Learning outcomes – Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment

Upon completion of the programme, a graduate is expected to have the following abilities in the three principal areas, i.e. knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will be able to:

Knowledge

— Identify the environmental needs and preferences of building users.

— Describe the processes that contribute to physical environments in and around buildings.

— Articulate the main principles governing the design of buildings to be environmentally sound.

— Give examples of buildings that demonstrate a wide range of design strategies for achieving high environmental standards.

— Exhibit advanced and state-of-the-art knowledge in research in at least one specialised area within the built environment (MSc only).

Skills

— Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the theory and techniques needed at the forefront of professional practice in environmental design.

— Evaluate advanced practice in environmental design critically and, where appropriate, propose new alternatives.

— Illustrate how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.

— Apply current knowledge appropriately and with originality to building environmental designs.

Aspects of competence

Autonomy and responsibility

— Anticipate the principal ways in which controlling physical environments can impact on the local and global environment

— Collect and record relevant data, and apply appropriate appraisal techniques, in order to assess the environmental performance of buildings

Role in context

— Identify the nature of complex environmental design problems and deal with them both systematically and critically.

— Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in planning and implementing study tasks.

— Self-development.

— Carry out original research at the forefront of knowledge on a relevant built environment topic through a dissertation (MSc only).

— Engage effectively in debate in a professional manner and prepare and present projects at a professional standard.

Concentration Specific Learning Outcomes:

The concentration focused modules will give rise to concentration specific learning outcomes. The additional concentration specific learning outcomes for both MSc and Postgraduate Diploma follow. Students will::

Architectural Design (AD) concentration

Knowledge

AD1  Gain knowledge of various and appropriate integrated solutions in relation to design, construction and environment.

Skills

AD2     Design a clear architectural plan to sustainably upgrade an existing building.

AD3     Comprehend the physical properties and characteristics of building materials components, and the environmental impact of specification choices.

AD4     Integrate envelope construction techniques and formulate strategies for passive design of buildings toward achieving energy efficiency.

Aspects of competence

Autonomy and responsibility

AD5     Undertake research, development and design studies individually and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Role in context

AD6  Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals.

Interior Design (ID) Concentration

Knowledge

ID1      Identify the elements and interrelationships of the indoor environment and their impact on occupants.

ID2      Learn different sustainable interior design strategies.

Skills

ID3      Recognise the role of interior designers in creating healthy and sustainable indoor environments.

Aspects of competence

Autonomy and responsibility

ID4      Identify the impact of material selection on the indoor environment; collect and record relevant data; and apply appropriate appraisal techniques, in order to assess the environmental performance of buildings.

Role in context

ID5      Propose and assess the sustainability of different interior designs taking into consideration the impact on occupants and the environment.

Smart Buildings (SB) concentration

Knowledge

SB1      Understand the different levels and techniques of systems’ integration in buildings.

SB2      Understand how different systems in a building consume energy.

Skills

SB3      Recognise the interaction between different building systems that contribute to an intelligent building.

SB4      Understand the interrelation between different building systems and techniques that can be used to reduce the building’s overall energy consumption.

Aspects of competence

Role in context

SB5      Identify the opportunities and limitations of constructing an intelligent building.

Urban Design (UD) Concentration

Knowledge

UD1     Recognise the way in which buildings fit into their local context.

UD2     Illustrate theories of urban design and the planning of communities and development of cities.

Skills

UD3     Understand the relationships between people and buildings and buildings and their environment, and the necessity to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale.

UD4     Understand and apply the principles of sustainable transport in the urban design context.

Aspects of competence

Role in context

UD5     Refer to current planning policy, development control legislation, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and the relevance of these to urban design development.

Self-development

UD6     Practise the role of the architect within the design team and the construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in urban design practices.