Triangle

Course overview

This course is a design-based masters degree that provides advanced training in integrated environmental design and sustainability in the built environment. The course will equip you with the necessary skills to integrate environmental and sustainable design principles from an early stage in the design process, enabling you to deliver truly sustainable buildings.

The course builds on a unique project-based approach, with emphasis on the integration of technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in building design studio. This course is suitable for those with training in architecture and other building design subjects, with a deep sense of responsibility toward creating a more habitable planet for current and future generations.

Why choose this course?

Top 100

and 5th in the UK for Architecture

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

1st

in the Russell Group universities for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Architecture

The National Student Survey 2022

Top 3

architecture school in the country

 

Architects Journal (2020)

9th

in Architecture

Times Good University Guide 2023 

Published Research

Our research has been published in conferences, trade magazines and academic journals

Collaborative links

The department has strong collaborative links with practices

Course content

In the autumn and spring semesters, you will complete 120 credits worth of modules including two design modules. These are studio-based exercises where practical skills and creativity are challenged and examined through an architectural project. Additional lectures and seminar modules provide a parallel knowledge base and intellectual support for the design project and for the final dissertation.

You will spend the summer semester producing a 60-credit supervised dissertation or design thesis. This will be an in-depth study of an individually determined topic and is an opportunity to conduct a major piece of independent research that reflects individual interests and aspirations.

Modules

Advanced Sustainable Design 20 credits

This module introduces basic sustainable and environmental design principles and predictive methods for exploring the environmental performance of buildings.

Emphasis is placed on selective use of performance prediction tools (i.e. computer simulation and physical model testing) to enhance the design decision-making process. These tools are used to study the daylighting, thermal and ventilation aspects of architectural design, which form the basis for the integration of energy efficiency and sustainability in building design.

Advanced Design Project 1 30 credits

The purpose of this module is to develop architectural, urban design skills and awareness through the design of architectural and urban interventions at an appropriate scale and resolution, in response to a brief. Students are encouraged to engage with a specific design specialism, to adopt novel approaches to the generation of design concepts, and to develop these in detail in response to the circumstances of both the physical, cultural and intellectual context of the project.

This is a studio-based design module within a specialist design units (for example: architecture design, museum design, tall buildings, sustainable architecture design, architectural tectonics, sustainable urban design). The projects will involve the design of an architectural or urban intervention at an appropriate scale and resolution in response to an advanced design brief. The module provides higher-level skills and understanding necessary for postgraduate study within specialist streams and explores the integration and development of advanced specialist concepts, ideas, technologies and thinking within the architectural and urban design environment. Throughout the semester, students are expected to undertake in-depth conceptual development, design research, design testing and evaluation, and final presentation.

Advanced Design Project 2 30 credits

The purpose of this module is to develop advanced architectural and urban design skills and awareness through the design of architectural and urban interventions at an appropriate scale and resolution. Students are encouraged to engage with a specific design specialism, to adopt novel approaches to the generation of design concepts, and to develop these in detail in response to the circumstances of both the physical, cultural and intellectual context of the project.

This is a studio-based design module within a specialist design unit (for example: architecture design, museum design, design and build, tall buildings, sustainable design, architectural tectonics, urban design). The project will involve the design of an architectural or urban intervention at an appropriate scale and resolution in response to an advanced design brief. The module provides higher-level skills and understanding necessary for postgraduate study within specialist streams and explores the integration and development of advanced specialist concepts, ideas, technologies and thinking within the architectural and urban design environment. Throughout the semester, students are expected to undertake in-depth conceptual development, design research, design testing and evaluation, presentation and communication.

Architecture and Urbanism Research 10 credits

This module enables students to acquire the core skills used in research and practice these through an exploration of a specialist subject relevant to architecture and the built environment.

This module covers the skills and resources needed to conduct independent academic research, including how to present findings effectively. It will cover choosing a research topic, how to shape research literature search techniques, including the use of the web. As a result, students will be able to conduct their own primary research, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies; data collection and simple statistical analysis. Opportunities to practice these skills will be presented through participation in a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops designed to introduce specialist subject areas relevant to the field of architecture and related disciplines.

Case Study Project 20 credits

The Case Study Project is a module focused on learning from existing buildings and/or urban spaces through post-occupancy and performance monitoring and evaluation. The module offers opportunities for students to explore environmental design issues in depth, to further develop their preferred speciality and to develop academic writing skills.

Much of the work produced in this module has been published in international conferences or journals.

Architecture & Built Environment Dissertation or Design Thesis Project 60 credits

This module aims to enable students to plan, implement and write up a substantial piece of original research that will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline.

Students can choose between a research dissertation or a design thesis project in the Summer term.

The dissertation module aims to enable students to plan, implement, and write up a substantial piece of original research that will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline of urban design. The dissertation seeks to enable students to:

  • demonstrate and develop research skills in their chosen area of study;
  • select a topic of inquiry in consultation with relevant members of academic staff;
  • search and critically review the appropriate literature;
  • develop appropriate research questions for their chosen area of study;
  • consider the ethical aspects of their investigation;
  • select an appropriate methodology for their investigation
  • collect data;
  • rigorously explore and critically analyse data;
  • interpret findings against what is already known in the field of study;
  • critically evaluate and reflect on the study itself; and
  • make appropriate suggestions for further research.

The design thesis project module is a research and studio-based module that aims to further develop advanced level design skills and knowledge. The structured project within the module builds upon the design, practical, and theoretical modules in the Autumn and Spring semesters and involves the completion of a detailed thesis design solution that should reflect the investigative research that is conducted through a written design research report. The design thesis project will enable students to:

  • Define design research topic and identify challenges and issues which should be resolved during design practice;
  • Construct and conduct good research with rigorous arguments, and apply the research outcome into design practice;
  • Apply architectural and/or urban design principles within a design solution;
  • Understand the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale;
  • Clearly and effectively convey and critically appraise design ideas and proposals;
  • To form considered judgments about the contexts and qualities of a design;
  • To demonstrate an understanding of relevant design theory in relation to the design project;
  • To research and analyse context to inform design; and
  • To develop advanced research, analytical, and writing skills.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 26 July 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Students must choose one from:

Urban Design Theory 10 credits

Introducing you to the history and theory of urban design, during a two hour lecture each week you’ll be given an understanding of the design of the city and its elements, and develop skills in the diagnosis and analysis of urban patterns.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies 10 credits

This module aims to provide a comprehensive grounding in renewable energy sources and allied conversion systems with the focus on their application within the built environment. The module will cover:

  • energy principles
  • solar energy resources
  • solar thermal collectors
  • solar photovoltaics
  • wind energy
  • district heating and heat pumps
  • biomass energy
  • CHP
  • efficient boilers
  • heat recovery

For each of the renewable and energy efficient systems, students will learn and develop an understanding of principle of operation, basic components, merit and limitations, and investigate the contribution they can make to a building's energy requirement with reference to their environmental impact.

Sustainable Urbanism 10 credits

This module explores the theories of how urban qualities for sustainable development are produced in our cities. Students will focus on understanding the role of neighbourhoods and how they are important catalysts promoting core urban qualities, such as urban diversity, identity and efficiency to reduce energy waste.

Sustainable urbanism is holistically introduced as a complex product of social integration and place attachment as well as polycentric urban structures reducing everyday commuting and thus environmental pollution. The module integrates both historical and international precedents.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 26 July 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials

Our MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design programme deals with the application of the theoretical and technological aspects of environmental design and sustainable architecture in equal measures in creative studio design projects. This course emphasises problem solving, where technical and theoretical knowledge are integrated into design projects, and a unique learning method in environmental design education, where you learn the theory alongside applying it in practice.

You will learn principles of sustainable design and tools to develop and assess sustainability and carbon management through lectures, seminars and workshops. These principles and tools will then be used to inform studio design projects supported by tutorials. Studio project briefs are based as much as possible on real-life projects, and participation in national or international competitions will be supported. Students will also be encouraged to present their work in national or international conferences and events.

Expert staff will offer dissertation topic choices, but you are also able to choose a topic of your interest in the context that is most relevant to you, to develop your knowledge in integrated environmental design and sustainable architecture.

We will use the best of digital technologies to support both your in-person and online teaching. Our teaching is delivered through live, interactive in person sessions, alongside digital and pre-recorded teaching materials that you can revisit at your own pace.

How you will be assessed

  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Dissertation

Each module has a set of marking criteria aligned with its learning outcomes. This is used to assess your work via studio reviews, portfolio submissions, essays and research papers. The same goes for the dissertation, which is marked by at least two staff who are experts in the chosen subject. None of the core modules require you to seat an exam. You must pass each module with at least 50% to progress. Your final degree classification will be calculated based on the weighting of each module, which reflects their credits. 

Contact time and study hours

Teaching for this course comprises of circa 6 contact hours per week for the lecture-based modules and circa 6 contact hours per week for the studio-based modules during term-time. This is subject to timetabling and depends on which optional modules you choose. As a guide, one credit is equal to approximately 10 hours of work, and therefore you will be expected to do a significant amount of self-study time. For your dissertation, you will receive a minimum of 30 hours of support between meetings and feedback on your progress.

Class sizes vary with the modules. Studios are generally undertaken in small groups, usually between 15 to 25. Other core modules such as Advanced Sustainable Design and Case Study Project have medium size classes (usually 25-35 students), which allow us to run workshops effectively. In Architecture and Urbanism Research you will join the whole masters cohort in a large group, which will allow you to meet others outside your course.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 in relevant subject
Portfolio

Applicants to all MArch programmes are required to submit a portfolio of their design work with their application. The portfolio enables us to see that you have some of the core skills required to be successful on an MArch course and to see the range of skills and types of projects that you have completed in your undergraduate degree and during any professional experience.

The portfolio should be submitted with your admissions application and be in PDF format and less than 50Mb (please submit this directly onto the MyNottingham admissions system).

The portfolio should have:

  • a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 pages
  • a front cover stating your full name

The portfolio should contain:

  • examples of a few design projects that you have completed as part of your taught university education and/or professional practice experience
  • clear demonstration of your design skills, such as plans, sections, perspectives, physical and computer models, etc
  • images from any architectural, urban, planning or landscape projects that you have completed in your studies or professional practice experience
  • you may also include a few sketches, paintings, photographs, still life or life drawings to show your skills (maximum 2 pages)

Portfolios will be judged on whether you have the architectural design skills to enter a specialised postgraduate degree programme. We want to see a keen sense of judgement and spatial awareness in your work, and an ability to graphically display this.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MArch
Home / UK 10,400
International 27,150

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you may factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £100 per year.

In addition to this you may spend up to £50 per on printing and up to £50 on model making and drawing equipment. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers, according to The Graduate Market, 2013-2017, High Fliers Research, and can offer you a head-start when it comes to your career.

Most of the MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design course graduates are employed in architectural practices, environmental consultancies or universities across the world.

As a graduate of the University of Nottingham you can get access to 2-year post-study work visa for international students, designed to expand the opportunities for talented individuals to build successful careers in the UK. The visa allows eligible students to work, or look for work, in any career or position of their choice, for two years after completing their studies.

Most years we organise short placements within the UK immediately after the submission of your dissertation and before graduation. This offers you a change to practice your new skills resolving a real challenge. Often they are related to one of the real-life projects you engaged with. You will have a chance to apply for these when available. 

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" My graduate school experience at the University of Nottingham was incredible. I am grateful to the Architecture and Sustainable Design family for mentoring and offering significant learning resources that were above and beyond their usual roles and helping me to prepare for my career after graduating. The master’s program was both flexible and rigorous, enabling me to reach my best potential. I like the course content, which placed equal focus on technical and practical knowledge, as well as the unique real-life project-based approach for the studio work. "
Praveena Kedilaya Pochampalli, Architecture and Sustainable Design MArch, 2021

This content was last updated on Friday 26 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.