MArch Sustainable Architecture

Centre for Alternative Technology

M.Arch Sustainable Architecture offers architects an ARB accredited Masters level qualification (currently referred to as Part 2*), drawing on CAT’s more than 50 years of experience in sustainability practice.

The intensive course equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to the urgent need for a greater understanding and action in relation to sustainability issues in the built environment.

Key areas of study

Our built and natural environments play an important role in improving our quality of life and well-being, contributing to cultural and social interaction and resilience, enhancing biodiversity, whilst also mitigating and adapting to climate change. Therefore, architects have a great responsibility, not only to reduce our impact, but also to contribute positively to a regenerative, restorative, life-enhancing relationship with our planet.

The course is an architecture Masters degree with sustainability at its core. Studying with us will help you deepen your understanding of the wide range of issues that are required to be addressed when considering sustainability in the design process, enabling you to create buildings that are functional, sustainable, appropriate and valued.

Themes that are addressed on the course include:

Strategies for energy use

Retrofit

Material reuse

Low and zero carbon

Regenerative design

Heritage significance and conservation

Circular economy

Biodiversity and the social values of architecture.

The course is highly practical, allowing you to combine design-based academic study with hands-on learning, expanding your critical awareness of current architectural and environmental problems to develop new insights.

You will be studying at the forefront of sustainable architectural design, drawing on the skills and knowledge of in-house experts and external designers, including leading sustainable architects and engineers such as Architype, Grain Architecture, Max Fordham and Buro Happold.

You will also have the chance to get closely involved in community projects, allowing you to develop real-world, practical experience.