Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments

Overview

Built for the future

Sustainability is here to stay.

More and more businesses in the built environment are adopting sustainability policies and practices. They’re aligning their business models and processes with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in mind, and there’s a real hunger for sustainability talent.

This presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of long-term change and innovation in this shifting field.

Change doesn’t happen just by keeping up with current affairs. Senior leaders and sustainability experts need to be future-thinking and challenge what has gone before or been set in strategy. You may know what your organisation has been doing – but do you know if it’s the right thing to do?

UCEM’s MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments will upskill your critical thinking and enable you to create long-term strategies so that your actions, input, and understanding of sustainability stay valuable, both now and in the future.

View course brochure >

Reasons why degree is for you

Why study this degree?

Gives you sustainability skills that are in-demand

Allows you to be the professional voice of sustainability

Equips you with a future-proof set of transferable skills

Enables you to adopt a long-term vision for creating sustainable strategies.

About this degree

Programme details

The MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments was designed as a response to the complex challenges faced by the built environment, an industry known for its fragmentation and slow adaptation. That’s why collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships are emphasised in this programme, demonstrating that collective efforts across organisations are the only way to address sustainability challenges effectively.

While net-zero and carbon emissions are a significant concern, the MSc extends its focus to encompass all facets of sustainability. This is in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This holistic approach emphasises the integration of the socio and the technical elements, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of sustainable built environments.

Through live peer discussions and lectures, you will develop the expertise needed to drive change through challenge, literacy, and leadership. You’ll dive deep into the current sustainability discourse and go beyond the superficialities surrounding the topic, enabling you to ask the right questions at the right time.

Equipped with critical skills and influential language, you will build your capability to lead your organisation and navigate complex sustainability challenges, combating mainstream perceptions and transforming theory into action.

Course accreditations

IEMA Accreditation

This course is accredited by IEMA. IEMA is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradIEMA. Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then “Fast track” to Practitioner Membership (PIEMA) following successful completion of the work-based assessment of competence.

Point 1

IEMA-accredited course

Point 3

Designed and delivered by research-active academics with expertise in this field

Point 2

Offers three pathways to reflect different roles and industries

Point 5

Also available as a PGCert and PGDip

Point 6

Sponsorship funding by employers can be arranged

Point 4

Total 180 credits: six modules x20, two x10 and the project module x40 credits

Structure

Module delivery structure

This is a part-time programme, offered at three qualification levels, as a full MSc (2 years), PG Diploma (18 months) and a PG Certificate (1 year). Get in touch with our enquiries team if you would like more information on these levels of study. The programme will be delivered online through live peer engagement sessions, guided study and activities, plus independent learning and reading.

MSc routePGDip routePGCert route

The MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments route is 180 credits:

You will study all modules including the final project or research dissertation

The PG Diploma Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments route is 120 credits:

You will study Realities of Sustainability, Paradigms of Sustainability, Sustainable Infrastructure, Sustainable Materials, Processes and Technologies plus two electives from the Year 2 pathways

The PG Certificate Sustainable Building and Property Studies route is 60 credits:

You will study Realities of Sustainability, Sustainable Materials, Processes and Technologies, Sustainable Infrastructure

Year 1

Below are the modules for year 1 (depending on the qualification you choose) along with an overview of the topics you will study.

Paradigms of Sustainability

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Realities Of Sustainability

Sustainable Materials Processes And Technologies

Research Skills and Current Affairs

Hone the research skills required to navigate the ever-changing flow of socio-political planning discourse from academia and practice, whilst informing your own Independent Research Project.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Year 2 (pathway routes)

The module options in the second year are delivered as pathways allowing for different industry roles and your individual career needs. Below are the modules, along with an overview of the topics you will study.

Option A) Leadership and Management

Operationalising Sustainability

Institutional Quality for Sustainability

Option B) Technical

Sustainable Buildings and Cities

Operationalising Sustainability

Option C) Quality

Institutional Quality for Sustainability

Sustainable Buildings and Cities

Year 2 (continued)

L7 – SUS7PRP Final project proposal

In this module, you will integrate all your acquired knowledge, focusing particularly on the Research Skills and Current Affairs module, to develop a short final project proposal.

The objective is to develop a well-crafted research question that draws upon relevant literature and demonstrates thoughtful consideration. The formal proposal will explain your chosen research topic, provide justification for undertaking the research, outline your planned investigation process, and showcase your methodological approach.

The proposal will indicate your choice between a Research Dissertation or a Work-based Project to be undertaken in semester 4.

Research Dissertation

The main objective of this module is to write and develop a robust academic dissertation. You will draw upon various scholarly bodies of knowledge, theories, frameworks, and research publications related to a topic of your choosing.

Building upon the Final Project Proposal, you will refine research questions, hypotheses, propositions, and objectives. You will develop a research design with a theoretical foundation and make informed methodological choices, including primary and/or secondary data collection and analysis.

Programme specifications

If you require further information about programme content, please view the programme specifications below which set out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments Programme Specification 2022-2023

PG Diploma Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments Programme Specification 2022-2023

PG Certificate Sustainable Building and Property Studies Programme Specification 2022-2023

View module breakdown diagram

Programme leader

Academic profile >

Programme leader

Dr James Ritson

BA (Hons), PGDip, Arch MA, PhD, FRGS

Dr James Ritson is an architecturally trained building conservator specialising in sustainability and recording of the historic built environment. Currently he is the programme leader for the MSc Building Surveying programme.

Introduction Webinar

Join lecturer Dr James Ritson in his programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about UCEM, online study and the course, and ask any questions you may have,

Online learning

The future of study

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Explore online learning >

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

Directed study time (%)

Self-directed study time (%)

Assessment study time (%)

Teaching and learning

How will you learn?

The MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments takes online learning to the next level. Through a blend of digital and online lecture-based learning and assessment methods, you will explore and challenge your own understanding of sustainability in the built environment by:

Engaging in live virtual lectures
Actively participating in online peer-to-peer discussions
Demonstrating your expertise through research-driven assessments
Nurturing your ability to confidently challenge preconceived notions
Embracing independent learning through UCEM’s online learning platform

For each 20 credit module, you will have 33 scheduled learning hours (over 12 weeks of teaching is 2.75 hours per week) and 167 independent study hours (over an 18 week semester is 9.28 hours per week).

How will you be assessed?

Coursework including essays, case studies, reports, e-portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations
Computer-based assessments (CBA)
Computer marked assessments (CMAs)

The exact combinations of assessments will vary from module to module.

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

Fees

Financial information

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

You are required to be 18 years or over at the start of their programme.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at upper second standard (2:1) or equivalent

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) or equivalent and be employed in a relevant role

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus three years’ experience in a relevant field

A level 5 qualification as defined by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus five years’ relevant experience

A professional qualification plus five years’ relevant experience, two of which should be at senior management level

English requirements

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification

Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

Interview

Applicants that have been deemed academically eligible will be invited to an interview with a member of the programme team. The purpose of the interview is to provide an opportunity for the programme team to gauge your suitability and alignment with the programme to ensure the programme is the right fit for you. The interview also provides an opportunity for applicants to meet members of the programme team prior to starting the programme.

Further admissions information

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice: Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

If an applicant does not meet the standard entry requirements UCEM will consider the application on an individual basis. In these cases, the application will be assessed by the Programme Leader, who will give careful consideration to any professional and life experiences as well as any academic or vocational qualifications the applicant may hold.

International students

The academic level of international qualifications that are not listed on the UCAS tariff will be assessed using UK ENIC.

Hong Kong students

For Hong Kong students, the application will be assessed by the Dean of School (International). The applicant may be asked to provide a detailed personal statement and/or a reference or letter of support from an employer or mentor to support the application.

Contextualised admissions policy

UCEM is committed to widening participation in higher education and enabling students to achieve their full academic potential. We recognise that some students are more likely to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school/college than others, through no fault of their own. Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities. It compliments and supports our existing Access and Participation Plan.

Read more about the UCEM Contextualised Admissions Policy.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Fees

Financial information

Course fees

MScPGDipPGCert

£11,000 total cost

This is the total cost for x9 modules (180 credits)

10 credit module = £610

20 credit module = £1,220

40 credit module = £2,460

£8,250 total cost

This is the total cost for x6 modules (120 credits)

20 credit module = £1,375

£4,125 total cost

This is the total cost for x3 modules (60 credits)

20 credit module = £1,375

Sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship page.

Bursary support

Scholarship Scheme – MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments

University College of Estate Management (UCEM) will fund 50% of the UCEM MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments programme fee for a limited number students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and financial need. This scholarship scheme is available to our alumni.

PG MSc Sustainability 50% scholarship form >

Additional support

UCEM has a number of bursaries and scholarships available for a range of students.

You can find out more and apply on our financial support page.

Apprenticeship Route

This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment.

Sustainable Business Specialist Apprenticeship

Sustainability

How does this course align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

UCEM is currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDG’s relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.