Sustainable Environmental Design MSc 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Architectural Association School of Architecture |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

36,000 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

06 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Architecture and Built Environment

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The SED programme consists of two phases. In Phase 1 (Terms 1–2), students work in groups to engage in experimental fieldwork and computational studies, applying the knowledge and tools introduced in weekly lectures and workshops. Refurbishing the City, a continuing SED research agenda, provides briefs for case studies of buildings and outdoor spaces around London and in other major cities. We use data to explore different projected climate scenarios, with a focus on how the urban morphology and materiality of cities can create unexpected environments and effects. Students also work with computational models and run simulations that highlight how climatic conditions can offer creative opportunities.

 

In Phase 2 (Terms 3–4), thesis projects address design research that benefits local communities and engages with global environmental issues, assessing their performance using local and international standards and benchmarks. MSc projects explore the applicability and architectural potential of this research across a range of climates and building types. MArch research culminates in a specific design application for a given site and brief.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Architecture and Built Environment

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The SED programme consists of two phases. In Phase 1 (Terms 1–2), students work in groups to engage in experimental fieldwork and computational studies, applying the knowledge and tools introduced in weekly lectures and workshops. Refurbishing the City, a continuing SED research agenda, provides briefs for case studies of buildings and outdoor spaces around London and in other major cities. We use data to explore different projected climate scenarios, with a focus on how the urban morphology and materiality of cities can create unexpected environments and effects. Students also work with computational models and run simulations that highlight how climatic conditions can offer creative opportunities.

 

In Phase 2 (Terms 3–4), thesis projects address design research that benefits local communities and engages with global environmental issues, assessing their performance using local and international standards and benchmarks. MSc projects explore the applicability and architectural potential of this research across a range of climates and building types. MArch research culminates in a specific design application for a given site and brief.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Prospective students must achieve at least the minimum academic and English language requirements to apply for any of the taught postgraduate programmes on offer at the AA. These requirements vary according to the programme being undertaken.

Sustainable Environmental Design (SED) MSc – Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class honours) in architecture, engineering or a related discipline from a United Kingdom university or a degree of equivalent standard from a recognised university or higher education institution from outside the UK.

Required Documents

All applicants (with the exception of those applying to the History and Critical Thinking MA programme and the PhD Research programme) must submit a digital sample portfolio of original art and design work in addition to the online application form, scanned transcripts and certificates (as required), personal statement and references, which can be sent to the school directly by referees.

  • ​Portfolio
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts and Certificates
  • References
  • Written Sample - History and Critical Thinking MA
  • Research Proposal - PhD Research and Architectural Design
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Immigration Documents

06 Mar 2026
12 Months
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
36,000 GBP
International
36,000 GBP

Scholarships

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