MSc in Advanced Sustainability of the Built Environment

How can industry play its part in reducing its global impact, and what are the challenges that we face now and in the future?

Berlin drawing by Ian Pollard, Architecture, University of Dundee.

Overview

The connection between energy consumption, buildings, urban planning, and environmental pollution has been acknowledged only in recent years, with a strong emphasis nowadays placed upon improving the sustainability of the built environment 'from cradle to grave'. This is attributed to the growing public awareness of the importance of "sustainable development" practices, which also enhances quality of life.

This awareness is leading to pressures on industry to demonstrate how well (or how poorly) they are currently performing. In addition, the built environment including buildings, infrastructure and the construction industry, is being confronted with a new set of regulatory practices, indicators, measurements, and priorities, largely generated by the push for sustainability.

So, how can the industry play its part in reducing its global impact, and what are the challenges that we face now and in the future? Architects, planners, regulators, engineers, and clients still have much to learn in relation to sustainability concepts, criteria, design quality, and measurement. The management of sustainability requires reconciling the differing perceptions of the various stakeholders in the development process, and building shared approaches to realising improved environment.

The MSc Advanced Sustainability of the Built Environment aims to meet such needs. This programme is uniquely designed to provide a holistic understanding of sustainable architecture and urban development. It will be relevant for individuals who plan, design, build, commission, maintain or manage such environment.

• Architects
• Engineers
• Planners and Developers
• Regulators/surveyors
• Clients
• Facilities managers
• Construction managers
• Research students
• Research and development organisations
• Consultants, contractors, and manufacturers

It also will benefit anyone with experience in other fields who take a holistic view of promoting a more effective, healthy, productive and environmentally sensitive built environment; including buildings, infrastructure and the construction industry, and cities which meet climate change demands.

Aims of the Programme

The MSc Advanced Sustainability of the Built Environment is a multi-disciplinary programme of postgraduate study aiming to equip learners with essential new perspectives and capabilities needed for sustainability applications in the built environment. Its creative approach to interdisciplinary working helps participants to understand the holistic nature of sustainability in the built environment "from cradle to cradle". It emphasises the skills and technologies needed in planning, design, construction and management of sustainable built environments which meet changing environmental, socio-cultural, technological and economic needs. These are essential criteria in order to provide a full understanding of sustainability implications in the built environment process.

The programme has been designed to enable students to specialise in one of three areas:

• Intelligent Buildings: Strategic Design & Management
• Sustainability in contemporary cities
• Zero-carbon and low energy housing development: strategies, challenges and design

Course content

Core modules:

• Principles of Sustainable Built Environment
• Spatial Analysis (view workshop video from May 2011 - jointly run with Town & Regional Planning postgrads)
• Sustainability Assessment (Implications, Indicators, Assessment Methods and the Whole Life Value)

Plus 1 specialist module from:

• Intelligent Buildings: Strategic Design and Management
• Sustainabilty in Contemporary Cities
• Zero-Carbon and Low Energy Housing Development: Strategies, Challenges, and Design

David Kirk reviews student work on second day of 'Place Making' spatial planning workshop (May 2011)

Scholarship eligibility

University of Dundee Overseas Student Scholarships are available for students on this course.

Applicants to this course may be eligible for SAAS funding. For more information visit the SAAS postgraduate awards page.

For further information about the course visit the postgraduate prospectus pages.