Environmental Design of Buildings (MSc)

The MSc Environmental Design of Buildings is a one-year full-time program that aims to develop knowledge and evidence-based expertise in the design of comfortable and healthy environments in and around buildings, responding to climate, and with due regard to sustainability issues.

Duration and Mode

• Duration: 1 year
• Mode: Full time

Course Options

• Full time (1 year)
• Full time distance learning (1 year)
• Part time distance learning (3 years)
• Part time distance learning (2 years)
• Part time (2 years)

Start Date

• 28 September 2026

Why Study This Course

By developing expertise in the design and specification of comfortable, healthy environments in and around buildings, you can make a valuable contribution to addressing climate emergency issues and to the future of sustainable built environments.

Accreditations

• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)

Admissions Criteria

To be considered for an offer for this program, you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject.
2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent.
3. A personal statement which includes your reasons for studying this program and any experience with issues related to the design of sustainable, comfortable, and healthy environments within your previous studies or professional career.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection Process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Course Structure

Our MSc Environmental Design of Buildings is delivered in two stages. Stage one (two thirds) is comprised of taught and project modules totalling 120 credits. The final third is your dissertation (stage 2). As a full-time student, you will take both stages in one year. Within Stage 1, you will undertake five taught and three project modules before commencing your dissertation in Stage two.

Modules

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.

• Context of Environmental Building Design (ART017) - 20 credits
• Enclosures in Environmental Building Design (ART018) - 20 credits
• Specifying Environmental Buildings (ART019) - 20 credits
• Earth and Society (ART022) - 10 credits
• Low Carbon Buildings (ART035) - 10 credits
• Climate Comfort and Energy (ART041) - 20 credits
• Investigation of the Built Environment (ART042) - 10 credits
• Architectural Science Research (ART049) - 10 credits
• Dissertation (ART099) - 60 credits

Learning and Assessment

The methods of teaching we employ will vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on the subject matter and the method of assessment. We teach using a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, study visits, project work, and group tutorials. Taught and project-based modules are assessed in a variety of different ways depending on the module content and learning outcomes.

Tuition Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status.

• Fees for home status: ｣11,950 (Year one)
• Fees for overseas status: ｣30,700 (Year one)

Additional Costs

Fees cover all tuition fees, essential course costs, registration and exams. Any optional visits/field trips will incur additional cost.

Career Prospects

Environmental building designers shape the spaces we live and work in. They have a focus on environmental and social issues, particularly those which respond to the climate emergency. The MSc supports you to develop knowledge and experience relating to a future career related to environmental design in the built environment.

Fieldwork

During the course, we go on a range of study trips. Guided visits will be organised to buildings that demonstrate the application of ideas taught in the course.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.