Architecture, Energy and Sustainability

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Our state-of-the-art course in low energy design is designed for built environment professionals looking to boost their international career
This course is tailored for architects and other professionals working in the built environment who want to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in low energy design and sustainable development. Students acquire a practical and theoretical grounding in the knowledge and skills required to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from buildings and ensure that buildings are adapted to meet the challenge of climate change. Skills are developed in a range of different methodologies for evaluating environmental conditions and predicting the effects of design solutions. These may include data collection and interpretation methods and computer-based simulation of buildings, set within a framework of low energy design principles.

The Low Energy Architecture Research Unit (LEARN) within the department teaches the course. LEARN is one of the leading research units in Europe in this field, and is engaged in a range of European-funded research projects as well as research and consultancy work to government bodies, and commercial architecture and engineering practices. This unit was created in 1987 to bridge the gap between architecture and research in low energy design. Staff in LEARN have expertise in the field of low energy architecture, sustainability, lighting and daylighting, building thermal analysis, adaptive thermal comfort, overheating, environmental monitoring and post occupancy evaluation.

You will have access to a range of environmental simulation software, which is complemented by facilities for testing and simulating different environmental conditions using physical models, including a lighting laboratory equipped with an artificial sky and heliodon.

Career opportunities
This course equips you with the practical and theoretical skills required by the construction and design industry to achieve goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapting buildings to the impact of climate change. Skills are developed in a range of different methodologies for evaluating environmental conditions and predicting the effects of design solutions.

Throughout the programme you will benefit from strong links with industry professionals both nationally and internationally. Past graduates have found employment in environmental consultancies and architectural practices. Those who wish to take their research further can go on to take a PhD program.

Course Structure
You will complete an equal number of taught and research-based modules. The course is designed to equip you with the skills and understanding you will need to formulate, evaluate and carry out a complex project. Core modules include:

* Energy Comfort and Buildings
* Low Energy Architecture
* MSc Thesis

Three of the following designate modules:

* Daylighting and Energy Efficient Artificial Lighting
* Building Simulation
* Advanced Thermal Comfort Studies
* Building Performance: Measurement and Analytical Methods

Assessment
Assessment is through coursework on the taught modules. For the research-based modules you may choose to complete either a substantial written dissertation or a substantial design and evaluation project.