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers

• The MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance course offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in architectural technology and sustainable building practices, which are increasingly important in the construction industry.
• This specialization can help you to build a career in the following roles:
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Building Performance Consultant
  • Sustainable Design Consultant
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Building Code Consultant
  • Researcher/Academic

Program Outline

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MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance - Edinburgh Napier University

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Degree Overview:

This MSc program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of architectural technology, building performance, and the relevant legislative framework. It aims to provide a well-balanced blend of theory and practice, informed by industry links, to prepare graduates for successful careers in the field.

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Objectives:

• Develop a strong knowledge of architectural technology, building performance, and the legislative framework governing the industry.
• Gain a broad understanding of architectural technology and its application through design solutions.
• Prepare students for the workplace through a combination of theoretical and practical learning.
• Achieve recognition by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and progress towards CIAT membership.

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Outline:

The program is structured around the expertise of four key research centers within the Institute for Sustainable Construction:

• Building Performance Centre
• Scottish Energy Centre

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Course Schedule:

The program is delivered over two years on a part-time basis (full-time option available). It begins in September.

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Trimester 1:
• Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)
• Building Acoustic Performance (BSV11151)
• Trimester 2:
• Architectural Design & Technology (BSV11158)
• Building Energy Performance (BSV11153)

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Year 2:

• Trimester 1:
• Sustainable Building Design (BSV11114)
• Trimester 2:
• Health and Safety (BSV11142)
• Trimester 3:

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and visits to design agencies.

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Careers:

• The MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the construction industry, including:
• Architectural Technologist
• Building Performance Consultant
• Sustainable Design Consultant
• Construction Project Manager
• Building Code Consultant
• Researcher/Academic
• The program emphasizes practical skills and experience, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.

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Other:

• The program is recognized by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
• Students have the option of undertaking a supervised work placement or an overseas study module.
• The program is subject to change, and full information is available in the disclaimer.

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Tuition fees for 2024/25 Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Stage 1 £3,315 £tba Stage 2 £3,965 £tba ====== ====== Total - Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £tba ============================ ====== ====== Stage 1 £8,450 £tba Stage 2 £10,350 £tba ====== ====== Overseas and EU-Total Fee £18,800 £tba ============================ ====== ====== Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. View Tuition Fees for 2025/26