ObjectivesThis multi-disciplinary, international course is carefully structured to accommodate the interests and skills of those who are related to building design and technology, and building energy and environmental performance. The MSc in Renewable Energy and Architecture examines the integration of renewable and sustainable technologies into the site plan and building form, fabric and services. The course also addresses issues such as architectural design and construction, energy use and global warming, new and renewable energy technologies, novel materials and their influence on buildings and occupant comfort. It is designed to stimulate and encourage novel and imaginative solutions to the challenging task of designing environmentally responsible buildings worldwide. It attracts students from over twenty countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Latin America, over half of which come from architectural backgrounds. By the end of the course, you will have gained useful and technical knowledge, as well as experience on this subject, and you will be adept at communicating and presenting yourself and your projects to an audience.
Academic titleMSc Renewable Energy and Architecture
Course descriptionRenewable Energy and Architecture (MSc)
Duration: 1 year full-time 2 years part-time
Course Content
During the autumn semester, you will be given a good background on the course subject and on the use of a number of powerful computer programs (e.g. Fluent, Ecotect, IES and ArchiCAD).
Core modules in this semester are:
Advanced Environmental Design
Renewable Energy Technology
Ventilation in Architecture and Planning
Building Design in Different Climates (option for architects)
Energy Efficient Systems (option for engineers)
In the spring semester, you will undertake laboratory work and design and simulation projects related to the course area; you will also learn how to write computer programs using Visual Basic.
You will take the following core modules over the spring semester:
Renewable Energy Technology 2
Solar Architecture for Different Regions
Renewable Research Project
Management of Renewable Technology
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
With the knowledge and experience gained during the course, you will then undertake an individual piece of high-quality research in the form of a dissertation over the summer months.
Course Structure
The MSc in Renewable Energy and Architecture can be taken on a full-time basis over one year (September to September) or part-time over two years.
During the autumn and spring semesters, you will complete a total of 120 credits’ worth of modules taught by staff from architectural and engineering backgrounds.
Finally, MSc students will complete a written dissertation (worth 60 credits) on an individually chosen topic during the summer period at the end of the course.
Key facts
This is a truly international and comprehensive course for building design and technology with focus on renewable energy, climate and human comfort worldwide.
The School of the Built Environment enjoys strong collaborative links with overseas institutions and is currently working on a number of EU-funded projects. You may have the opportunity to attended conferences, seminars and training courses both in the UK and abroad.
Each year, three MSc students with the highest average over the autumn and spring semesters are given the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong to carry out their dissertation projects at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This is part of an international exchange programme, which could help you to gain useful international experience relevant to your future career.
As well as equipping you with an integrated approach to architecture, planning and building services engineering at an advanced level, the School of the Built Environment aims to develop your vocational skills and promote environmentally responsible attitudes appropriate in this rapidly changing world.