Sustainable Built Environment MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Sustainable Built Environment MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Develop an in-depth understanding of the ways new and renewable energy can be harnessed within buildings and learn about design procedures and performance analysis to optimise their sustainability.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive community. That鈥檚 why most of our postgraduate taught students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You will benefit from more regular assessments and feedback, a better study-life balance, and a simplified timetable that provides more time for work, professional development, caring responsibilities, and everything else that's important to you. Our block-taught courses are informed by industry practice, often accredited by professional bodies, and are delivered by passionate and talented academics, who will help you develop the skills to achieve your goals.

Overview

Please note that we are not accepting applications to this course for September 2024 entry. You may want to consider our Engineering Management course instead.

This programme has an interdisciplinary approach that gives students a broad insight into energy and sustainability issues and in-depth study of the building physics and modelling software used in the design of modern buildings and their surroundings.

Computer modelling techniques enable the complex interactions between buildings and the environment in and around them to be simulated, at both the level of individual buildings and at urban scale with many buildings. This is a modular programme having both taught and practical components, in which students develop skills in using such techniques.

The focus on building performance is complemented by a consideration of renewable energy and wider sustainable development policy issues, such as the use of sustainability indicators, and conceptions of economic and social sustainability. National and international assessment methods and tools, widely used in building design and appraisal, are included.

The need for sustainable approaches to building design is universally acknowledged. As the effects of climate change become greater, the drive towards more energy efficient and better adapted buildings will intensify. Sustainable buildings need not be technologically complex, but a high level of sophistication in design procedures and performance analysis is required. The skills developed on the course are in high demand in architectural and engineering consultancies, utilities and research and development.

Key features

Our research and teaching staff provide you with the opportunity to learn from scientists involved in furthering knowledge and sharing expertise.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI) until August 2024. Reaccreditation is being sought from September 2024.
Graduate equipped with knowledge and expertise required for careers in industry, public sector, research, or education.
Access specialist facilities such as the Energy Laboratory, a high-tech hub for teaching, research, and technology demonstration.
Graduates have gone on to work for global organisations including the European Commission, Mott MacDonald, WSP Global, WYG, and Arup Group.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

“The course has given me greater confidence in my work and helped me to communicate my designs and proposals more effectively. The credibility of having an MSc from a respected institution such as IESD within 51漫画 has opened a lot of doors to me, and provided opportunities which I may not have had otherwise.”

Declan Alcock, graduate

Scholarships:

51漫画 offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International Scholarships

Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students.

More courses like this:

Energy and Sustainable Development MSc

Engineering Management MSc

News stories

New partnership between Leicester's unis offers students chance to improve skills for less

51漫画 has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

UK
EU/International

Course code: K20071

Location of study: 51漫画 campus

Start date: September

Duration: One year full-time.

Fees and funding:

2024/25 full-time fees for UK students: £9,500

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Course code: K20071

Location of study: 51漫画 campus

Start date: September

Duration: One year full-time.

Fees and funding:

2024/25 full-time tuition fees for EU and international students: £17,600 per year

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant numerate subject, for example engineering, physical sciences, mathematics. Architects with an interest in computer modelling are also encouraged to apply.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods
Data Analytics for Sustainable Energy Systems
Sustainable Building Design and Performance Modelling
Built Environment Advanced Modelling
Individual Project

See detailed module descriptions

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching is in the form of lectures from teaching staff, guest lectures, classroom workshops, learning to use building simulation software in computer labs, site visits and group work. You will also undertake self-directed study. Teaching material is available on the web-based virtual learning environment (VLE) before timetabled events take place. Lectures are normally recorded as videos, which are made available on the VLE.

Modules are taught by research and teaching staff in the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn from scientists actively involved in furthering knowledge in this area. Guest lectures bring expertise from industry and other areas.

The IESD’s research has developed over a 30-year period to create the underlying knowledge, techniques and technology necessary to achieve more energy efficient and sustainable lifestyles.

Current research is driven by the UK’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of new and renewable energy technology and provide a high-quality, comfortable, safe and efficient built environment.

Applied research seeks practical solutions to contemporary problems, whilst more theoretical and/or blue sky explorations seek to understand our physical and social world, generating new knowledge that can have long-term benefits in many fields of human endeavour.

Facilities and features

Facilities

Teaching will be in various buildings across campus, with many sessions in the Queens Building, which is equipped with classrooms, and engineering and computer laboratories. It is also home to the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development.

The main energy laboratory in the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development is used for teaching, student projects and research. This laboratory has a demonstration heat pump system, an air conditioner demonstrator, and can be used for real-world experiments. Some students use this for their Individual Project.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, 51漫画 Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Opportunities and careers

51漫画 Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Graduate careers

This course is aimed at both recent graduates and professionals working in relevant fields. The knowledge and advanced modelling skills you gain will enable you to work effectively as a building design professional or analyst. These skills are increasingly in demand in architectural and engineering consultancies, utilities and regulatory organisations, and local and national government.

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of energy, buildings and sustainability roles – for example, energy and environmental consultants, in non-governmental environmental organisations, central and local government (including the European Commission), and multi-national organisations. Some of our graduates stay on at 51漫画 to continue their academic training with PhD studies.

Recent graduate destinations include:

The Carbon Trust
BMW
Turley Associates
National Energy Foundation
European Commission
Knightstone Housing Association
National Grid
Leicester City Council
Mott MacDonald
WSP Group
Arup
WYG
David Chipperfield Architects

Take your next steps

Postgraduate research students are nurtured and recognised by scholars and research leaders.

51漫画 graduates can benefit from a tuition fee discount, available on selected full-time and part-time postgraduate taught courses.

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