Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance MSc



Shape the future of sustainable buildings with an industry-informed Masters from a top 10 UK modern university for Building
The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Course overview

Designed for graduates and professionals looking to advance their careers, the MSc Architectural Technology & Sustainable Building Performance equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to design, evaluate, retrofit and deliver innovative, high-performing, and sustainable buildings. You will develop expertise in architectural technology, building performance, low-carbon design and retrofit, and the legislative and regulatory frameworks that shape the built environment.

Combining academic excellence with practical, industry-informed learning, the course draws on strong links with professional practice to prepare you for the challenges of the modern construction sector. You will explore sustainable construction, building performance analysis, retrofit strategies, digital technologies, and Building Information Modelling (BIM), while developing the technical and professional skills valued by employers worldwide.

The degree programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), enabling graduates to work towards CIAT Membership and enhance their professional recognition and career prospects.

The entry points to this course are September and January. Please enquire for more information.

Students in high visibility vests visiting a construction company

Mode of Study:

Part-time (also available Full-time)

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

Jan

Course details

This course is informed by the University's internationally recognised research and close collaboration with industry, ensuring that you graduate with the skills needed to address the challenges of creating sustainable, resilient, and high-performing buildings.

Teaching is underpinned by the expertise and applied research of four of Edinburgh Napier University's leading research centres:

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

Sample timetable

The following is an indicative schedule based on previous years. Modules are worth 20 credits unless stated otherwise.

YEAR 1

Trimester 1

  • Integrated Building Retrofit (BSV11155)
  • Building Acoustic Performance (BSV11151)

Trimester 2

  • Architectural Design & Technology (BSV11158)
  • Building Energy Performance (BSV11153)

YEAR 2

Trimester 1

  • Sustainable Building Design (BSV11114)

Trimester 2

  • Health and Safety (BSV11142)

Trimester 3

  • Masters' dissertation (BSV11120) (60 credits)
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    How you’ll be taught

    The course is delivered through a combination of lectures (including guest lectures from leading construction industry professionals) tutorials, and design studio sessions.

    All teaching material and resources for further learning are uploaded on Moodle (the Virtual Learning Environment) enabling students to access course content and support their independent learning throughout the programme.

    Duration: 12 months

    This full-time course starts in September or January 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 formal examination. Coursework assessments may include technical reports, oral presentations, design projects, case studies, and other practice-based assignments that reflect real-world challenges encountered in the construction and architectural technology sectors.
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    Facilities

    This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Architectural Design & Technology ( BSV11158 )

Architectural Design & Technology is a design-led module that challenges students to engage with a comprehensive architectural project, emphasizing conceptual innovation, aesthetic refinement, and the practical integration of technology and sustainability. Students will develop proposals individually or collaboratively (subject to yearly cohort planning), responding to a client’s design brief. Projects will focus on the integration of architectural design with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), environmental performance, and visual coherence. A key aim is to support the UK’s zero-emission targets by addressing energy efficiency and sustainable design strategies throughout the project.By the end of the module, students will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable built environment through innovative and practical design approaches.

Further information

Building Acoustic Performance ( BSV11151 )

This module is to educate the architectural technology students on the importance to include acoustic aspects into design. The module covers the room acoustics, including reverberation and absorption, room-to-room sound insulation and isolation, noise break-out and break into the building itself, effect of environmental noise on the proposed design of the future building. This module covers various aspects related to acoustic design, development, on-site errors and completion testing. Different types of constructions (timber, CLT, masonry and steel) are reviewed in detail for flanking and sound insulation. The module also provides the overview of main building standards and guidance’s for domestic and non-domestic buildings (schools, sport centres, hospitals, hotels, cinemas etc). Site visit or building visit as well as auralisation chamber visit at ENU are included into the scope of study.

Further information

Building Energy Performance ( BSV11153 )

Building Energy Performance (BSV11153) covers key aspects of building thermal performance, focusing on heat loss and energy-efficient construction. It explores sustainabledesign strategies, including the use of software tools for designing energy-efficient buildings, SAP/SBEM compliance, energy performance certification, and simulation. The module also examines the integration of low and zero-carbon technologies (LZCT) into buildings and the concept of zero-carbon buildings. Additionally, it covers testing building performance targets through methods such as airtightness testing, thermography, etc.

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 )

The Dissertation module constitutes a substantial piece of independent work executed within the traditions of scholarship and research characteristic of a particular discipline. Students will learn various research skills which they will then apply to their own chosen research, including developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and writing up of the dissertation. The choice of a dissertation topic is left to individual students and as long as the proposal can be developed into a dissertation, students shall be allowed to proceed. Each student is allocated a dedicated supervisor to guide the student in the various stages of the research.

Further information

Integrated Building Retrofit ( BSV11155 )

This module examines the evolution and adaptation of the UK’s historic building stock, beginning with an analysis of archetypes, ages, and characteristic features—flooring, walls, and roof systems—found in traditional domestic and commercial structures. Students will explore the properties, limitations, and long-term behaviour of vernacular materials (such as lime mortar, timber framing, and natural stone) alongside the methods by which they were originally assembled.Building on this foundation, the course then addresses sustainable retrofit: surveying relevant UK standards and performance metrics, introducing best-practice techniques, and reviewing case studies of successful interventions and material innovations. Attention is paid to social factors influencing retrofit decisions, as well as the integration of traditional services—ventilation, heating, and cooling—into upgraded heritage buildings. By marrying historical understanding with contemporary sustainability goals, learners will be equipped to design sensitive, effective retrofit strategies for the UK’s aging built environment.

Further information

Sustainable Building Design ( BSV11114 )

In this module, students will learn to understand the fundamental principles, strategies, and real-world applications of sustainable design within the built environment. The module provide you with integrated perspective on sustainability, focusing on its environmental, social, and economic dimensions as they relate to buildings, infrastructure, and urban systems. Through case studies, practical tasks, and critical analysis, students will develop the skills to evaluate and apply sustainable design approaches that address current and future challenges in the construction and development sectors.

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. 

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience.

Programme Leader: Dr Mina Jowkar.

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
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • 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 2026/27 2027/28
Stage 1 £3,650 tba
Stage 2 £4,375 tba
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Total - Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,030 tba
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Stage 1 £10,000 tba
Stage 2 £12,290 tba
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Overseas and EU-Total Fee £22,290 tba
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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 our Fees and Funding links above.

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 & employability

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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