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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our Sustainable Architecture: Evaluation and Design MSc is a unique, multi-disciplinary course. It was established in 1994 and continues to grow and evolve. We keep up to date with changes in sustainability, policies and advancement in the construction industry.
The course focuses on the theory and practice of developing low carbon and sustainable buildings. You will gain an advanced understanding of the key sustainability issues related to buildings, so you can strategically influence feasibility and design processes within the built environment.
Our strong links with industry give you:
opportunity to learn from the latest challenges in the industry
chances to participate in competitions to win prizes
possible future employment opportunities.
Some of the practices and organisations contributing to the course include; Method Consulting LLP, Eco Design Consultants Ltd, Max Fordham, Passivhaus Trust UK.
Our graduates have found work in a wide range of occupations in areas such as:
architectural and engineering practices
research
sustainability consultancies
academia, PhD
Modules
Compulsory modules
Building Physics (20 credits)
Building Physics module provides fundamental understanding of the applied principles of physics to the built environment. Understanding Building physics is crucial to more efficient and sustainable building design, providing the knowledge of how buildings work. This module, in particular, studies heat, air and moisture transfer in buildings allowing designers to explore energy efficient solutions/buildings whilst also providing thermal comfort for its occupant.
This module explores energy balance through understanding gains and losses allowing better fabric energy efficiency and consequently more efficient buildings. The different climatic conditions and their effect on the overall energy demand of buildings are also investigated.
Urban sustainability and microclimates (20 credits)
The impact of urbanisation and its effect on microclimate is undeniably increasing the burden on resources and energy demand, contributing to the rate of climate change. This module sets to explore the issues arising from urban development and its implication on district energy generation and distribution, infrastructures, urban microclimates and the additional emphasis on the buildings’ energy demand.
The module introduces the philosophy and theories of sustainable development considering energy supply and demand, water, natural resources, sustainable transport and the local economy.
Building Performance Evaluation (20 credits)
This unique module focuses on the complex task of assessing the actual performance of buildings in respect of energy use, environmental impact and occupant satisfaction. This module provides the opportunity for students to monitor and assess real buildings’ performance after building completion, understanding the performance gap and propose possible improvements.
Services and Systems for Net Zero Energy Buildings (20 credits)
The module introduces the principles of building design and construction that minimise the carbon impact of buildings. This includes advanced construction detailing, highly-efficient heating, cooling, ventilation systems and energy-efficient appliances in addition to the production of renewable energy through different available technologies.
A unique comprehensive construction detailing workshop is offered in this module.
Building Simulation and Design in Context (40 credits)
This module allows students to apply the knowledge gained from other modules within the course, to one practical module. The module provides a theoretical introduction to a systematic building energy performance simulation and analysis in relation to different climatic conditions. The underlying theory and principles of software related to the predictive modelling of buildings is described and the merits of state of the art software modelling packages debated. Students are therefore able to examine their ideas in relation to particular types of climate and explore the effectiveness of applied strategies as climate modifiers, using predictive modelling techniques. The students are also encouraged to look beyond the oil age and traditional construction methods and materials and look into future proofing their proposal. This can be undertaken either by a more design based or alternative research approach.
Research Methods and Design (10 credits)
This module aims to advance the students’ knowledge and understanding of research methods available. It presents a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies providing an opportunity to gain practical research skills.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
Dissertation
The synoptic research or a ‘research-led’ design dissertation gives the opportunity for application and expansion of the material presented in the programme through independent research projects. (50 credits)
Learning and teaching
Our teaching reflects the wide variety of topics and techniques associated with sustainability, low-carbon and resource efficient design. Methods include:
staff-led lectures
professional and staff-led workshops
group and one-to-one tutorials
student-led seminars
case studies
practical work that anticipates the design project.
Students come from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. This contributes to interdisciplinary, globally aware teaching and learning. We use international case studies for a variety of cultural perspectives and issues. You can draw on their diverse strengths with peer learning and group work.
You can experience some of the very best of sustainable design projects on the annual field trip. Previous trips have been to Germany, Scotland and Denmark.
Our research informs our teaching so the range of subjects draws on the research strengths of our teaching staff. We encourage you, where possible, to take part in staff research projects.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Candidates are required to fulfil one of the following:
hold an approved undergraduate honours degree minimum 2.2, or equivalent overseas qualification, in a relevant discipline ie architecture, engineering or physics and other subjects related to the built and natural environments.
possess an appropriate professional background and experience in architecture, building or building servicing design.
Applications are also considered from potential candidates who wish to seek accreditation for their prior experiential learning or earlier qualifications, particularly those who have worked on projects in related fields.
A number of our applicants use the programme as a means of facilitating a career change or progression.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
the Welsh Baccalaureate
the Access to Higher Education Diploma
a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
the European Baccalaureate Diploma
Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
a recognised foundation course
T-levels*.
* T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
The course uses a modular credit system, you will need:
60 credits for postgraduate certificate
120 credits for the postgraduate diploma (9 months full-time, 20 months part-time)
180 credits for the master's degree (12 months full-time, 24 months part-time).
Modules combine a ratio of taught to self-led study.
For example, a module of 20 credits approximates to 200 hours of student effort. Up to 36 hours of which usually consists of:
lectures
seminars
individual tutorials
other staff contact
The remaining time is devoted to student-led study and assessment.
The course benefits from a variety of formative and summative assessments including presentations, class tests and reports.
Research
We are a major player in international research in the fields of architecture and the built environment and town and country planning. You are encouraged where possible to take part in staff research projects.
The course benefits from direct links to two of the best research groups in the university, recognised nationally and internationally:
Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development
Architectural Engineering group.
The course also has direct input from:
Professor Rajat Gupta, Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Climate Change, Director of Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD), Director of OISD: Low Carbon Building Group.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will possess an advanced understanding of the key sustainability issues related to buildings enabling them to strategically influence feasibility and design processes within the built environment. They will be familiar with a range of models, tools and methods with which to quantify, predict, evaluate and manage building performance, and will be able to use them and switch to other tools based on an understanding from first principles.
Drawing on a working knowledge of how to minimise energy, carbon emissions and resource consumption in buildings through the various stages of their life cycles, they will be able to take account of changing, incomplete and uncertain information related to the environment. They will also have well developed skills in auditing, analysis, reporting and presentation and a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary subject area.
Students from this course have gone on to work in a wide range of occupations:
architectural and engineering practices
research consultancies
development work
sustainability consultancies
owning and operating electricity utilities
carbon trading
academia.
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