Sustainable Design and Construction

Qualification(s) available: MSc

Entry requirements: 2:1+
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Not available
Start date: October 2022

UK fee: £11,900
International fee: £26,500
Location: Loughborough
Department: Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Overview

Our MSc Sustainable Design and Construction is uniquely dedicated to developing construction managers’ knowledge and expertise in sustainable practices, drawing upon subject expertise within the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering.

Managing construction has become inexorably intertwined with sustainability. The requirement for construction managers to have expertise in environmental engineering, building physics, sustainable design, and the commissioning and testing of sustainable buildings is fundamental to practical decision making and professional judgements.

This programme addresses critical global challenges by integrating contemporary construction management theory and practice with fundamental and interrelated sustainable design and construction. You will benefit from hands-on experience and knowledge to deepen your expertise for application within the public or private sector.

This programme will expose you to cross-disciplinary teamwork, focused on the integration of sustainable design and construction process across a building life cycle through collaborative practices. You will study topics such as integrated sustainable design and construction processes, sustainable design and construction case studies, Building Research Energy Environmental Assessment Model (BREEAM), sustainable design brief, designing for circular economy, life cycle analysis, responsible sourcing, green building materials, water and waste management, recycling and deconstruction, and post-occupancy evaluation. You will also have the additional opportunity to gain a BREEAM qualification.

The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering is one of four Royal Academy of Engineering Centres of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, and one of the most highly funded built environment groups by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The School hosts the Building and Industrial Services Pipework Academy (BISPA), which is a collaboration with global steel manufacturer Tata Steel and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). This uniquely holistic view of construction makes it best placed for developing graduates that meet the increasing demands of the sector.

Why you should choose us

1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Building The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

1st in the UK for Research Quality in Building The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Top 100 in the World for Graduate Employability QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Why you should study this degree

You will have the opportunity to gain a BREEAM qualification in sustainability performance of individual buildings, communities, and infrastructure projects.
Our cross-disciplinary teamwork allows you to experience working with students on other programmes to mimic real-life scenarios.
This programme's focus on critical global sustainability problems will allow you to make an impact in the industry and the world.
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our 3,000m² laboratory and one of the fastest high-performance computing clusters in the UK.
You will have excellent employment prospects, with our School’s graduates working in senior positions at Arup, Atkins, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, Skanska, and more.
You will learn from our world-leading research in sustainable building design.

Female student smiling at the camera on a sunny day.

Oliwia

I aim to become a sustainability consultant within the built environment as I want to make an impact and create a better and more environmentally conscious world around us.

Male student in front of a bridge smiling

Tarek

I aim to transform Kuwait into a more sustainable built environment by straying away from the over-reliance of oil. With my degree from Loughborough, I intend to set up an engineering firm to do exactly that.

The requirement for construction professionals worldwide to have expertise in sustainable design, construction and commissioning is fundamental to practical decision making to address global, national, and regional environmental challenges. Our graduates will be equipped with a diverse skillset to enable them to drive innovation and best practices in sustainability leadership and management in public and private construction organisations.

Professor Mohamed Osmani Programme Director

Professional recognition

This degree gives students the opportunity to gain a Building Research Energy Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) qualification in sustainability performance of individual buildings, communities, and infrastructure projects.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2022/23 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Compulsory modules

The aim of this module is to use BIM to design and manage the whole lifecycle performance of complex high performance buildings. Students will develop team skills through working in design groups, to understand sustainable and resilient design and to generate schematic concepts before developing the best. Students will work with 3D architectural and engineering BIM models using appropriate software to further develop their concepts individually.

The aims of this module are for the student to become familiar with and comprehend the wide range of research methods and skills needed to investigate, understand, communicate and execute a research project.

The aim of the module is to provide students with the fundamental principles of managing a project during the design and construction phases.

The aims of this module are to:

develop students' understanding of the theories, principles and practice of sustainable design and construction; and
introduce students to the main requirements, tools, technologies, methods, processes and systems required to develop a sustainable building.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with experience of the process and methodology of research by defining and studying (on an individual basis) a complex problem in a specialised area relating to their programme of study.

Compulsory modules

The module introduces the processes and principles of low energy and net zero carbon building design and modelling and, also, provides the requisite training and preparation to become a BREEAM Accredited Graduate.

The aims of this module are to:

exposes students to cross-disciplinary teamwork focused on integration of sustainable design and construction across a building life cycle;
integrate sustainable design and construction processes through collaborative practices; and
information systems to promote an effective provide students with knowledge and skills to implement an integrated sustainability project delivery.

Optional modules (choose two)

The aims of this module are for the student to understand the application of automatic control and smart meters in energy monitoring and commissioning and to examine the control problems in buildings and develop control strategies that will improve thermal comfort and building energy use.

The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of the principles of design management and techniques for cost and value management.

The aims of the module are to develop students' knowledge of leading contemporary management concepts and innovations and how these contribute to successful construction projects, including the management of risk and construction logistics.

The creation, deployment and use of aggregated and integrated (Level 2) models are key goals of collaboration through BIM. This module aims to deliver hands-on practical skills on the use of BIM technologies (i.e. design software and collaboration tools) for creation and collaboration of federated/aggregated 3D BIM models. The theories of group working; workspace awareness and shared situational awareness within design teams/processes will be explored.

Compulsory modules

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of different exams and coursework assignments. These assignments will vary between group and individual presentations, reports, projects, and a portfolio. Additionally, you will undertake a dissertation viva voce.

How you'll study

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Independent study
Group work
Workshops
Practical sessions

Where you'll study

We have recently invested £6 million in building expansion and development, which includes new dedicated study areas and computer resources. You will benefit from access to our excellent facilities, including our 3,000 square-metre laboratory and one of the fastest high-performance computing clusters in the UK.

Outdoor Learning Space

Digital Fabrication Library

3D Concrete Printing

Building Energy Lab

Concrete Preparation Lab

Structural Testing Lab

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent international qualification in a subject related to the built environment. Applicants with qualifications slightly below this level, alternative qualifications, and/or professional experience will also be considered.

Country / region equivalent

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters	95%	85%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010)	9.5	8.5	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Argentina	8.5	7.5	6.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum	90%	80%	70%
Magistrosi Kochum	3.9	3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8)	First Class, 80%	Upper Second, 70%, H2A	Lower Second, 60%, 2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50)	High Distinction (80% or 85%)	Distinction (75% or 80%)	Distinction (70% or 75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree	A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden	60% or B or 3.0 (or 2)	50% or C or 2.7 (or 3)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu	4.5	4	3.5
Diplomu (Specialist Diploma)	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
BUET or 'Good Private' University - 4 year degree	BUET - 1st (70%) / 3.5	BUET - 2nd (60%) / 3.0	BUET - 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Other universities - Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree	80% / 4.0	65% / 3.25	50% / 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Barbados - Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr)	9	7	5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree	Magna Cum Laude	Cum Laude	60%/12
Licenciaat	80%	70%	60%
Licencie	17	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise	18	15 or Bien	12 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private)	85/78	75/66	67/55

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree	A or 80%	B or 70%	C or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei	First	Upper Second (60%/B/3.1)	Lower Second (50%/C/2.7)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education)	6	5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 years	90% or 9 or 4.0	80% or 8 or 3.5	70% or 7 or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce	1st or 15	2:1 or 14	2:2 or 12.5
Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise or a 4 year Licence	20 or GPA 3.7	20 or Bien (GPA 3.4)	20 or Assez Bien (GPA 3.1)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/percentage scale	3.7/85%	3.3/75%	2.7/68%
Out of 9	8	6	5
Out of 12	10	8	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years)	6	5.5	5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

	First class (70%)	Mid 2:1 (65%)	2:1 (60%)	Mid 2:2 (55%)	2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250	85%	81%	80%	78%	77%
Shanghai Rank 251-500	89%	84%	83%	81%	80%
Shanghai Rank 501+	92%	87%	86%	85%	82%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 82%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will considered as follows:

School of Business and Economics: not considered
All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 82%-87%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found in the PDF below.

Download the list of Chinese universities given special consideration here

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	4.5	3.75	3.2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado	9	8 or 80	7 or 75

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik	4.5	3.8	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura	5	4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus	8.5	7.0	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr	1	1.5	2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale)	12	10	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado	3.8	Magna Cum Laude 3.5	Cum Laude 3.2
Título de [subject area]	-	85%	82%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado	8.5	8	7
Título de [subject area]	85%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt	3.5	3.2	2.8
Universities only	BA 90%, BSc 85%	BA 80%, BSc 75%	BA 65%, BSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado	8.5	7.5	6.5
Título de Ingeniero	85%	75%	65%
Arquitecto	-	Muy Bueno	Bueno

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad	5 or A	4 or B	3 or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A/GPA 4.0	A/GPA 3.5	B/GPA 2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat (out of 3)	3	2	1
Maisteri/Magister (out of 5)	4.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur	14	13	11

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system)	5 (95%)	4.5 (85%)	4 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung	1.5	2.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana	First	Upper second/60%	Lower second/50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities	8.5	7.0	6
TEI and non-University Institutions	8.5	7	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification	1st	2:1	2:2
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage	A	B / 75%	C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA	3.6	3.0	2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4years	90% (public university) / 95% (private university)	80% (public university) / 85% (private university)	60% (public university) / 70% (private university)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	GPA 4	GPA 3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5	GPA 5 or 90%	GPA 4 or 80%	GPA 3.5 or 70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor	5	4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the Indian Ranking of Higher Educational Institutions Framework	65% (First)	60% (First)	55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions	70% (First with distinction)	65% (First)	60% (First)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from A (or B) credited Universities	3.7 (4.0)	3.3 (3.7)	3 (3.3)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran	17	15	13

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq	80%	75%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland	First (70%)	Upper second (60%)	Lower second (50%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea	109/110	104/110 (or 27)	100/110 (or 26)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures	16	14 (Bien)	12 (Assez Bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B	2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Japan	85%	80% or B or 3.0	70% or C or 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3 or 3.5/5 or 75%	2.8 or 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale	4.5 or 90%	4 or 85%	3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale	3.9	3.7	3.2
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya	First / 70% / A	Upper second / 60% / B	Lower second / 50% / C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.6	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia	9	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
American	90% (3.5)	80% (3.2)	70% (2.8)
French	18	15	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	4.0 or 90%	3.5 or 85%	3 or 80%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine	85 (3.6)	75 (3.0)	65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university	90 (4.0)	85% (3.6)	75% (3.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau	1st or GPA 3.7	2:1 or GPA 3.0	2:2 or GPA 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macedonia	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only	MSc 75%	MSc 70%	MSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	First Class	2.1	2.2
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta	1st (80%)	2:1 (70%)	2:2 (55%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius	1st or 70%	2:1 or 60%	2:2 or 50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mexico	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate)	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma)	90% or 3.5	80% or GPA 3.2	70% or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Morocco	17	15	13

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciatura	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree	5 or 85%	5 or 75%	4.5 or 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Namibia	80% or A	70% or B	60% or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree)	90% or 3.9 GPA	80% or 3.8 GPA	65% or 3.3 GPA

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands	8	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8	First (7.0)	Upper Second (6.0)	Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7	A+ (9.0)	A- (7.0)	B+ (6.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year)	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale	6	5	4
5 point scale	4.5	3.8	3.5
4 point scale	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway	A	B	C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 option)	A- or GPA 3.7	B or GPA 3.0	C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year bachelor's plus Master's	First (60%)	Second (55%)	Second (50%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree	A / 90% / 3.7	B+ / 85% / 3.3	B / 80% / 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	91 (A)	81 (B)	71 (C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Papua New Guinea	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	4.5 (85%)	4 (80%)	3.5 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	14	13	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE)	Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0	Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5	Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003)	5	4.5 / 4+	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Portugal	18	16	14

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Russia	4.5	4.0	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits)	1st, 16/20 (80%)	2:1,14/20 (70%)	2:2, 12/20 (60%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.75	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees	16/20 or Tres Bien	14/20 or Bien	12/20 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters	1st (70%)	2:1 (60% or B)	2:2 (50% or C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	First	Upper second	Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.0	2.7
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovakia	1.5 or B	2.0 or C	2.5 or C/high D

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovenia	9.5	8.5	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	1st	2:1	2:2
Percentage scale	75-100%	70-74%	60-69%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5	4.0 / A	3.5 / B	3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3	4.0 / A	3.0 / B	2.7 / C+

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto	8.5	7	6.5
UCM grading	3.0	2.0	1.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree	90%, GPA 3.70	80%, GPA 3.30	70%, GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sudan (North and South)	1st or 70% or B+	2:1 or 66%	Mid 2:2 or 60% or B

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sweden	-	Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG	Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Switzerland	6	5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study	80%	70%	60%
Private universities 4 years of study	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree)	80%	75%	70%
Category 2 (4 year degree)	85%	80%	75%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tajikistan	-	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT	1st or B+ or 70%	2:1 or B or 65%	2:2 or B- or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu	16 (tres bien)	14 (bien)	11 (assez bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr	5	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda	1st or 4.4	2:1 or 3.8	2:2 or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5)	4.5	4.0	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.2	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year)	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma)	90% or GPA 4.5	80% or GPA 4.0	70% or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year)	18/20 or 8/9	16/20 or 7/9	14/20 or 6/9

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale	8.0	7.0	6.0
4-point scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A or 4.0 or 80%	B+, 3.5 or 70%	B or 3.0 or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree	1st or 75%	2:1 or 65%	2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

UK fee

Full-time degree per annum: £11,900

EU fee

Full-time degree per annum: To be confirmed

International fee

Full-time degree per annum: £26,500

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding

Our academics

Portrait photo of an academic, Mohamed Osmani, on a white background

Professor Mohamed Osmani

Programme Director

Expert in sustainable design and construction innovation. He specialises in interdisciplinary research in resource efficiency and leads the ‘Sustainable Design and Construction Principles’ and ‘Integrated Sustainable Design and Construction’ modules.

Portrait photo of an academic, David Allinson, on a white background

Dr David Allinson

Reader in Building Physics

Expert in building physics, particularly interested in the use of passive design strategies to reduce building energy demand. He leads the Low Energy Building Design module.

Portrait photo of an academic, Patricia Carrillo, on a white background

Professor Patricia Carrillo

Professor of Strategic Management in Construction

Chartered Civil Engineer and Construction Manager with over 30 years of experience in postgraduate education. She specialises in construction planning and technology tools to support project monitoring and control.

Portrait photo of an academic, Long Chen, on a white background

Dr Long Chen

Lecturer in Surveying

Expert in digital construction and operation monitoring, which is established within Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twin, computer vision and data-driven approaches. He has authored various publications and is also an active reviewer of international journals.

Portrait photo of an academic, M. Sohail, on a white background

Professor M. Sohail (Khan)

Professor of Sustainable Infrastructure

He specialises in providing sustainable urban infrastructure to serve the urban poor through partnering – policy, planning, procurement, management and innovation, including transformative technologies.

Portrait photo of an academic, Peter Demian, on a white background

Dr Peter Demian

Reader in Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Chartered Construction Manager and expert in information management and design management, with over 15 years of experience at Loughborough University. Peter currently leads the Construction Management Group.

Your development

The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.

Our Sustainable Design and Construction MSc offers a solid foundation to develop your knowledge and skills in communication, critical evaluation, presenting, teamwork and time management.

Your future career

The employment record of the programme is exemplary, with graduates securing employment in the UK and overseas in a wide range of global engineering and construction firms. Several graduates have also progressed to further specialized research.

Many of our industry partners engage with the University’s research and in delivering guest lectures, providing an ideal opportunity for you to discuss employment opportunities. Our unparalleled links with industry include Arup, Atkins, Bauer Technologies, Eurovia Group, Kier Group, Morgan Sindall, Skanska, and Vinci Construction, to name a few.

Recent graduate destinations across the School include Arup, Atkins, BAM Nuttall Ltd, Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, Morgan Sindall, Skanska, and Transport for London.

Students join industry experts at Loughborough's first Passivhaus development

Loughborough's School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering students had the chance to visit Loughborough's first Passivhaus development on campus and hear from industry experts in charge of the project.

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Accommodation

We know the importance of finding the perfect place to live during your studies. There are a wide selection of options available to you.

Hazlerigg Building on Loughborough University campus

Our location

We provide students with an exceptional environment enhanced by the integration of teaching, research and enterprise.

Student life

We are passionate about providing our students with every opportunity to achieve their full potential - professionally, intellectually and socially.

How to apply

The best way to apply for admission to a master's degree is online through the University’s Application Portal. Find out more.

Sustainable Design and Construction

Qualification(s) available: MSc

Overview

Why you should choose us

Why you should study this degree

Oliwia

Tarek

Professional recognition

What you'll study

Compulsory modules

Digital Buildings in a Global Design Context

Research Methods

Principles of Design and Construction