16Apr
PostgraduateCourse summary
Develop your theory and practical skills to graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry. This MSc Sustainable Building Design course is the ideal way for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds to pursue a career in this exciting and important sector. By providing you with a thorough understanding of both theory based and practical skills, you’ll graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry. Throughout the CIAT accredited course, you’ll be encouraged to develop a holistic approach to designing sustainable and intelligent buildings. Learning is centred around social, economic, and environmental aspects of design, otherwise known as the three pillars of sustainability. The curriculum introduces the essential academic theory that underpins each of these areas and explores the technical tools required to successfully plan performance-based building projects. You’ll also be introduced to Building Information Modelling (BIM), working with an expert course team on a range of live projects in a design environment that simulates real workplace practices. These projects will help you to build a portfolio of practical work and equip you with the essential tools and software packages used by the industry. You’ll also develop an understanding of globally renowned energy assessment methods such as BREEAM, LEED and Passivhaus. The course benefits from extensive links with industry, formed over many years of delivering accredited courses with professional organisations (eg, CIAT, CIOB, and SBID). Practitioners from a cross-section of the built environment industry contribute regularly to the academic process by providing real-world projects, guest lectures, site visits and informal mentoring sessions. The course also has a placement option, allowing you to put your studies into practice in the workplace. The placement takes place after you've finished your MSc studies. Our suite of sustainable construction management, architecture and refurbishment courses have an international focus. Not only in the industry-led course content, but also in the student body. Our students are of many different nationalities, bringing with them a wealth of experience, meaning you'll study in a diverse, multicultural environment that reflects the truly global nature of the sustainable construction industry. Kickstart your career in sustainable building design by enrolling in this comprehensive program that combines theory, practical experience, and exposure to industry-leading trends and technologies. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making the world a better place through sustainable design. This course is for MSc Sustainable Building Design is ideally suited to architects, building technologists, interior architects, building designers, structural engineers, and other construction professionals who aim to specialise in designing, analysing and assessing the performances of sustainable buildings.
Modules
Building Information Management Through this module you will investigate the changing nature of building projects and teams and how traditional methods of information, and their management are failing to meet information requirements to maximize value of investment in built assets. Sustainable Building - Performance Analysis Thermal modelling of buildings, passive and active sustainability solutions, ventilation strategies, sustainable building materials and component combinations, water management in buildings, carbon counting, life-cycle assessment of buildings, and intelligent building design principles will be explored in this module. Presentation and application of a range of software, based on industry practice. Sustainable Building - Strategies and Assessment The purpose of this module is to examine the role architectural design and the current trends of building standards and benchmarks to influence the efficiency of the building during its whole life cycle. It provides an insight into the roles of different involved professionals in shaping the way the built environment responds to the economic, social, and environmental global challenges. Sustainable Building Project The aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to apply the sustainable design principles on, where possible, a live project. It will enable you to demonstrate understanding of how the design methods and tools can change the form, fabric, and equipment of a building and affect its environmental impact. Optional modules Design Project The module comprises a student-selected topic in a discipline-related subject. You are expected to identify and investigate a complex project at sufficient depth to satisfy the learning outcomes of this Masters level module. Specific areas of study will depend on the nature of the project and are to be agreed between you, your supervisors, and the module leader. Research Dissertation This module asks you as a design researcher to reflect on and establish a research framework and set of skills needed for conducting your research dissertation and you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the industrial context where your initial research is aligned with from the early stages of the module. You will be given lectures and seminars to help establish your understanding of up to date research skills, theories on how to aquire knowledge and skills to be able to communicate complex research information for an academic audience.
How to apply
International applicants
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to check the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to visit our website to see the relevant information that outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
Entry requirements
• An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in a related discipline • Applicants with relevant industry experience may be considered. • Applicants may also be required to send a portfolio and may be contacted for an interview either face to face or online. Language Requirements Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: • IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking • Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9675 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9675 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17065 | Year 1 |
| International | £17065 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected].
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected].
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
Stationery and local travel to industry for interest visits: £400
Sponsorship information
Southampton Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Provider information
Southampton, Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN