Programme Specification Postgraduate

Programme Specification Postgraduate Applicable to postgraduate programmes Please click here for guidance on completing this specification template. Part A: Programme Summary Information 1. Title of programme: Sustainable Environmental Design in Architecture (SEDA) 2. Programme Code: AREN 3. Entry Award(s): Credit: Level: MA X MSc 180 M level, of which up to 30 credits may be level 3 PGDip PGCert PG Award DPS CPS Other (please specify below: 4. Exit Awards: Credit: Level: X PGDip 120 M X PGCert 60 M PG Award CPS Exit awards will automatically bear the name of the entry award. If an exit award is to be unnamed (i.e. it will show only the qualification achieved) or if it is to have a different name from the entry qualification you must indicate this below: 1 of 9

5. Date of first intake: September 2012 6. Frequency of intake: Annually, in September 7. Duration and mode of study: 1 year, full time 8. Applicable framework: University Framework for Full-time and Part-time Postgraduate Programmes Framework exemption required: Please indicate the applicable boxes: X No (please go to section 9) Yes (please provide a brief summary below) Date exemption approved by AQSC: 9. Applicable Ordinance: Ordinance 40 General Ordinance for Modular Master s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates New/revised Ordinance required: Please indicate the applicable boxes: X No (please go to section 10) Yes (please provide a brief summary below) Date new/revised Ordinance approved by Council: 10. Faculty: Humanities and Social Sciences 11: Level 2 School/Institute: School of the Arts 12. Level 1 unit: School of Architecture 13. Campus: Central 14. Other contributors from UoL: 15: Teaching other than at UoL: None None 16: Director of Studies: Professor Steve Sharples 17: Board of Studies: School of Architecture 18: Board of Examiners: School of Architecture 19. External Examiner(s): Name Dr Andy Shea Bath University 2 of 9

Institution Position 20. Professional, Statutory or Regulatory body: 21: QAA Subject benchmark Statements(s): Senior Lecturer Architecture Masters Degree Characteristics 22. Other reference points: 23. Fees: 12,200 24. Additional costs to the student: None 25: AQSC approval: 8 June 2012 Part B: Programme Aims & Objectives 26. Aims of the Programme 1. The general aim of the MSc programme is to give an understanding of how sustainable architecture is defined, designed and assessed in the context of changing environmental demands and uncertainties. The programme incorporates a balanced structure of modules that deal not only with broader advanced architectural issues but also with other modules that allow engagement with detailed sustainability issues at a deeper level. The programme has been designed to provide expertise for graduates and professionals who seek to enhance their knowledge of the increasingly important area of sustainable built environments in a changing climate. The MSc programme will also help develop practical skills in computer modelling and environmental assessment. The objectives are to provide a non-professionally accredited postgraduate Masters programme that will: (i) enable graduates in architecture to pursue research or practicefocussed activities in sustainable design (ii) enable non-architecture graduates to acquire skills and understanding of sustainability issues in the built environment Aim: To explore the key principles relating to sustainable environmental design in architecture and the built environment. 2. 3. 4. To investigate criteria for developing, designing and assessing the sustainable performance of the built environment. To provide the skills and knowledge for the analytical assessment of sustainable architectural design concepts To enhance a student s skills of critical thinking and written and spoken communication in the field of sustainable environmental design in architecture and the built environment 5. To develop research skills and knowledge through different forms of communication - research paper, conference presentation and dissertation. 3 of 9

27. Learning Outcomes 1. Learning outcomes Master s degree The student will be able to engage with key theoretical and technical aspects of bioclimatic architecture and sustainable environmental design. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The student will be familiar with simulation tools and environmental assessment procedures and be able identify how they might inform design and technical judgements. The student will be able to analyse critically case studies in sustainable architecture from different parts of the world. The student will be able to place their knowledge and understanding of sustainable architecture within the context of wider issues relating to sustainability, renewable energy systems and the global environment. The student will be able to demonstrate their research skills through the preparation of a mini-conference presentation and a dissertation proposal. The student will be able to apply their research skills to the production of a research dissertation. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Learning outcomes Postgraduate Diploma The student will be able to engage with key theoretical and technical aspects of bioclimatic architecture and sustainable environmental design. The student will be familiar with simulation tools and environmental assessment procedures and be able identify how they might inform design and technical judgements. The student will be able to analyse critically case studies in sustainable architecture from different parts of the world. The student will be able to place their knowledge and understanding of sustainable architecture within the context of wider issues relating to sustainability, renewable energy systems and the global environment. The student will be able to demonstrate their research skills through the preparation of a mini-conference presentation and a dissertation proposal. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Learning outcomes Postgraduate Certificate The student will be able to engage with key theoretical and technical aspects of bioclimatic architecture and sustainable environmental design. The student will be familiar with simulation tools and environmental assessment procedures and be able identify how they might inform design and technical judgements. The student will be able to analyse critically case studies in sustainable architecture from different parts of the world. The student will be able to place their knowledge and understanding of sustainable architecture within the context of wider issues relating to sustainability, renewable energy systems and the global environment. The student will be able to demonstrate their research skills through the preparation of a mini-conference presentation. 4 of 9

Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes Postgraduate Award 27a. Mapping of subject-based learning outcomes: Learning outcome Module(s) in which this will be delivered Mode of assessing achievement of learning outcome 1 ARCH418 Design sheet with bioclimatic analysis 2 ARCH428 Design computer analysis study 3 ARCH414 Design report inc. modelling analysis 4 ARCH430 Written report 5 ARCH412/ARCH481 Poster+ PowerPoint presentations/ Research poster + proposal report 6 ARCH419 Written research dissertation PSRB/Subject benchmark statement (if applicable) 28. Skills and Other Attributes Skills and attributes: 1 Use appropriate computer environmental modelling software to test and refine sustainable environmental design performance. 2 Formulate sustainable design criteria for new or existing buildings. 3 Engage in sustainable environmental design in research or commercial practice. 4 Apply generic research techniques, such as reflective learning, library and bibliographic skills, to continue updating knowledge of sustainable environmental design. 28a. Mapping of skills and other attributes: Skills and other attributes Module(s) in which this will be delivered and assessed 1 ARCH 428, ARCH 429, ARCH 430 Learning skills, research skills, employability skills Learning skills. Employability skills. 2 ARCH 414, ARCH 418 Learning skills. Employability skills. Mode of assessing achievement of the skill or other attribute Computer analysis. Written report. Written report. Design report. Design sheet. Written report. Poster/PowerPoint Proposal report 3 ARCH 412, ARCH 481 Research skills. Research skills. 4 ARCH419 Research skills. Written dissertation. 5 of 9

29. Career opportunities: For those with an undergraduate Architectural qualification the MSc will provide contemporary skills and knowledge that can be used to meet the growing demand for sustainable, environmentally-friendly buildings. There are parallel opportunities in the construction and engineering consultancy fields. Some students may wish to continue to a PhD and can use the MSc as a way of deciding which field of study best meets their interest. Part C: Entrance Requirements 30. Academic Requirements: The usual requirement is an Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a discipline related to architecture, engineering or the built environment. For applicants not offering a GCSE English pass a pass in IELTS at 6.5 overall (or the equivalent) will be required as a minimum. 31. Work experience: Candidates with other professional qualifications and/or relevant experience are invited to apply and their individual circumstances will be considered by the programme Director of Studies. Accredited Prior Learning will be taken into consideration, where appropriate, and the University Standard Policy on this will be applied in such cases. 32. Other requirements: Part D: Programme Structure 33. Programme Structure: The MSc has one core, non-optional module per semester (ARCH412 in semester 1 and ARCH481 in semester 2) that introduce detailed aspects of architecture-led research, such as communications, research methodologies and current themes in architecture and sustainable design. The MSc then requires two other specific modules to be taken per semester (ARCH418+ARCH428 in semester 1 and ARCH414+ARCH429 in semester2). Finally, the MSc offers one option module per semester. These option modules are in the areas of project risk management, low carbon energy technologies and digital design. These modules deal with both academic and practical issues, and the MSc programme is an excellent preparation for specialist roles both within academic research and practice. In the summer ARCH419 requires an extended research study to be undertaken that produces a written dissertation. 34. Industrial placement/work placement/year abroad: 35. Liaison between the Level 2 Schools/Institutes involved: 6 of 9

Part E: Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 36. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies: All of the modules are taught within the School of Architecture. The programme is designed to allow equal opportunities for students both with and without prior specialist architectural training. In addition to the core modules, all students can select from a range of optional modules that assume no specialist knowledge of applied architectural design. In Semester 1 there is one core module - ARCH412 (Critiques and Communication in the Visual Arts and Architecture). The requirements of ARCH412 are to develop a paper to be presented at a mini-conference that is held at the end of Semester 1. Thus, the students will be applying skills in writing, reading well structured and referenced research papers and, in presenting to a group of their peers, using verbal and visual techniques. In Semester 2 there is again one core module - ARCH481 (Architecture and the Visual Arts Research Methodology). ARCH481 covers research skills and is delivered through weekly seminars; it responds to the particular nature of research in architecture and allied disciplines. As the students progress through the MSc core modules they will each develop a deeper interest in and understanding of particular research themes in sustainable architecture. The option modules provide the student with the opportunity to explore in more depth their particular interests. The assessment strategies for the option modules are that the student will use analytical and/or simulation analyses to guide the development of sustainable architectural designs. The MSc research study that is developed over the summer is submitted in the form of a conventional 15,000 word dissertation. Each MSc student can request a particular tutor to supervise their study, and supervision meetings will take place every two weeks over the summer to review progress and plan the next stage of the study. Good real-time feedback is facilitated by this interactive approach. Assessment Strategies For modules with design project assignments there would be assessment by the tutors and the module coordinator. The coursework takes the form of essays, reports, and poster presentations. These are assessed by module coordinators and moderated by another full-time staff. In all modules students are required to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual form as appropriate to the desired outcomes. They should show analytical and self-evaluation skills. Students should be able to identify their specific contributions to group work at intermediate and final assessments. Intermediate diagnostic assessments are utilised to enable students to judge their progress at each level of the programme. Summative assessments are used to demonstrate that students have achieved the learning outcomes in order to progress or graduate. 36a. Learning, Teaching and Assessment methods: Lectures, small group seminars/tutorials, fieldwork, group work, project work and workshops. 37. Assessment information for students: Code of Practice on Assessment The University has a Code of Practice on Assessment which brings together the main institutional policies and rules on assessment. The Code is an authoritative statement of the philosophy and principles underlying all assessment activities and of the University's expectations in relation to how 7 of 9

academic subjects design, implement and review assessment strategies for all taught programmes of study. The Code of Practice includes a number of Appendices which provide more detail on the regulations and rules that govern assessment activity; these include: The University marks scale, marking descriptors and qualification descriptors; The framework for modular, postgraduate programmes; Information about students progress, including guidance for students; The procedure for assessment appeals; Regulations for the conduct of exams; The University s policy on making adjustments to exam arrangements for disabled students. The code of practice relating to external examining (see also below) The Academic Integrity Policy, which covers matters such as plagiarism and collusion and includes guidance for students; The policy relating to mitigating circumstances which explains what you should do if you have mitigating circumstances that have affected assessment; and The policy on providing students with feedback on assessment. Please click here to access the Code of Practice on Assessment and its appendices; this link will also give you access to assessment information that is specific to your cohort: A summary of key assessment information is also available in the Your University handbook. Marking criteria: Pass mark is 50%, including any FHEQ level 6 modules to be recognised for postgraduate award. 38. Student representation and feedback: An Architecture Staff Postgraduate Taught Masters Liaison Committee will be established in accordance with the University Code of Practice on Student Representation, a copy of which can be accessed at: http://www.liv.ac.uk/media/livacuk/tqsd/student-enhancement/studentrepresentation/cop_on_student_representationannex.pdf The Architecture Staff Postgraduate Taught Masters Liaison Committee will normally meet at least three times a year. The membership of Architecture Staff Postgraduate Taught Masters Liaison Committee, its terms of reference, and the manner in which it conducts its business will conform to the requirements of the Annex to the Code of Practice on Student Representation. Elections to the Architecture Staff Postgraduate Taught Masters Liaison Committee will be carried out within the structure determined by the University Student Representation Steering Group, and Programme Representatives will be encouraged to attend the training provided for them by the Guild of Students. There will also student representation on the Board of Studies in Architecture, and that representation will be augmented by an additional MSc representative. An Open section of Agendas and Minutes will be used to feed information and reaction back to the student body. In addition, the Director of Studies will invite informal feedback from students on the MSc programme throughout the year and by establishing, once a semester, a lunchtime meeting with refreshments. A module will be set up in VITAL for the MSc degree, with no teaching content, that will allow Minutes and Agendas to be accessible to all, and other features such as discussion board to be used. 8 of 9

Part F: Status of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation 39. Status of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation: This MSc is not professionally accredited. Part G: Diversity & Equality of Opportunity and Widening Participation 40. Diversity & Equality of Opportunity and Widening Participation: The programme design, structure and content are consistent and compliant with the University s Diversity and Equality of Opportunity Policy. The School has procedures in place for informing staff of any student-specific learning needs and advising staff of appropriate ways of meeting those needs. ANNEX 1 Annex Of Modifications Made To The Programme Please complete the table below to record modifications made to the programme. Description of modification (please include details of any student consultation undertaken or confirm that students consent was obtained where this was required) None. Minor or major modifications Date approved by FAQSC Date approved by AQSC (if applicable) Cohort affected 9 of 9