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Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Develop practical expertise in the environmental design of buildings and their surroundings in the context of a changing climate. You’ll get hands-on experience using computer environmental modelling software and explore pioneering developments in sustainable architecture.

Introduction

Bringing together graduates and professionals from a range of backgrounds, this programme will enhance your knowledge of environmentally friendly and sustainable building design.

We’ll immerse you in the climate-sensitive design of buildings and urban landscapes and hone your skills in environmental assessment. You’ll explore the evolution of the environmental design of architecture and discover how to use the latest computer environmental modelling software.

Developing skills in the application of this software, you’ll start to design buildings and their surroundings that are energy-efficient and sustainable. Your learning will be fully informed by the scientific study of climate change and key responses such as net zero carbon design.

A comprehensive grounding in research methods will complement your environmental design skills. You’ll be taught by academic experts with highly rated international research in history and theory, environment and process, urban design, conservation and innovative technologies.

There is the additional opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests and further tap into the research expertise of the programme team. Examine key architectural concepts, hone your urban design skills, enhance your knowledge of low energy/low carbon building design, or learn additional specialised modelling tools and techniques.

Who is this course for?

This master’s is suitable for graduates from architecture, landscape architecture, design, engineering, and physical sciences disciplines who want to pursue a career in environmental and sustainable building design.

What you'll learn

  • How to use computer environmental modelling software
  • Sustainable design skills that reduce environmental impact
  • Practical skills in environmental assessment
  • Research methods and effective analysis
  • The basis and impact of climate change
  • Urban design techniques
  • Key architectural concepts and theories

School of Architecture support:

  • Small group teaching with experienced academics
  • Interdisciplinary teaching within a very strong research environment
  • One-to-one support from individual tutors
  • A diverse and international student community
  • Access to substantial library resources in the area of sustainable design
  • Opportunities to develop individual research interests

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

CLIMATIC DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (ARCH716)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aims of this module are: (i) to develop a good understanding of the climate-related data and techniques that are relevant for the sustainable environmental design of buildings; (ii) to demonstrate how such designs should be carried out in a climate sensitive manner; (iii) to explain the role and importance of the microclimate between buildings; (iv) to enable students to select and use appropriate analytical tools and methodologies that can be integrated to show a holistic approach to climate sensitive design that considers climate, sustainable design,choice of materials, energy use and landscape.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES (ARCH717)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

There are both regulatory and environmental pressures on architects and engineers to develop sustainable building design solutions. There are now a range of environmental assessment techniques that allow buildings to be analysed in terms of their overall sustainable performance. These techniques range from spreadsheet analysis, such as SAP, LEED and BREEAM, to very sopisticated computer modelling software, such as and DesignBuilder and Radiance. The aims of this module are (i) to provide knowledge of the type and range of environmental assessment techniques currently available; (ii) to explore how some of these techniques are used; (iii) to examine how some of these techniques can be employed to enhance the sustainable performance of a building design.

Net Zero Carbon Design (ARCH747)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Net zero carbon design is a key response to how buildings will reduce their environmental impact and help combat climate change. This module considers developments in the environmental design of buildings, from the vernacular architecture of the past to the 21st Century target of net zero carbon. The module covers key carbon issues, such as embodied carbon, life cycle analysis and the retrofitting of existing buildings. The health of building users is an important factor in sustainable design, and the module reviews indoor conditions and their effects on physical and mental wellbeing. The module will be delivered as lectures (from tutors who are active researchers in net zero carbon design), as workshops, as site visits and as guest talks from practitioners. Assessment will be a detailed case study report (70%) and presentation (30%) of net zero carbon buildings located in two different climate regions.

Optional modules

ARCHITECTURAL THEORIES FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT (ARCH712)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module provides an introduction to key architectural concepts, themes and theories that have been influential in the field of architecture globally from 1900 onwards. It also introduces a framework for the understanding of the ongoing discourses in the field. It engages with a wide range of written texts on architectural theory – whether these originate from within architecture or from other disciplines – as well as architectural designs that have been informed by those ideas.

URBAN DESIGN (ARCH731)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module aims to help students develop in-depth knowledge on urban design and enhance their design skills to address the complex urban challenges of our age. It intends to prepare students to become creative and problem-solving professionals. To do so, this module will introduce students to a wide range of urban design theories, design principles and processes which underpin the discipline of urban design. Students will have the opportunity to study and debate key issues in urban design, the disciplinary foundations of urban design, various topics about public spaces, the application of urban analytical techniques and methods for practice, as well as urban design governance in relation to the planning system. The module will draw examples or case studies from both the local and international contexts and encourage students to think critically about possible design interventions in different urban environments towards sustainable development and place-making. ​

Since this module is taught together with ARCH406 Urban Design which is a compulsory module for the accredited MArch programme in Architecture, ideally students who select this module need to have some design skills from previous training in Architecture, Planning or Landscape Architecture.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.

Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why study Architecture at Liverpool?

  • Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture
  • As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
  • We are ranked 9th in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) (REF 2021)
  • We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
  • Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
  • Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2024.

Careers and employability

The MSc CRESTA develops both practical skills in environmental assessment and a deeper understanding of climate-sensitive design, planning for climate change, sustainable architecture and computer modelling of sustainable building and urban environments.  Computer environmental modelling and the application of that modelling to sustainable environmental design are investigated via coursework assignments. Students also acquire specific analytical skills in the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods and generic research skills, such as reflective learning, literature reviewing and dissertation writing.

The knowledge and professional skills that students will develop upon completion of the CRESTA programme will prepare them for a wide range of potential career areas, including employment in higher education (teaching and/or research), architectural practices and sustainability design consultancies.

Graduates from CRESTA go on to work both in the UK and internationally. For example, one graduate is now National Head of Sustainability for a UK construction and property consultancy while another is a Sustainability Consultant for a major international architectural practice.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

You’ll graduate equipped with the contemporary skills and knowledge to meet the growing demand for sustainable building expertise in:

  • Architecture.
  • Construction.
  • Project management.
  • Consultancy services.
  • Higher education.

You may also wish to continue your studies and will find you are well prepared for PhD research.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £10,800
International fees
Full-time place, per year £24,800
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree or above, or equivalent, in an appropriate field of study. For example, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Design, Engineering or Physical Sciences. Please contact us if you wish to check whether your degree subject is suitable, however a wide spectrum of subjects are acceptable.

Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be considered on their individual merits and should discuss their particular circumstances with the Programme Director.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

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Changes to Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.