Advanced Sustainable Design MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Central Area

Apply now

ECA Open Day

Join us for our postgraduate taught and research open day on Saturday 7 November from 10 AM - 1 PM

Reserve your spot

About the degree programme

Advanced Sustainable Design gives you the knowledge, skills and creativity to put theory into practice in the sustainable development of our cities, towns and countryside. We work from the scale of building systems to entire regions.

This programme engages with architecture, design and planning but interested applicants can apply with degrees outside of these fields.

Our programme is delivered in a series of practical projects supplemented with teaching on all aspects of built environment sustainable design. You will have the opportunity to work in building simulation modelling and gain desirable skills for the workplace.

We believe that successful sustainable development is not achieved only through technical solutions. You will:

  • explore the complex relationship of design to contemporary sustainable agenda
  • form creative solutions using design practices for our towns, cities and countryside
  • engage in cultural and professional debates about the built environment
  • gain a distinctive and expert voice in this field

This programme is affiliated with the University’s Global Environment and Society Academy:

Global Environment and Society Academy

Thinking about studying MSc Advanced Sustainable Design at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • This programme is design-oriented, fusing creative solutions with sustainable strategies.
  • Our staff are all experienced in practice and have track records in the design and procurement of sustainable solutions.
  • We don’t just look at technical fixes, we focus on the social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainable design.
  • We look at best practice in Scotland but are international in our outlook, addressing global as well as local issues.
  • Our programme helps you gain critical skills in a fast growing and evolving design sector.

My favourite thing about this course is we learn about sustainability itself, not only architectural but also we’re looking at environmental aspects, social, economic background of the sites we want to develop so it’s very comprehensive.

Grace Rityasmara MSc Advanced Sustainable Design, graduated 2024.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in the programme, you should budget an estimated amount of £200 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Travel and accommodation

There are optional travel costs associated with fieldwork. You will be expected to pay the cost of travel and the cost of accommodation if you choose to work outside of Edinburgh.

Materials

You will be expected to buy general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will be expected to pay for some specialist materials such as card or wood.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, encouraging sustainable, responsible sourcing through Free Use Hub, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work.

Equipment and software

Most equipment and software required will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including a laptop, headphones, SD cards and so on. You should have a laptop computer rather than phone or tablet for your studies.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements you may still be considered on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You can find out more about the portfolio requirements in the Applying section.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

You will complete your studies in one year.

Semester 1

The first semester is a combination of theory and practice. We will explore the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable design, from a planetary scale to that of a building component.

Alongside this, you will work on design projects at the scale of both settlements and building systems. We set many of our projects on a global stage, working in a range of climates and contexts.

Semester 2

The second semester offers immersive design projects that allows you to make your own proposals and test them in real contexts.

Dissertation

You will conclude your studies with a comprehensive dissertation research project that can advance your own interests and be shaped to your preferred career path.

Much of your work is based on completing a series of design projects. These are carefully staged so you are supported during the process with group and individual tutorials.

Images from MSc Advanced Sustainable Design

Compulsory courses

Our core courses look at different global cities. In our retrofit project, for example, students can choose to work in Edinburgh, Dubai and Singaporean contexts.

In your research dissertation, you can choose a topic relevant to your home environment. Past projects have looked at sustainable development in Germany, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, Colombia, Chile and China.

You also complete reports and make presentations with the emphasis on gaining communication skills, making complex ideas clear and comprehensible.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Much of your work is based on completing a series of design projects. These are carefully staged so you are supported during the process with group and individual tutorials.

Many of our classes are small weekly workshops in which you are active participants, presenting and discussing your developing work.

Our programme attracts students from across the world, which you’ll see reflected in our courses and teaching.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore quantitative methods to measure and predict building performance that gives you a strong evidence base on which to make design decisions.

You are encouraged and supported to become active researchers that culminate in a substantial written research project that can act as a focus for your future career plans. 

Assessment

You will undertake assignments and project both individually and cooperatively.

You will produce design proposals and reports supported by some written and visual presentation work.

At the end of your studies, you undertake a comprehensive research dissertation.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

At ECA, you'll join a community of architects, landscape architects, designers, researchers, architectural historians and more.

Staff on the programme include:

  • Professor John Brennan
  • Dr Kate Carter
  • David Seel
  • Pepe Navarette Jiminez

Where you will study

Study location

Edinburgh College of Art is based in the heart of Edinburgh, within the University's Central Area.

You will be taught at our base in the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in Chambers Street.

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, due to finish in April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus: Edinburgh College of Art

Academic facilities

You will have access to a wide range of facilities, including:

  • extensive and well-equipped wood, metal and digital fabrication workshops
  • a subject-specific library
  • a printing suite
  • continually upgraded computer and media facilities in the buildings on Chambers Street

Additionally, we are integrated into the wider College of Art, which means students have access to facilities and exceptional resources at Lauriston Place.

A wide range of amenities are found throughout the central University of Edinburgh campus, which is minutes from our base on Chambers Street, including:

  • libraries
  • art suppliers
  • student unions and bars
  • cafes  

You will also have access to:

  • specialist facilities at ECA and the wider University
  • a range of study spaces and specialist classrooms
  • computing facilities and creator labs
  • libraries and special collections

In addition to these facilities, we have the ECA Store on campus where you can purchase materials for your projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free.

Find out more about facilities and resources at ECA

Career opportunities

There is a demand for graduates with expertise in sustainable development and the built environment. You will gain tangible skills and a portfolio of work to embrace these opportunities. Many of our students use their acquired expertise to set up their own practices and consultancies with a focus on sustainable design.

Our graduates use this degree to progress within their own field, with a distinctive specialism in the job market. Our students also use this masters to change their career path often using digital and simulation skills to find employment in the large multi-disciplinary consultancies. Our graduates also shape infrastructure and development projects, working in the private sector, local government or national agencies.

Further study

Our degree also acts as a stepping stone to doctoral study both in Edinburgh and on a global stage to help meet demand for expert knowledge in this area.

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Ananya Nayak

Headshot photograph featuring Ananya facing the camera, wearing a blue shirt against a black background.

Degree: MSc Advanced Sustainable Design

Year of graduation: 2023

Current work: Founder, Twenty Seven Degrees Archtech

What stood out was the strength of the teaching body. The tutors brought with them active engagement in research and the built environment, with a clear and consistent emphasis on sustainability.

Alumni Profile: Anaya Nayak

Kimberly O'Keeffe

Photo shows Kimberly standing on a bridge in front of the Houses of Parliament, smiling at the camera and wearing a white shirt.

Degree: MSc Advanced Sustainable Design

Year of graduation: 2025

Current work: Local Government

I knew I wanted to study at the intersection of design and sustainability in a studio culture which drew me to ECA.

Alumni profile: Kimberly O'Keeffe

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
13 September 2027 2 August 2027

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have sufficient time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. 

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. 

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

We aim to issue decisions within 6-8 weeks of receiving your completed application. During peak times it may take us slightly longer to issue your decision but please be assured we will confirm a decision as soon as we can.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References 

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio as part of your application.

You should start planning your portfolio as soon as you decide to apply.

If you do not submit your portfolio, your application will be unsuccessful.

Portfolio format
  • 1 PDF containing up to 15 pages.
  • The file should be a maximum of 50MB (any resolution).
  • Each page of your PDF can contain multiple images and text.
What to include

In your portfolio we want to you to demonstrate your engagement with sustainable development.  

Your portfolio should show your interests in design, creativity and communication.

The portfolio does not need to include architectural design work if you have a different background. We also accept photographs and texts that evidence your experience and engagement with the aims of our programme.

We like portfolios that tell a story.

Do not fill your portfolio with visualisation and renders. We are much more interested in content that shows how you develop work into creative solutions.

Uploading your portfolio

A few days after submitting your application, you will receive an email asking you to upload your portfolio. This email will contain details of how and where to upload your portfolio.

The application portal's capacity limit is 4MB per document. If your portfolio is larger than this, please follow these steps:

  1. Upload the portfolio to an online sharing website (for example, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive).
  2. Copy and paste the link into a Word Document. Ensure the link is not password protected.
  3. Upload the Word document containing the portfolio link to your application.

All portfolios must be uploaded as a single file in the Applicant Hub. Do not provide multiple separate portfolio files.

We do not accept password protected files or links, nor platforms that require an account to access the document.

Once the application is complete and is under consideration, you can no longer make changes to the portfolio or provide a new version.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city! 

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art 

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.  

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future-facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.  

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study advanced sustainable design.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

Related degree programmes

You may also be interested in