School of Art, Design and Architecture

MSc Low Carbon Architectural Engineering

Programme code 7662
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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This programme provides a multidisciplinary environment that prepares you for professional practice in the built environment sector. Benefit from a distinctive research and innovation profile built around sustainable construction and environmentally aware building technologies, led by excellent academics with expertise in construction project management, sustainability and architectural engineering.

Architectural engineering taught and assessed 
Learn from leaders in their field

Our staff are nationally and internationally recognised academics and practitioners, active in their own areas of research, scholarship, and professional networks.
Roland Levinsky building front
Be part of a sustainable future

The UK has a legally binding target to reach net zero by 2050, requiring building professionals to be able to cost and dramatically reduce the carbon in our new and refurbished buildings. This masters provides the skills and knowledge to undertake this.
Architectural engineering international student 
Multidisciplinary learning environment

We offer a learning environment that better reflects the complexities and professional specialisms found in the building industry, including shared modules with students on the MA Architectural Design and MDes Master in Design Futures courses.

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

Key features
  • 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 Laboratories such as architectural production, manufacturing applications in the built environment, immersive media, and building simulation.

Course details

  • 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

    ADA7104E
    Low Carbon Material Systems

    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.

    ADA7300
    Research Project / Dissertation

    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.

    MAAD7201
    Design Project

    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.

    MLCAE7101
    Ultra Low Carbon/Natural Building Materials and Technologies

    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.

    MLCAE7201
    The Monitoring and Performance of Buildings

    This module introduces the connections between design and performance of buildings. It bridges the theoretical and practical understanding of how buildings behave allowing students to monitor and analyse their performance. The content covers building science, prediction, design of details, monitoring systems and tools, data presentation and analysis, and compare and contrast results from different sources.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
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.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £9,500 £9,700
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £530 £540
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students wishing to study on this programme, including the International Postgraduate Welcome to Plymouth Scholarship , worth £4,000 off your tuition fees.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

How to apply

Apply online

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

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • 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.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information 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' 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 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Real-world, relevant projects

A key feature of our course is the broad range of ‘live projects’ - set in response to real contexts and ethical issues, typically in the context of community regeneration and involving the participation of clients and users, as well as government bodies and professionals. These projects aim to equip you with the knowledge and associated skills for your future career.
This programme also provides intellectually challenging assessments that reflect a focus upon current national and international policy and guidelines.
Students on the Coastal Urban Regeneration module visiting the redevelopment of the Devonport Naval base South Yard into a high tech marine production campus.

The Landmark Trust: Futures project

Programme Lead Steve Goodhew secured funding from The Landmark Trust, allowing him to collaborate with our students on an exciting research project with external stakeholders. The focus of the study was to compare the performance of a traditional cob cottage with that of modern cob-built structures.
Students gained valuable hands-on experience as they helped set up a range of instruments for the research. These included thermal imaging cameras, ‘blower door’ kit, heat flux sensors, air quality equipment, and laser temperature probes.
Watch the interview with Steve as he shares insights on the project and highlights the benefits of residential research opportunities.
MSc Low Carbon Architectural Engineering students during a Landmark Trust residential field trip
Heatmap of cob cottage taken by MSc Low Carbon Architectural Engineering students during a Landmark Trust residential field trip
MSc Low Carbon Architectural Engineering students during a Landmark Trust residential field trip
 
 
 
International students in cafe on campus