Entry requirements

Degree:

Honours degree (2:2 or higher) or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Full-time

Start dates:

September (12 months), January (16 months)

Fees:

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £18,300

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

Reducing energy consumption is an international imperative. Our course is designed to equip you with the skills and vision to tackle this challenge both innovatively and responsibly.

Throughout the course, you will focus on design strategies and computer modelling in response to climate change to promote and encourage sustainability. The curriculum embraces sustainable development and the built environment from a holistic perspective, taking into account cultural, social, economic, and ecological factors.

You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address the challenges of sustainable buildings and energy performance, and gain an understanding of how architecture and the built environment work in the real world.

DMU has an exciting global outlook and we are the only United Nations Sustainable Development Goals hub based in the UK. You’ll take part in research which connects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action (goal number 13) and cities and communities (goal number 11).

The course content is designed to meet a growing international industry niche by addressing the challenges of global climate change and offering practical skillsets that are valuable to employers.

We provide state-of-the-art facilities, and our creative hub will provide you with the tools you need to realise your ambitions within the built environment sector. You will benefit from our extensive range of specialist facilities, such as multipurpose studios, CAD labs, and workshops. These workshops are equipped with laser cutters, metalworking, woodworking, digital printing, water-jet cutting, and prototyping. The high-performance computer labs have industry-standard tools and dynamic thermal simulation software for teaching and research.

Key features

  • You can exit the course with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award, depending on the credits you achieve.

  • You will need to enrol on the PEDR graduate monitoring service in order to have your PEDR sheets endorsed by a professional studies adviser (PSA).

  • You’ll learn from a integrated team of professionals from industry, practice and research, which ensures your work is responding to contemporary, real-world issues that are grounded in both theory and practice.

  • Join our diverse community, which contributes to new ways of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences.

  • The course has been designed as a potential pathway to the PhD level, and our graduates become successful researchers in the building performance and sustainability fields.

  • Our award-winning Vijay Patel building has been designed to provide the space and facilities where all of our art and design students can develop their ideas and flourish.

What you will study

Modules

Block 1: Methods for Sustainability Research

This module is designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the nature and scope of research, setting the foundation for the Dissertation module. You will be introduced to a rich curriculum supported by research design and strategies, methods of sustainable development to promote and encourage sustainability research. You will examine existing work in the areas of architecture and sustainability and analyse research techniques and sustainable approaches that you can use to further develop your own work.

Assessment: 3000-word report, 100%

Block 2: Design Research Lab 1

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn and apply appropriate research skills and knowledge in relation to site analysis and the development of scheme proposals enhancing sustainable development. You will work in a small group to explore and critically evaluate complex issues in an existing building and produce an individual proposed scheme.

Assessment: Group work, 20% and Project, 80%

Blocks 3 and 4: Building Performance Modelling

This module is designed to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings, exploring opportunities and methods to test detailed building projects delivered in the concurrent module—Design Research Lab 2. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with a range of tools and dynamic thermal simulation software. This will enable you to develop and test your design proposals at various design stages, starting with site considerations, through the technical design and development stage to the final scheme, ensuring sustainable outcomes. You will analyse the impact of building forms, construction materials, energy systems, ventilation, and shading on energy performance and thermal comfort. You will also identify improvement measures and parameters that affect energy use in buildings and compliance with Building Regulations.

Assessment: Coursework, 60% and Portfolio, 40%

Blocks 3 and 4: Design Research Lab 2

The module provides you with the opportunity to investigate, analyse, and produce solutions for a building project using the knowledge and skills gained from previous modules. It explores, in more detail and depth, the boundaries of your strategic research proposals, producing building projects that embrace sustainable characteristics. It examines the application of relevant and appropriate planning policies, regulations, and legislation, which will also be used as a tool for justification of the design decisions made.

Assessment: Portfolio, 100%

Blocks 5 and 6: Dissertation

Your learning will culminate in a 12000-word dissertation on a research topic of your own choosing.

Teaching and assessment

The programme engages a multi-disciplinary and integrated staff team of architects and built environment professionals who are researching the latest developments in the sector, bringing this expert insight into your teaching.

The teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, studio-based work, seminars, practical workshops, individual presentations, group work, and site visits. We are committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support which is mainly project-based, giving you the opportunity to work as individuals and in groups.

Assessment methods are varied and include project portfolios, group work, presentations, simulation and modelling and a dissertation. You will receive ongoing feedback on your assessments throughout the course.

Teaching contact hours

In your first two terms you will normally attend around eight hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 27 hours of independent study each week.

Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

This course will help equip you with both the necessary skills and innovative approach to address the challenges of sustainable architecture and development. Such skills are in high demand by businesses, governments, multilateral and unilateral organisations contending with issues of environmental sustainability.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.  

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

EU and international students

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £18,300

Funding

Postgraduate Master's Loan (Student Loans Company)

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

  • you normally live in Scotland
  • you normally live in Wales
  • you normally live in Northern Ireland

Find out more about a Master's loan

Additional postgraduate loans and grants

Sir Thomas White Loans Charity

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for 9 years from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity for postgraduate study. Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for more than three years and be aged over 18 years old and under 45 years old.

Telephone number for Sir Thomas White Loans Charity: +44 (0)116 204 6620

Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for five to 10 years for business, vocational or education purposes from the Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester. You must be aged over 18 and under 45 and reside in Leicestershire or Rutland.

Telephone number for Sir Harry Riddleston Charity of Leicester: +44 (0)1858 463322

Educational grants, trusts and charities

Some educational trusts and charities provide small grants to help towards books, fees or equipment. There are several searchable online Grants databases such as Turn2us.

Funds for women graduates

Funds for Women Graduates offer grants towards living expenses for the final year of a PhD or DPhil for UK, EU or international students.

Going to university represents a real investment in your future and there is plenty of financial support available to students for both tuition fees and living expenses.

Find out more about funding

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition, students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Scholarships

20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship provides DMU graduates with an exclusive tuition fee discount of 20 per cent. The discount is available on selected full-time, part-time and distance learning postgraduate taught courses running across multiple start dates.

Read more about the Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship
20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

Global Access Scholarship

This scholarship rewards eligible prospective international students joining a postgraduate taught degree at DMU with up to a £3,000 fee reduction.

Find out more about the Global Access Scholarship
Global Access Scholarship

Entry requirements

Degree:

Honours degree (2:2 or higher) or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject

You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours degree in a relevant subject, such as; architecture, architectural engineering, architectural technology, civil engineering, building engineering/sciences, environmental sciences/studies or construction management.

Find your country specific entry requirements 

Work experience:

Work experience

If you have no formal academic qualifications but have extensive industry experience, we will consider your application on an individual basis.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Architecture and Sustainability

Award

MSc

Programme code

K10085

Study mode

Full-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

September, January

Duration

12 months (September), 16 months (January)

How to apply for a masters degree

Save these for your application
Programme title:
Architecture and Sustainability MSc
Programme code:
K10085

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

  • Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
  • Your personal statement
DMU Application Portal