University of Westminster
Architecture and Environmental Design MSc
University of Westminster

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 10 graduates of Architecture and Environmental Design MSc at University of Westminster for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Music.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £21455 £18360 £22141
25-75 percentile range £17911 - £25024 £13492 - £22848 £16777 - £27979

Course Description

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. Over the last decades environmental design as a subject area has developed, responding to new research and experimentation, both in academia and in practice. However, buildings claiming to be environmentally conscious do not perform to the expected standards, still heavily contributing to global CO2 emissions and often providing unsatisfactory comfort conditions to occupants. The same can be said for the existing built environment, which is largely outdated and underperforming, requiring urgent implementation of effective retrofit strategies to improve not only energy performance, but also comfort, health and wellbeing. This is due to a lack of comprehensive performance prediction and feedback protocols, which are still not common practice in architectural design.

Students on this course will take a fresh critical look at this subject. Here you'll gain the knowledge and tools to make informed design decisions based on post-occupancy feedback and performance analysis, towards 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 evaluate existing buildings and design new ones following a combined bioclimatic and building occupant-focused approach. In the core design modules you'll follow an evidence-based design approach where the acquisition of specialised software and analytical tools will be directly applied to an evaluation or design project.

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 better understand existing buildings for retrofit and to design new ones – positively driving change in this field and moving towards a truly environmentally conscious architecture.

The course covers both the wider contextual and sustainable approach to environmental design, and the more technical aspects of environmentally and energy conscious building design and performance. As well as taught modules, you'll take design-based modules where you'll apply quantitative and qualitative analysis to the study of existing built environments and to new design projects. This includes methods for the quantification of aspects related to health and wellbeing such as the relationship between air quality and the built environment.

Also, the course embeds the BREEAM Approved Graduate course, which provides facilitated access to a BREEAM AP qualification. In recent years the course has also developed a very successful collaborative thesis programme with industry, which has allowed our students to be mentored and partnered with some of the leading organisations in the sector of environmental design consultancy and sustainable architecture. As a higher education institution, we are members of the UK Green Building Council and a Learning Affiliate of the Energy Institute.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 5.5
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees

Please visit our website to read about funding options: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/funding/postgraduate-student-funding If you are an international applicant, please visit this page to see scholarships available: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/funding/international-student-funding
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Architecture and Environmental Design, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). 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. Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Westminster in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Westminster in related subject specific rankings.

Architecture, Building & Planning

    • #21 
    • #28 
    Architecture
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #30 
    • #38 
    Architecture
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

See all 23 university rankings of University of Westminster

About University of Westminster

The University of Westminster is a publicly funded research university located in London, England. Beginning its existence as a polytechnic institute in 1838, it only became an officially recognized university much later, in 1992. Westminster’s primary campus can be found on Regent Street of central London, with its secondary campuses being in the districts of Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Harrow.

List of 244 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Westminster - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Westminster

undergraduates:
14770
postgraduates:
3840
Total:
18610
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Where is this programme taught

Marylebone
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