Programme Specification Title: Sustainable Architectural Design Final Award: Master of Science (MSc) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) To be delivered from: Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 2014-15 Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 2014-15 Masters or Master of Science (MSc) 2014-15 Page 1/20
Table Of Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Basic Programme Data... 4 3. Programme Description... 5 3.1 Overview... 5 3.2 Aims and Objectives... 5 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance... 6 4. Programme Outcomes... 7 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding... 7 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills... 7 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills... 7 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes... 7 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies... 9 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy... 9 5.2. Assessment Strategy... 10 6. Programme Structure... 12 Appendix I - Curriculum Map... 13 Appendix II - Assessment Map... 14 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis... 17 Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s)... 19 Page 2/20
1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/20
2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Science (MSc) Sustainable Architectural Design Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) Subject(s) Architecture Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Part Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date 2014-15 School of Architecture & Design Amira Elnokaly (AElnokaly) Page 4/20
3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview The issue of sustainability has been a subject of debate in architecture since the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in 1992. The UN defines sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The MSc Sustainable Architectural Design focuses on sustainability in relation to the built environment and buildings in particular. It approaches building as a process which is concerned with the impact it has on the people and environment concerned. The MSc programme offers a unique perspective on sustainable architectural design through close study of the principles and practices of sustainable building design and its relationship to environmental impacts and social change in a global context. The programme aims to bridge the gap between architecture and engineering in order to prepare and equip graduates for the growing environmental challenges faced in the 21st Century. The programme will provide students with both critical understanding and practical experience of environmental sustainability, its relationship to architecture design, the research process, and the application of knowledge to practice. The programme embraces four domains of sustainable design: economic, environmental, socio/ cultural and technological. The programme will equip students to enter many sectors of industry concerned to adapt and adopt new and innovative solutions in building design to the problem of global climate change. The programme is aimed at those with previous undergraduate education in the built environment including, architecture, engineering, urban design, landscape architecture and environmental engineering. The MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design is aligned with the research interests and activities of the Architecture Research Centre (ARC). The ARC explores issues relating to sustainability in the built environment, with a particular focus on: Environmental sustainability Carbon free design Zero energy buildings Bioclimatic design Ecological design Building methods Designing for energy efficiency Principles and practices of renewable energies Social and cultural impacts of sustainable interventions ARC is also involved in a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects covering different aspects of environmental sustainability within the built environment. Research and consultancy projects undertaken by members of the group are used to underpin curriculum development and student project work throughout the programme. Moreover, the programme offers an excellent opportunity to those seeking further study leading to a PhD degree in the area of Sustainable and Environmental Design, and offers informed and well-supported routes into applied research already taking place at the School. 3.2 Aims and Objectives Page 5/20
The principal aims of the MSc programme are: To develop students intellectual, practical and professional skills in critically understanding the global issues in the development of environmental sustainability and the policies and strategies involved as they relate to architects and engineers within the built environment. To provide a sound theoretical and practical background in the environmental aspects of buildings and their context in relation to environmental and climatic changes. To develop students vision and critical understanding of environmental sustainability in architecture and the built environment and their ability to practice sustainable and environmental design in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts. To develop, thorough advanced knowledge and integrated understanding, a wide spectrum of assessment methods, scoring systems, rating tools, and indicators utilised in evaluating sustainable built environments from both national and international perspectives. To deal with complex issues and develop a range of problem solving, interpersonal and teamwork skills which complement theory and enhance its application in practice. To develop sound knowledge and critical understanding of mechanisms by which sustainable projects are delivered and assessed, thereby preparing students for enhanced careers in industry or academia. The MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design achieves these aims within the context of a critical scrutiny of key concepts in the theory and practice of environmental sustainability and ecological design: carbon footprinting, zero carbon design, sustainable building techniques and the use of passive building design to respond to current and future environmental. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None Page 6/20
4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 Have a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the key concepts; carbon footprinting, zero carbon design, sustainable building techniques and passive building design, and theoretical basis of environmental sustainability in building design. 2 Have a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of global issues in the development of sustainable built environments and the policies and strategies involved as they relate to different disciplines within the built environment (as detailed in programme rationale and module specs). 3 Have a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of leading examples of sustainable building projects and sustainable developments in the built environment. 4 Have a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of evaluation and assessment tools and their application in environmentally sustainable design. 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 5 Able to translate theory and research data into practical sustainable design proposals and actions. 6 Able to critically assess complex issues and demonstrate advanced knowledge in sustainable and ecological design in architecture. 7 Able to critically assess and evaluate the influence of different frameworks on sustainability in architecture and their social and cultural impacts. 8 Able to critically evaluate the principles behind a range of low technology and alternative building construction materials for buildings. 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 9 Able to valuate the environmental impact of building design. 10 Able to critically evaluate the use of renewable technologies and low carbon tools. 11 Able to critically assess the outcomes of different applied methodologies to determine the attainment of a sustainable approach in a design proposal. 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes Page 7/20
On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 12 Able to analyse a problem and both systematically and creatively implement an effective solution, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data; either as an individual or within teams. 13 Able to demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level. 14 Able to demonstrate fundamental self management skills, and develop new skills to a higher level. 15 Able to appreciate the relationship between their own field of study and other built environment disciplines. For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 8/20
5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy The MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design programme has three foci: theory, research and practice, which together provide a firm background to those wishing to proceed onto a doctoral degree or further practice-based research. The programme adopts the Student as Producer strategy through connection of research and teaching at all times, in a way that consolidates and substantiates the values of academic life. The programme s teaching and learning strategies emphasize the need for students to learn by generating knowledge through academic investigations and/or project work which replicate the process of research within our discipline. The programme also adopts the application of research and design principles through engagement with real life projects and clients whenever possible. Knowledge and understanding is developed through primary and secondary research, e.g. using the internet or library, course work including directed and general reading and essay writing, participation in lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops; and studio based projects. Design projects are, wherever possible, real world projects, ensuring students engagement with real clients, stakeholders and challenges. They are generally live individual or group projects and address issues of sustainable and environmental concern. They aim to help students cultivate greater sensitivity to the needs of users and clients and to build team-working skills. Design projects are worked on in a studio setting. Studio work and culture is encouraged throughout the year, where staff and students (both full and part time) work alongside each other to develop the design work. The studio work supports different delivery schedules for full and part time students, enabling part time students to work at their own pace in their projects according to the agreement they reach with their tutor at the beginning of the year. Seminar presentations by staff, students or invited industry participants will be scheduled to supplement the autonomous development of projects and theoretical work. Intellectual and creative skills are developed through self appraisal and self evaluation; successful completion of set assessment tasks and coursework; critical evaluation of concepts, assumptions, arguments and data. Basic research skills are introduced in the applied research methods module and further strengthened in the design based modules that critically explore technological and environmental issues. Practical skills are developed through design course work; workshops, practice based activities including use of specialist design tools and IT applications; life based studio projects or/and Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects. Transferrable general skills for life and work are developed through group project work, including presentations; working to deadlines, self-directed study and peer assessment. Independent theoretical investigation encourages self-sufficiency in learning and the acquisition of life long learning skills. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to engage with practical and real life research problems and projects that will further their personal career goals and begin the acquisition of knowledge and skills that will continue beyond the duration of the course. Team teaching exposes students to different positions, helps them develop a regard for diversity and collective responsibility, and supports collaborative knowledge construction. A range of learning and teaching methods are used in the MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design: Self-directed study Self directed study is defined by student interests, ambitions and personal direction and led by independent enquiry, evaluation and production. Independent study Learning accomplished by private study, which is structured and guided by a tutor. Project-based learning Supported by advisory teaching on both individual and group project work carried out within the studio. Page 9/20
Individual tutorials One to one discussion with academic tutor or other relevant members of staff. Group tutorials Small group discussions with staff and students, which aim to review work in progress or evaluate achievement. Lectures Formal presentations by staff or visitors providing a foundation for more specialised coverage of topics in studios and seminars. Seminars Led by staff, students or outside participants, to discuss and develop aspects of theory or project work. Demonstrations Relating to materials, processes, methods, health and safety or workshop inductions. Workshops Led by tutors/ invited experts from industry providing a foundation for getting involved with industry. Learning materials Hand-outs prepared by course tutors to supplement other learning methods. On-line learning resources, bulletin boards and discussion groups are utilised as needed. Study visits Project site visits, excursions to cultural landmarks, meetings with professionals, or attendance at workshops/ conferences organised with participating organisations e.g. Lincoln City Council. Peer tutoring Small group sessions, without staff supervision, where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue and experience the work of others. 5.2. Assessment Strategy Assessment of the MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design is through integrated pieces of coursework, which builds to form the students academic file that culminates into a thesis. The coursework aims to test that the learning outcomes have been met. The coursework is in two stages; an essay or a report on a subject chosen from the module contents and materials and a 12 to 15 minute presentation on the essay or report topic, and a wider range of assessment types for studio modules as discussed below. The assessment strategy adopted reflects the particular characteristics of the MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design in the following ways: Knowledge and understanding is assessed by its manifestation in course work; practical work, presentations, essays and design activity. Intellectual and thinking skills are assessed by their manifestation in course work particularly those items requiring critical evaluation and use of appropriate problem solving skills. Practical skills are assessed by their demonstration in reports or through the use of general and specialised computer software or equipment. Transferrable skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by individuals ability to explain their own work verbally and evidence of group and team working ability to produce time constrained work. The first two stages of coursework assessments focus primarily on development of ideas. The final assessment on the studio projects focuses on determining the level of achievement. The progress and achievement of students on the MSc in Sustainable Architectural Design course is evaluated by continous assessment. Formative assessment occurs regularly in each stage of the course and throughout all taught and studio based modules, based on presentations, crits and interim submissions. A summative assessment takes place at the end of each module. A range of assessment methods is used which are appropriate to postgraduate study. Page 10/20
Assessment of taught theory modules assignments is linked with assessment of studio practical projects through a variety of methods, which may include essays, reports, critique and individual and/or group presentations. Page 11/20
6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Science (MSc) is 180. Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 15 Core The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 15 Core Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 30 Core An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 15 Core Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 15 Core Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 30 Core Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 60 Core Page 12/20
Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Masters Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 PO13 PO14 PO15 Page 13/20
Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Masters Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 30 70 20 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 100 The Context and Impact of Environmental 80 Page 14/20
Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 100 20 80 20 80 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 100 Page 15/20
Advanced Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 An Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Applied Research Methods 2014-15 Sustainable Architectural Design Masters Thesis 2014-15 Sustainable Design Project 2014-15 The Context and Impact of Environmental Sustainability 2014-15 Whole Building Life Cycle and Analysis 2014-15 49 50 51 52 EP Page 16/20
Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 N/A Subject Specific Intellectual Skills PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 N/A Subject Specific Practical Skills PO9 PO10 PO11 N/A Transferable Skills and Attributes Page 17/20
PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 N/A Page 18/20
Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 19/20
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