Architecture, Urbanism & Climate Action

Urban environments and their buildings are at once both acutely responsible for the climate crisis, and present some of the most achievable solutions. Climate action is urgently required to mitigate their environmental impact and unearth creative solutions. The MSc programme equips graduates and returning professionals with specialist skills to respond to the challenge of planning, designing, and actioning a sustainable built environment. The School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (APEP) brings together four key disciplines to provide a unique graduate learning experience.

Core modules are specifically designed to enhance knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals, climate science and policy as well as skills for sustainable building and urban design. Options will allows students choose from a wide range of architecture, planning and policy based modules, as well as energy and sustainability modules from around the University. Linking to prestigious industry-collaborative research projects will allow students action their research and knowledge to advance careers in sustainable practice, consultancy, policy and academia.

The UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy has an established international track record as a leading research centre in sustainable building and city research with large national and international funded projects. It is in the Top 150 QS World University Rankings by subject area, and has long led the way in architectural study and practice in Ireland.

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of climate change, its causes and design and policy strategies to mitigate it, particularly related to the built environment.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual, in multidisciplinary teams, to tackle the essential challenge of our time.
•  Demonstrate the ability to consider the environmental impact of buildings, including matters of resource depletion, energy consumption, life cycle performance, carbon intensity and in-use performance when designing buildings.
• Understand and participate in current debates within the areas of sustainability and climate change.
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to apply concepts and theoretical knowledge to climate change related challenges in Europe and globally.

If you are not a UCD student and have not applied previously, you must register before using the system for the first time. You'll find step-by-step instructions on how to apply in our instructions for applicants [pdf] and video tutorial.

If you have already registered you can return to the secure system using the login details you registered with. If you are a current or previous UCD student, please use your UCD student number (the system will pre-populate your personal details and you will not be requested to send transcripts).

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