MSc Low Carbon Architectural Engineering

Our research-informed teaching prepares you for a range of professional practice opportunities, or the option to continue towards postgraduate research.

• Expert-led. Teaching by world-leading experts in the field, underpinned by internationally recognised research.
  
  
• Integrated. Engage with students from other programmes such as MA Architectural Design, MA Games Design, and MDes Master in Design.
  
  
• Further study opportunities. Pursue doctoral research opportunities with our built environment staff, with the potential for interdisciplinary supervisory arrangements with areas such as architecture and digital futures.
  
  
• State-of-the-art facilities. Benefit from the resources, expertise and cutting-edge skills training available in our Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs, such as architectural production, manufacturing applications in the built environment, immersive media, and building simulation.

• Year 1

• This programme has a focus on areas such as operational building performance monitoring, low carbon design and building systems, and emerging construction technologies. You have the opportunity to work alongside students from MA Architectural Design, reflecting a professional design-to-construction environment.
  

  Core modules

  • Low Carbon Material Systems (ADA7104E)

    This Module will provide students with technical knowledge and understanding of the emerging low carbon agenda including concepts such as embodied carbon, sustainable supply chains, and circular economies, and will support students’ learning across a range of design, architecture, and built environment subjects.

  • Research Project / Dissertation (ADA7300)

    This module supports students’ delivery of their final research project / dissertation through combinations of group and individual work. It includes broader disciplinary research skills, methods and ethical practices, as well as subject-specific supervisory arrangements for each students’ research interests. This can include practice-based, text-based or entrepreneurial research outputs.

  • Design Project (MAAD7201)

    This module allows students to develop actionable, impactful project propositions in the fields of architecture and built environment. By introducing a diversity of methodological strategies, the module will enable students to experiment with technologies on the prototyping, resolution and demonstration of a project ranging from building design, to advanced data-driven, place-based interventions.

  • Ultra Low Carbon/Natural Building Materials and Technologies (MLCAE7101)

    This module explores the state-of-the-art of natural building materials and technologies including fabrication and construction methods. It provides students with an awareness of developments in this area, and disruptive innovations. The module develops a practical understanding of peculiarities of the construction process of Ultra Low Carbon buildings and materials, and how this might differ from conventional operations.

  • The Monitoring and Performance of Buildings (MLCAE7201)

    This module explores the state-of-the-art of natural building materials and technologies including fabrication and construction methods. It provides students with an awareness of developments in this area, and disruptive innovations. The module develops a practical understanding of peculiarities of the construction process of Ultra Low Carbon buildings and materials, and how this might differ from conventional operations.

We require a 2:2 degree in Architectural Engineering (or similar design-related discipline such as Architectural Technology, Architecture, Construction Project Management, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying among others). Alternatively, the course also welcomes applications from professionals with substantial experience in industry.

We also require suitable references from previous academic institutions and/or employers.

For applicants with previous relevant postgraduate studies, the Programme Lead will assess the applicability of the Recognition of Prior Learning policy on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirement equivalent to 6.5 IELTS with a minimum 5.5 in all four components for International applicants. Please check the University of Plymouth English Language Requirements website for additional information and equivalent recognised qualifications.

Alternative modes of admission (e.g. interviews) can be provided for applicants requiring disability support.

Other qualification subjects/levels may be required if CIBSE membership requested. This may have particular bearing on students wishing to aspire to Chartered Engineer status.

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full. 

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website. 

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.