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Programme summary for MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies by Distance Learning

About the programme

Offered in collaboration with the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, this programme examines the relationship between human beings and their environment, in particular offering an ecological perspective on building. It covers the political, economic and social background of environmental issues, as well as choice of materials, bioclimatic design, building methods, design for energy efficiency and the principles and practice of renewable energies.

Programme structure

The programme has a modular structure and can be taken over one year or two. Students choose eight out of the ten DL modules on offer. Details of the modules are below. After completion of eight taught Modules and associated coursework, students are eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma; those who wish to obtain an MSc then complete the Thesis Module which is the culmination of the work done on the programme. The programme can be taken over one or two years.

DL modules

DL modules are based on a combination of print and internet based materials. A Virtual Learning Environment is used that consists of chatrooms, discussion boards, lecture materials, links to useful internet resources and various other facilities. The VLE is run on UELPlus software and is accessible over the internet. Students are sent printed materials prior to the start of each Module. These consist of the lecture notes and papers, both of which are studied prior to the online seminar sessions. The seminar sessions encourage discussion of the lecture topics and are used to provide feedback on the discussion questions that are in the print material. Students receive two key texts at the beginning of the course and a voucher for discounted book sales, by reference to a ‘recommended texts’ list. Practical studies are internet based and often involve group work. Coursework is submitted on-line. Tutorials are either by telephone or by email.

Career opportunities

There is a significant skills shortage in the areas of environment and energy, particularly in relation to the built environment. There are employment opportunities in local government, private industry, architectural practices, NGOs associated with the environment, and in private practice. The skills you will acquire and areas you will consider during this programme will provide you with an excellent preparation for work in any of the above areas.

Support

All students studying this programme are allocated to a Seminar Group and are supported by an allocated personal tutor who is responsible for providing advice and guidance throughout their term of study. Support is also given during specific stages of progression, such as research methods for the thesis, as well as extra support for those that require it such as study skills and IT assistance.

On registration, students receive an induction pack which contains all information relating to DL study. Students have access to DL study guide materials and their personal tutor will have been trained in DL provision.

Admission

The programme is intended to cater for a broad range of interests - for acceptance onto the programme the following requirements apply:

  • Degree in a relevant subject.
  • Students who do not possess formal qualifications but who can demonstrate that they have gained appropriate knowledge and skills equivalent to Honours Degree standard, and that they will benefit from and contribute to the programme, may be accepted. Students may be admitted with advanced standing through the recognition of credit or the accreditation of experiential or certificated learning according to the University of East London Accreditation of (Experiential) Learning (A(E)L) policy.
  • A student may gain admission to a programme, with advanced standing, with up to half of the credits associated with the award being achieved through accredited experiential learning, or up two thirds through accredited certificated learning. (Where a combination of experiential and certificated learning is involved up to one half of the credits for the award may be achieved through accredited experiential learning with further credits being achieved through accredited certificated learning up to a maximum of two thirds of the credits for the award).
  • The University and CAT are strongly committed to widening participation and equal opportunity for all.
  • You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. TOEFL at 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 will be required.
  • The formal entry requirements will be interpreted in a way that is most advantageous to the applicant.

Application is online at http://gradschool.cat.org.uk/graduateschool/

Click on ‘MSc Architecture by Distance Learning’
Find the blue ‘Apply Online’ button.

Technical requirements for DL modules:-

'UEL Plus' is the software platform used by UEL to deliver this programme. To participate in the programme you need:

  1. A PC or Mac, with at least 10 hours unrestricted access per week
  2. 56 K modem with Internet access (although broadband is strongly recommended)
  3. A supported Internet browser
  4. Reliable email
  5. Access to a printer

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