Architecture and Environmental Design Postgraduate Certificate

Course summary

The global environmental and energy challenge facing current and future generations of architects and building professionals calls for a deeper understanding of the principles of environmental design, and their effective application into architectural practice worldwide.

This course allows building professionals and practicing architects who are interested in a condensed and part-time opportunity to update their knowledge and skills, to learn about principles of building physics and apply new methodologies for informed design decisions. These are based on a new paradigm of environmental architecture, which is environmentally and energy conscious, yet sensitive to the contextual and socio-cultural landscape we live in. You’ll learn environmental design methods which relate to the various stages of architectural design for a healthier and less energy and carbon-intensive built environment. You’ll be able to design new buildings following a combined bioclimatic and building occupant-focused approach. The course will include a taught module where the basic physics will be reviewed and learned through lab experiments, and a design studio project where specialised software and analytical tools will be directly applied.

This interdisciplinary and international course will provide you with skills that can be applied to diverse building typologies and global climatic, environmental and contextual issues. On completion of this course, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the principles and methodology of environmental design and will develop critical thinking skills to challenge established practices. You’ll hold the knowledge and the practical tools to design better buildings – positively driving change in this field and moving towards a truly environmentally conscious architecture.

Top reasons to study with us

• Industry links – You’ll engage with industry experts, including lectures from guest speakers from academia and practice
• Master the essential software – You’ll use the latest modelling and simulation software, like Dynamic Thermal Simulation, Daylighting Analysis and two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics, for generating new designs and their performance analysis
• Engage with hands-on practical experiments and fieldwork – You’ll use specialist equipment and instrumentation for conducting on-site environmental monitoring and laboratory experiments
• Learn from experts – You'll be taught by a dedicated group of experienced architectural practitioners, world-renowned scholars, and engineers

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in architecture or a related subject within the context of the construction industry and built environment disciplines. Applicants with qualifications in other subject areas which may be relevant to the award are encouraged to apply, each case being considered on merit. You will need a portfolio of work, or a comprehensive written account of relevant experience, and a personal statement which clearly articulates why you wish to study for the award.

If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in one component.

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills that can be used in the architectural profession, aiming to be at the forefront of environmental design practice. This postgraduate course can be taken to acquire or refresh knowledge in evidence-based design, environmental architecture and principles of building physics within a compact timeframe, and it's ideal for professionals who would like to study part-time.