Architectural Technology & Sustainable 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 architectural technology and building performance. This programme is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and will count towards the Membership of CIAT. 

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

 
Students in high visibility vests visiting a construction company

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

Sep

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

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 OR (BSV11142)
  • Building Information Modelling, Management and Evaluation (BSV11159)
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.
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    Work placement

     Optional supervised work placement or overseas study module. Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study. Full information on this is available in our disclaimer.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Architectural Design & Technology ( BSV11158 )

1: Architectural Design
Design project undertaken in teams, interdisciplinary or individually (TBC year-on-year) based on a client's design brief with emphasis on architectural design, aesthetics and developing a robust concept. Output: conceptual design.
2: Architectural Technology
Modern methods of construction (MMC) technology and their application to the design devised above. Examples topics can include (non-exhaustive): MMC typologies, manufacturing, logistics and construction processes. Output: spatially coordinated design with details showing MMC application.

Further information

Building Acoustic Performance ( BSV11151 )

This module includes the following… Introduction to sound insulation measurements and performance monitoring Sound transmission pathways and mechanisms Designing for School, Hospital buildings and other Civic and commercial buildings Designing and performance of rooms for the control of ambient noise Designing and performance of rooms for the control of reverberation time Assessing the implication of external noise sources on the design, orientation and layout of buildings Designing and performance for timber frame attached houses and apartments Designing and performance for blockwork and masonry attached houses and apartments Designing and performance for steel frame and in-situ concrete attached housing Understanding pre-conversion acoustic testing and refurbishment developments Innovations in acoustics and sound insulation

Further information

Building Energy Performance ( BSV11153 )

Building Thermal Performance:
Building Heat loss
Detailing for Energy Efficient Construction
Sustainable Design Strategies:
Software Tools for designing Energy Efficient Buildings
SAP/SBEM compliance and Energy Performance Certification
Modelling Sustainable Construction
Low and Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCT):
Renewable Energy Technologies
Integration of LZCT in Buildings
Zero Carbon Buildings
Testing Building Performance
Airtightness Testing
Thermography

Further information

Building Information Modelling, Management and Evaluation ( BSV11159 )

The module focus on the significance of digitisation and information management in the built environment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of topics about the creation, extraction and management of digital data throughout various stages of construction, starting from site analysis and extending to modelling design, structural systems, material options, and modern construction processes.Within this module, you gain a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies and tools can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of architectural projects. You learn about the process of capturing and analysing site data using advanced digital surveying techniques and how digital modelling software can be utilised to develop designs and detail drawings. Additionally, you will become familiar with the integration of digital data across various disciplines involved in the construction process. You learn and evaluate how different professionals, including architects, engineers and contractors can collaborate seamlessly through BIM platforms.

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

Research methodology, developing a proposal, designing a research strategy, literature reviews, data gathering, analysis, presentation, writing up and presentation.

Further information

Health and Safety ( BSV11142 )

Introduction to Health and Safety LawBackground to health and safety law, its history and development in the UK. The Impact of International Obligations. The role of the International Labour Organisation. Role of the EU and European Directives. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.Scope and application of the Act, Safety Policies. Legal Duties under the Act. Legal duties of employers, employees, controllers of premises, designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers. Enforcement of the Act. Appeals against enforcement notices. Offences by Corporations, Directors, managers, etc. Institutions of Health and SafetyRole of Government. The Health and Safety Executive. Health and Safety ManagementIntroduction to occupational health and safety management systems, UK and international standards.Tools of health and safety management. Health and safety and Employment Law in UK.The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Risk Assessment. Principles of Prevention. Health and safety arrangements. Health surveillance. Health and Safety Assistance. Information for Employees. Co-operation and Co-ordination. Capabilities and Training.. Working Time Regulations. Safety Officers. Safety Representatives. Safety Committees. Enforcement of Organisational Health and Safety RulesParticular Health and Safety IssuesWorking Alone. Working Abroad. Immigrant Workers. Smoking at Work. Drug abuse. Alcohol at Work. Home Workers. Bullying at work. Disabled Employees. Stress at work. Young persons. Expectant mothers. Workplace Safety Working at Height Regulations. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations. Manual Handling Regulations. Fire Safety. The Fire precautions (Workplace) RegulationsPersonal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations.

Further information

Integrated Building Retrofit ( BSV11155 )

Historical UK building context:Archetype, age and period of existing building stock in the UKBuilding features typical of existing buildings – floor, wall, roof typeTraditional materials and methods of construction:Traditional building materials properties, limitations and behaviour in existing buildingsTraditional building methods of construction in existing buildingsSustainable building retrofit methods and standards:UK Building standards and its context towards building retrofit Sustainable evaluation of building retrofitMethods of best practice retrofit of buildingsExamples of different building retrofit methods, case studies, trials and new materialsSocial considerations in building retrofitTraditional building services, ventilation, heating and cooling

Further information

Sustainable Building Design ( BSV11114 )

¦ Sustainable buildings foundations and structures¦ Green Building Assessments (LEED, BREAM)¦ Sustainable Sites and Landscaping.¦ Building Energy Issues (High performance building energy design strategy, building envelop, smart buildings and energy management systems)¦ Passive vs active design strategies.¦ Designing for Performance and Materials Selection.¦ Sustainable Building Implementation: Life cycle approach, construction operations (construction and demolition waste management)¦ Economic analysis for Sustainable Buildings.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

RECOGNISED BY

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.

CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members and affiliates within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.

CIAT Accreditation ensures that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute’s requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT Accredited Programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists. 

NORR is one of our industry partners for this programme. NORR is a fully integrated design firm with a professional team of 800 architects, engineers, planners and interior designers who work collaboratively across 12 market sectors from offices located in Canada, the US, UK and UAE. Their mission is to create socially aware, environmentally responsible, and financially viable solutions that contribute to healthier and sustainable spaces and places. They believe in a shared vision of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals to strengthen common objectives across the globe.

NORR logo

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

What are the entry requirements for Architectural Technology and Building Performance?

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

Can I get admission into Architectural Technology and Building Performance based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

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:
  • 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 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430
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.


Careers

What can you do with a MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance degree?

The MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance course offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in architectural technology and sustainable building practices, which are increasingly important in the construction industry. This specialization can help you to build a career in the following roles:

  • Architectural Technologist
  • Building Performance Consultant
  • Sustainable Design Consultant
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Building Code Consultant
  • Researcher/Academic

You will acquire practical skills and experience that are directly applicable to the field of architecture, architectural technology and building performance. Employers value candidates who possess hands-on skills and are equipped to tackle real-world challenges.
You will acquire an understanding of construction methods, materials, and technologies with a focus on sustainable and innovative practices. You will also gain skills in building simulations to effectively design buildings from inception to completion. So, this course can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to excel in a rewarding and impactful career in architecture, architectural technology and sustainable construction.

What does a Architectural Technologist do?

As a architectural technologist, you would specialize in designing buildings that minimize environmental impact, optimize energy efficiency, and incorporate sustainable materials and technologies.

You may typically begin the day by reviewing project requirements, and researching sustainable design strategies, materials, and technologies applicable to the project's context.

You may also have to conduct site visits during the construction phase to monitor progress, ensure compliance with sustainable design specifications, and address any issues that arise related to sustainability or environmental performance. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in sustainable design through continuing education, professional development workshops, and industry conferences.

 
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