Program Overview
The Sustainable Building: Performance and Design (PGDip PGCert) at Oxford Brookes University is a MSc programme in Arts & Design over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Sustainable Building: Performance and Design (PGDip PGCert) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6
- Tuition: GBP 12,870 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,670 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Sustainable Building: Performance and Design (PGDip PGCert) programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Building Physics (20 credits) provides an introduction to the basic physics required to help develop low-carbon buildings which are both energy-efficient and comfortable.
- The Sustainable Built Environment (20 credits) introduces the philosophy, theories and key concepts underpinning the principles of sustainable development and sustainability and quality of life in relation to the built environment within the natural world. The module introduces skills to research and formulate development strategies to create sustainable and high quality of life built environments.
- Post-occupancy Building Evaluation (20 credits) focuses on the complex task of assessing the actual performance of existing buildings in respect of energy use, environmental impact and occupant satisfaction, known as post-occupancy evaluation.
- Advanced Low Carbon Building Technologies (20 credits) introduces the principles of building design and construction that minimise the carbon impact of a building including: building form and configuration and building envelop and construction to reduce energy requirements; highly-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems and energy-efficient appliances to minimise energy use; renewable energy (zero carbon) systems; and subtle human control systems that empower occupants to become part of the building energy operation systems.
- The module emphasises the influence of the climatic context of the building, and considers techniques to achieve low carbon buildings in different climates experienced around the world.
- Modelling and Passive Strategies (20 credits) provides a theoretical and practical introduction to systematic building modelling as it is related to design with climate and location.
- Sustainable Design in Context (20 credits) provides the opportunity to apply in practice the design principles gained in previous modules. It focuses on the challenge of reconciling regional identity and tradition with contemporary needs in building design and performance, relating to technological change and social transformation arising from globalisation, climate change and other factors.
- Research Methods and Design (10 credits) aims to advance your knowledge and understanding of research methods available to those wishing to improve buildings in terms of their sustainable design and performance. It presents a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods and provides a forum for debate about research as well as giving the opportunity to gain practical research skills.
- MSc Dissertation (50 credits) The synoptic research or design dissertation gives the opportunity for application and expansion of the material presented in the programme through independent research.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Candidates are required to fulfil one of the following:
- Hold an approved undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) at first or upper second class in a relevant discipline ie architecture, engineering or physics and other subjects related to the built and natural environments.
- Possess an appropriate professional background and experience in architecture, building or building servicing design.
Applications are also considered from potential candidates who wish to seek accreditation for their prior experiential learning or earlier qualifications, particularly those who have worked on projects in related fields. A number of our applicants use the programme as a means of facilitating a career change or progression.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a digital portfolio of their design or other work related to the built environment and GRE General Test results if available.
International applications
- Preparation courses for International and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you to meet the entry requirements for this course and also familiarise you with university life. You may also be able to apply for one student visa to cover both courses.
- Take our Pre-Master\'s course to help you to meet both the English language and academic entry requirements for your master\'s course.
- If you need to improve your English language, we have pre-sessional English language courses available to help you to meet the English language requirements of your chosen master\xc2\x92s.
If you are studying outside the UK, for more details about your specific country entry requirements, translated information, local contacts and programmes within your country, please have a look at our country pages.
How to apply
- You apply for this course through UCAS Postgraduate.
Through UCAS Postgraduate, you should use the UKPASS portal to make your application, which will then be forwarded directly to our Admissions Office. You should send supporting documentation to us directly using the email addresses on the UKPASS application form.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,870 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,670 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 12,870 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,670 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Oxford Brookes University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford Brookes University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months