Architectural and Sustainability (Taught)

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.

• 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.

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.

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-courses/architecture-and-sustainability-msc-degree/architecture-and-sustainability-msc-degree.aspx