Carbon Management in the Built Environment MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • January, September

Overview

The overall aim of the programme is to generate graduates who understand how decisions made regarding building design, construction and operations affect carbon dioxide emissions for new and retrofit applications.

Construction professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, investors, and others within the construction industry, and be capable of articulating how decisions made from design conception through construction and occupation to building renovation and demolition affect the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The programme focuses extensively on lifecycle issues: relating to energy, carbon and monetary cost of projects, considering issues of longevity, maintenance, energy use, carbon emissions, value and performance. Issues of climate change and sustainability will be discussed alongside elements of design, performance, behaviour, policy and legislation.

Programme background

Climate change has been billed as the most severe problem we are facing today. Average global temperatures have increased by 0.74°C in the last 100 years. Global temperatures are set to rise by a further 1.1°C in a low emissions scenario, and by 2.4°C in a high emissions scenario, by the end of the century. The cause of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, caused mainly by fossil fuel consumption. It is necessary to cut GHG emissions by 50% or more in order to stabilise global concentrations by 2100. 

The biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the built environment, accounting for up to 50% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The Carbon Management in the Built Environment programme is designed to develop the skills needed to reduce built environment carbon emissions; to improve sustainability; and to adapt to a changing climate.

Professional recognition

Energy Institute accreditation and Society for the Environment Chartered Environmentalist accreditation have been applied for.

Industry links

The Institute for Building and Urban Design within the School of the Built Environment has excellent industry links, and an industrial panel which serves to inform and guide teaching and learning activities. Staff within the Institute are actively engaged in a variety of research projects relating to building design, specification, management and operation. A number of site visits and industry case studies are used throughout the 8 taught courses.

Graduate opportunities

There is an increasing need for architects, engineers, facilities managers, quantity surveyors and other construction professionals who understand the need to mitigate against future carbon emissions, and to adapt to future climate threats and predictions.

Professionals who understand design lifecycles and who can make appropriate material and design decisions which meet the needs of building users now, but also preserve resources for future generations, are sought in every industry sector. The ability to save money, improve sustainability and lower organisational impact is critical.

Programme content

The programme consists of eight mandatory taught courses (15 credits each), to complete a Post Graduate Diploma. MSc students must also complete a research dissertation (60 credits). Students registered on the Diploma programme have the option of transferring to MSc, subject to satisfactory taught course performance.

The eight taught courses are:

  • Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
  • Low Carbon Building Design
  • Human Factors of the Built Environment
  • Spatial Planning
  • Energy Systems and Buildings
  • Environmental and Energy Economics
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Built Environment Professional Practice

Entry requirements

For MSc level entry applicants must have:

  • Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in cognate and semi-cognate subject area. For PG conversion programmes, non-cognate degrees will be considered. Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.

 

For PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:

  • Third class honours degree in a cognate or semi-cognate subject area PLUS 2 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level completed post qualification.
  • Cognate or semi-cognate ordinary degree PLUS 3-4 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level following graduation. 
  • Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview.  Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted. 

 

There is no entry at PG Certificate level except through exceptional agreement with approved learning partners.

 

Non-graduating study at masters level:

  • Entry is based on CV or on formal academic qualifications or graduate (or incorporated) membership of a relevant professional institution. 

English language requirements

 

If English is not the applicant’s first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. 

Applicants who have previously successfully completed programmes delivered in the medium of English language will be required to provide documentary evidence of this.  Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree programme.   A minimum of one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.

Distance learning students

Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries