Sustainable Architecture

Key areas of study

Our built and natural environments play an important role in improving our quality of life and well-being, contributing to cultural and social interaction and resilience, enhancing biodiversity, whilst also mitigating and adapting to climate change. Therefore, architects have a great responsibility, not only to reduce our impact, but also to contribute positively to a regenerative, restorative, life-enhancing relationship with our planet.

The course is an architecture Masters degree with sustainability at its core. Studying with us will help you deepen your understanding of the wide range of issues that are required to be addressed when considering sustainability in the design process, enabling you to create buildings that are functional, sustainable, appropriate and valued.

Themes that are addressed on the course include:

• Strategies for energy use 
• Retrofit 
• Material reuse 
• Low and zero carbon 
• Regenerative design 
• Heritage significance and conservation 
• Circular economy 
• Biodiversity and the social values of architecture. 

The course is highly practical, allowing you to combine design-based academic study with hands-on learning, expanding your critical awareness of current architectural and environmental problems to develop new insights. 

You will be studying at the forefront of sustainable architectural design, drawing on the skills and knowledge of in-house experts and external designers, including leading sustainable architects and engineers such as Architype, Grain Architecture, Max Fordham and Buro Happold. 

You will also have the chance to get closely involved in community projects, allowing you to develop real-world, practical experience.

Module Descriptions

• AR7400 – Integrated Design Project 1
• AR7410 – Architectural Analysis Through Writing
• AR7402 – Professional Studies
• AR7403 – Integrated Design Project 2
• AR7411 – Build Project
• AR7412 – MArch Research Paper
• AR7408 – Final Design Project
• AR7407 – Technical Report for Final Design Project

Our timetable of module dates changes year on year. You can view our most recent version of the Timetable, Programme Specifications, Course Handbooks and Current Student Information on our Current Students page. 

Why study at CAT?

Over 50 years of Sustainable Architecture

CAT’s world-leading eco centre is a pioneer in researching and teaching practical solutions for sustainability. Having spent five decades experimenting with sustainable architecture, CAT is uniquely placed to offer training in this area.

Monthly intensive residential study weeks offer an immersive learning experience – you’ll be living and learning in award-winning buildings made from earth, straw, hemp and timber, all designed with environmental impact in mind.

Projects, lectures, talks, seminars, workshops and practical sessions are all part of the module teaching programme at CAT.

You will develop your skills and knowledge through practical activities, build projects and design tasks alongside studio learning, lectures, small group seminars and discussion forums, group work tasks, tutorials and written and visual learning resources.

Our approach to teaching and learning provides a thorough understanding of the complex challenges that occur when theories are put into practice.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree carrying an exemption from ARB Part I or a relevant undergraduate degree. If you have a relevant undergraduate degree that does not carry an exemption from ARB’s Part 1 examination you will be required to successfully complete the ARB’s Part 1 examination before you can register as an architect in the UK.
• Digital portfolio of work.
• IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
• This course is highly practical and requires attendance in person at CAT. If you live outside of the UK (you are exempt if you already have settled or pre-settled status or are resident in Ireland) and require a student visa you cannot study this course as we do not hold the required Student Sponsor licence (previously known as a Tier 4 licence). You may instead wish to look at our MSc Green Building, which is available via distance learning.

Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day, contact us for more information or apply today.

This course is created and delivered by CAT and is validated by the University of East London. Successful completion of the programme MArch Sustainable Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Architecture (MArch) by UEL. The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board. 

*Note: The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the statutory regulator for architects in the UK and sets the education and registration requirements for anyone wishing to practice and use the title ‘architect’ in the UK.  They do this by accrediting qualifications required for registration as an architect. Details of ARB can be found at: About the Architects Registration Board (arb.org.uk) 

Following a statutory consultation in 2023, ARB has published changed educational requirements necessary for registration as an architect which will come into force from December 2027. Currently, and up until December 2027, UK graduates wishing to register as an architect will need to have an ARB accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualification, alongside relevant work experience.

From 31 December 2027 ARB will only accredit Master’s level qualifications and the professional diploma which follows. This means that from 2028 an undergraduate qualification in architecture will not be required for registration as an architect in the UK.