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Modules

Block 1: Methods for Sustainability Research

This module is designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the nature and scope of research, setting the foundation for the Dissertation module. You will be introduced to a rich curriculum supported by research design and strategies, methods of sustainable development to promote and encourage sustainability research. You will examine existing work in the areas of architecture and sustainability and analyse research techniques and sustainable approaches that you can use to further develop your own work.

Assessment: 3000-word report, 100%.

Block 2: Design Research Lab 1

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn and apply appropriate research skills and knowledge in relation to site analysis and the development of scheme proposals enhancing sustainable development. You will work in a small group to explore and critically evaluate complex issues in an existing building and produce an individual proposed scheme.

Assessment: Group work, 20% and Project, 80%.

Blocks 3 and 4: Building Performance Modelling

This module is designed to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings, exploring opportunities and methods to test detailed building projects delivered in the concurrent module—Design Research Lab 2. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with a range of tools and dynamic thermal simulation software. This will enable you to develop and test your design proposals at various design stages, starting with site considerations, through the technical design and development stage to the final scheme, ensuring sustainable outcomes. You will analyse the impact of building forms, construction materials, energy systems, ventilation, and shading on energy performance and thermal comfort. You will also identify improvement measures and parameters that affect energy use in buildings and compliance with Building Regulations.

Assessment: Coursework, 60% and Portfolio, 40%.

Blocks 3 and 4: Design Research Lab 2

The module provides you with the opportunity to investigate, analyse, and produce solutions for a building project using the knowledge and skills gained from previous modules. It explores, in more detail and depth, the boundaries of your strategic research proposals, producing building projects that embrace sustainable characteristics. It examines the application of relevant and appropriate planning policies, regulations, and legislation, which will also be used as a tool for justification of the design decisions made.

Assessment: Portfolio, 100%.

Blocks 5 and 6: Dissertation

Your learning will culminate in a 12000-word dissertation on a research topic of your own choosing.

Overview

The programme engages a multi-disciplinary and integrated staff team of architects and built environment professionals who are researching the latest developments in the sector, bringing this expert insight into your teaching.

The teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, studio-based work, seminars, practical workshops, individual presentations, group work, and site visits. We are committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support which is mainly project-based, giving you the opportunity to work as individuals and in groups.

Assessment methods are varied and include project portfolios, group work, presentations, simulation and modelling and a dissertation. You will receive ongoing feedback on your assessments throughout the course.

Contact hours

In your first two terms you will normally attend around eight hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 27 hours of independent study each week.

Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.