Outline
Advanced Sustainable Design gives you the knowledge, skills and creativity to put theory into practice in the sustainable development of our cities, towns and countryside. We work from the scale of building systems to entire regions.
This programme engages with architecture, design and planning but interested applicants can apply with degrees outside of these fields.
Our programme is delivered in a series of practical projects supplemented with teaching on all aspects of built environment sustainable design. You will have the opportunity to work in building simulation modelling and gain desirable skills for the workplace.
We believe that successful sustainable development is not achieved only through technical solutions. You will:
- explore the complex relationship of design to the contemporary sustainable agenda
- form creative solutions using design practices for our towns, cities and countryside
- engage in cultural and professional debates about the built environment
- gain a distinctive and expert voice in this field
This programme is affiliated with the University’s Global Environment & Society Academy:
Programme Structure
The first semester is a combination of theory and practice. We will explore the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable design, from a planetary scale to that of a building component.
Alongside this, you will work on design projects at the scale of both settlements and building systems. We set many of our projects on a global stage, working in a range of climates and contexts.
The second semester offers immersive design projects that allow you to make your own proposals and test them in real contexts.
You will conclude your studies with a comprehensive dissertation research project that can advance your own interests and be shaped to your preferred career path.
Teaching
Much of your work is based on completing a series of design projects. These are carefully staged so you are supported during the process with group and individual tutorials.
Our programme attracts students from across the world, which you’ll see reflected in our courses and teaching. This leads to an exciting exchange of ideas between students from developed and developing economies.
Our core courses look at different global cities; in our retrofit project, for example, students can choose to work in Edinburgh, Dubai and Singaporean contexts. In your research dissertation, you can choose a topic relevant to your home environment. Past projects have looked at sustainable development in Germany, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, Colombia, Chile and China.
You also complete reports and make presentations with an emphasis on gaining communication skills and making complex ideas clear and comprehensible.
Assessment
You will undertake assignments and projects both individually and cooperatively. You will produce design proposals and reports supported by some written and visual presentation work. At the end of your studies, you undertake a comprehensive research dissertation.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of this programme will have:
- knowledge of the social, economic and legislative forces that are driving contemporary, sustainable agendas, and understanding of such agendas in relation to architectural cultures
- the ability to critically assess sustainability as a cultural, economic and environmental phenomenon
- the ability to interrogate site, programme and context in relation to the production of sustainable construction, engineering and architectural strategies
- the acquisition of transdisciplinary skills in the articulation of sustainable strategies in related industry sectors
Links and resources
Global Design: find out more about the projects we work on in global contexts
Resilient Borders: a project that situates your work in real communities [external link]
Our Application guide (PDF): find out more about our programme structure and the contents of our courses, with advice about what you need to make an application
Our Facebook Page: for updated news and information about our programme