Architectural Technology & Building Performance MSc



This course was developed around the core strengths of the Institute for Sustainable Construction and to meet the demands of the industry

Overview

Build on your existing qualifications or experience in this area to develop a good knowledge of architectural technology, building performance and the legislative framework that governs the industry.

The course offers a well-balanced blend of theory and practice informed by our links with industry that prepares you for the workplace. 

Through the taught modules you will gain a broad understanding of the architectural technology and learn how to apply this knowledge through the Masters Design Project to create and evaluate design solutions.

The Masters Programme is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and will count towards Membership of CIAT.

Typical entry point to this course is in September. Please enquire for more information.

students visiting a factory

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 year

Course details

This course is built around the knowledge and current applied research of four of the University’s key research centres that sit within the Institute for Sustainable Construction:

  • Building Performance Centre
  • Scottish Energy Centre
  • Centre for Off-site Construction and Innovative Structures
  • Centre for Timber Engineering

You will gain the knowledge and experience required in the 6 taught modules that can then be applied to complete a major design project that should enhance your career prospects.

Subjects include

All modules are worth 20 credits unless stated otherwise.

Trimester 1:

  • Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)
  • Building Acoustic Performance (BSV11151)
  • Sustainable Building Design (BSV11114)
Trimester 2:
  • Architectural Design & Technology (BSV11158)
  • Building Energy Performance (BSV11153) 
  • Health and Safety (BSV11142) 
Trimester 3:
  • Dissertation (BSV11120) (60 credits)
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    How you’ll be taught

     The programme is taught using lectures, seminars and tutorials. Teaching material and resources for further learning are uploaded on Moodle (the Virtual Learning Environment).

    Duration: 12 months

    This full-time course starts in September and is spread over three trimesters lasting 12 months.
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    Assessments

     The taught modules are primarily assessed by coursework with only one module having an examination. The coursework ranges from technical reports to short design projects.

ACCREDITED BY

Carbon Futures is one of our industry partners for this programme. Carbon Futures are a team of energy and sustainability consultants operating throughout the UK tackling the Climate Emergency. They carry out energy modelling and produce detailed analysis on building performance to inform design and support the delivery of projects across the built environment from concept stage masterplanning through to construction and completion.

By working closely with clients and design team partners, Carbon Futures produce sustainable, energy efficient strategies that aim to exceed industry standards and improve the energy performance of buildings throughout the country. They have extensive experience of supporting a wide range of developments across residential, education and commercial sectors and deploy expert knowledge to provide detailed analysis and support throughout the lifecycle of projects.

Logo of Carbon Futures

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. We are looking for an academic background in Architectural Technology, Architectural Engineering, or Architecture (RIBA Part 1 accredited).

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry. If you apply with less than an Honours degree, our Admissions Team will review your application and let you know whether a portfolio is also required.

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students From 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £6,930 tba
Overseas and EU £17,090 tba
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

  • Architectural Practice
  • Design Construct Companies
  • Product Manufacturers
  • House Builders
  • Housing Associations
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