MSc Sustainable Design of Built Environment Dubai Academic City, Dubai

Course details

Why Study Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (SDBE) at BUiD?
Throughout the world there is an immediate environmental concern over the current and future consequences of climate change and the depletion of resources. A major contribution to carbon emissions and the depletion of material resources is the built environment, and of particular concern is the energy used to cool, ventilate and light buildings as well as the embodied energy in the material used. Also, the indoor environment within buildings has a major impact on the health, well-being and productivity of people. Rapid building development places enormous pressures on future energy use. A more sustainable approach to the design of the built environment can be achieved within a modern architectural context. This will reduce the energy needs of the future which will reduce both local and global pollution and also provide more comfortable and healthy indoor and outdoor living environments. The main aim of the Sustainable Design of the Built Environment MSc programme is to provide the design team members with the knowledge, skills and tools to enable them to undertake an innovative approach to sustainable design, integrating architectural and engineering solutions.

What can I do with a graduate degree in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment?
The role of the environmental designer in the building team is growing in importance as sustainable policies are increasingly supported by the public and by governments. This graduate programme prepares students to take their place in this expanding field. Depending on the degree sought, students acquire different levels of knowledge and skills needed to specialise in the sustainable design of the built environment. Project work is an important component of the programme and is intended to emphasise practicalities and develop the necessary working skills. The programme is suitable for junior to mid-career professionals in fields related to the built environment such as architecture, building services, landscaping, urban design, interior design, civil engineering building technology or environmental studies and will appeal to professionals from private consultancy business, construction firms and governmental regulatory institutions.

Course Overview:
The programme is available in both full-time and part-time formats to provide maximum flexibility for those who want to work and study. The duration of the programme varies depending on the degree sought and mode of study and range from as little as 3 months for a fulltime PGCert to 24 months for a part-time MSc. The programme consists of 3 (PGCert) or 6 (PGDip & MSc) modules (20 credits each). For the MSc students are also required to submit a dissertation (60 credits). Each academic year consists of 3 semesters.