Advanced Sustainable Design MSc
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
Advanced Sustainable Design MSc
University of Edinburgh
Sustainable Design & Architecture
Program Overview: Advanced Sustainable Design MSc
The Advanced Sustainable Design MSc at the University of Edinburgh gives you the knowledge, skills, and creativity to put theory into practice in the sustainable development of cities, towns, and countryside. Delivered through Edinburgh College of Art within the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, this program works from the scale of building systems to entire regions.
The program is delivered through 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, explore quantitative methods to measure and predict building performance, and gain desirable skills for the workplace.
This interdisciplinary program engages with architecture, design, and planning, but welcomes applications from graduates of all disciplines, including the environmental sciences and humanities. The program focuses not only on technical solutions but also on the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainable design, addressing both global and local issues.
Key Program Highlights
- Practical studio-based learning through real-world design projects across multiple global contexts including Edinburgh, Dubai, and Singapore
- Building simulation modelling skills and quantitative methods for evidence-based design decisions
- Affiliated with the University's Global Environment and Society Academy, connecting you to a wider research community
- Open to graduates from all disciplines, fostering a rich interdisciplinary learning environment
Curriculum & Modules
The Advanced Sustainable Design MSc curriculum combines theory and practice across two semesters and a dissertation period. You will undertake assignments and projects both individually and cooperatively, producing design proposals, reports, and presentations while building a professional portfolio of sustainable design work.
Advanced Sustainable Design Dissertation
60 CreditsAn in-depth research dissertation providing you with the opportunity to investigate a research topic in written form. You can choose a topic relevant to your home environment and professional development, with past projects covering sustainable development in Germany, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, Colombia, Chile, and China.
Advanced Sustainable Design Project
40 CreditsA studio-based course addressing key issues of urban and sustainable development through a single focused design project. You will form sustainable design strategies based around adaptation, infrastructure, resilience, and environmental response.
Sustainable Design Methodologies
20 CreditsA core studio course based on design practice that applies theoretical concepts and knowledge of sustainable discourses to design projects. These engage with architectural design strategies at the scale of settlement and building, including retrofit projects in diverse climatic contexts.
Sustainable Theories and Contexts
20 CreditsAn introductory course examining development in terms of formed and forming cities, looking at the challenge of infrastructure and how it impacts different global cities. This module provides the theoretical foundation for understanding contemporary sustainable agendas.
Environmental Simulation and Modelling
20 CreditsExplore quantitative methods to measure and predict building performance, providing a strong evidence base on which to make design decisions. You will gain hands-on experience with environmental simulation techniques used in professional practice.
Professional Communication and Presentation
20 CreditsDevelop essential communication skills through reports and presentations, with emphasis on making complex sustainable design ideas clear and comprehensible. This module supports your ability to engage in cultural and professional debates about the built environment.
Elective & Optional Courses
Admission Requirements
The Advanced Sustainable Design MSc welcomes applications from graduates of all disciplines. Because of the design element in this degree, applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of engagement with sustainable issues and design through a portfolio of work. All applications and enquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationA UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject
- Portfolio RequirementA single PDF portfolio of no more than 10 pages showing visual support material demonstrating engagement with sustainable issues and design
- Accepted DisciplinesArchitecture, design, planning, environmental sciences, humanities, and other relevant fields
- Professional ExperienceApplicants who do not meet academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of their portfolio and/or relevant professional experience
- Portfolio ContentMay include drawings, photographs, journals, notebooks, and other visual material from university, professional, or personal work
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current score requirements
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for postgraduate students, including those enrolled in the Advanced Sustainable Design MSc. Edinburgh graduates may also be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options.
Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarship
A competitive scholarship available to international students applying to eligible master's programs at the University of Edinburgh. Awards are based on academic merit and are designed to support outstanding students from around the world.
Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarship
A scholarship specifically offered through Edinburgh College of Art to support postgraduate students in art, design, and architecture programs. This scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and creative potential.
Edinburgh Alumni Discount
10% tuition fee reductionUniversity of Edinburgh graduates are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees for this program. Visiting undergraduate students who previously studied at Edinburgh may also qualify for this discount.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
There is strong demand for graduates with expertise in sustainable development and the built environment. You will gain tangible skills and a portfolio of work to embrace a wide range of career opportunities in the private sector, public agencies, consultancies, and academia.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world. As a member of the Russell Group and the League of European Research Universities, it is recognised globally for its research excellence and teaching quality across all disciplines.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture & Built Environment | QS Subject Rankings | Top 100 |
| Art & Design | QS Subject Rankings | Top 100 |
| Research Power | REF (UK) | #4 in UK |
| THE World Reputation | Times Higher Education | #30 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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