CAT Logo
Study Options

Study Options

CAT’s postgraduate courses are designed with flexibility in mind to allow you to select the mode of study that suits you best.

Choose between part-time and full-time, residential or distance learning (or a mix of the two), and decide what level of study you’d like to pursue.

Many of our students combine their studies with work or family life, so we offer you the flexibility you may need to do both.

Which level of study?

MArch Sustainable Architecture award requires 240 credits of core modules. The course is accredited by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) and is a Part 2 course for those looking to continue their training to become qualified architects.

MRes awards require: core and optional taught modules (60 credits) + a compulsory extended research dissertation (120 credits). Our MRes in Sustainability and Adaptation is new for 2023 entry.

MSc awards require: core and optional modules (120 credits) + a compulsory dissertation (60 credits).

You can also exit an MSc early to receive a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate. These can also be entry awards on to the programme.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) awards require core and optional modules (120 credits).

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) awards require only core course-specific modules or depending on the course, core and some optional modules (60 credits).

NOTE: Each module description on the course page provides the credit amount.

Every student at CAT can access distance learning, whether you choose to study entirely by distance or attend the one on-site study week per module.

For those who study entirely by distance, it offers you even more flexibility to maintain some of your exisiting work, life or perhaps family commitments whilst studying. You will learn with the same lecturers and tutors that teaching on-site, alongside a range of visiting and guest lecturers and also with both UK and international students. Find out more about our staff here (link). Entire modules studied at distance are typically arranged as a sequence of teaching activities over an eight-week period. Students are able to set their own schedule around seminars and group work.

“Studying in CAT sitting thousands of miles away in Muscat has never been a tough one to me. I’ve never been away from the tutors and constant seminars allow me to have clarity on matters instantly. Seminars planned at different times actually allowed me to select the best time that suits me. Doing distance study helps me to continue working and studying at the same time. Moreover, the same topics are being taught whether one is doing distantly or on site. I would suggest studying in CAT distantly strongly” Sarath, Muskat

You would use our awarding bodies’ online learning environment platforms (either Moodle or Canvas), discussion apps and telephone to access:

  • Lecture recordings, slides and lecture notes to stream or download, recorded from the module on-site week.
  • Online seminars
  • Formative practical exercises
  • Group tutorials
  • Individual contact with your tutor
  • Individual contact with your designated student support officer
  • Online library access through Athens electronic journal database
  • Access to other university libraries (through SCOUNAL)

Community gathers on the platforms, where regular interaction between CAT students, academic tutors and support staff happens.

  • Group tutorials
  • Individual contact with your tutor
  • Individual contact with your designated student support officer
  • Online library access through Athens electronic journal database
  • Access to other university libraries (through SCOUNAL)

Community gathers on the platforms, where regular interaction between CAT students, academic tutors and support staff happens.

Logs and the CAT Reservoir

Distance Learning

Every student at CAT learns by distance either between residential study visits for a few modules at a time or for the whole course in its entirety.

Distance learning offers you the flexibility to maintain some of your existing work, life or perhaps family commitments whilst studying. Virtual Learning Environments and discussion apps allow for all students to interact no matter their chosen method of study.

drone view cat wise

Full-time or part-time?

All MSc and MRes study routes start with the core introductory September and November modules. Full-time study on an MSc will then take you 18 months from starting in September. Part-time study on an MSc will take 3 years. An MRes can be studied full time over 2 years and part time over 3 years. All MSc courses end with a dissertation and the MRes ends with an extended dissertation.

You can complete our MArch in 22 months and part time in three years.

Contact us

Get in touch with the Graduate School or sign up for our e-news