Architecture Urbanism & Climate Action
Urban environments and their buildings are at once both acutely responsible for the climate crisis, and present some of the most achievable solutions. Climate action is urgently required to mitigate their environmental impact and unearth creative solutions. This MSc programme equips graduates and returning professionals with specialist skills to respond to the challenge of planning, designing, and actioning a sustainable built environment. The School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (APEP) brings together four key disciplines to provide a unique graduate learning experience. Core modules are specifically designed to enhance knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals, climate science and policy as well as skills for sustainable building and urban design. Options allows students choose from a wide range of architecture, planning and policy based modules, as well as energy and sustainability modules from around the University. The programme links in with prestigious national and EU funded research projects and industry collaborations. This facilitates students in furthering research and knowledge, and the programme has a track record of supporting careers in sustainable design practice, consultancy, policy and academia.
The UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy has an established international track record as a leading research centre in sustainable building and city research with large national and international funded projects. It is in the Top 150 QS World University Rankings by subject area, and has long led the way in architectural study and practice in Ireland.
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
Architecture in a Climate EmergencyARCT41210
Urban Resilience and EthicsARCT41240
Climate Carbon Cities ChangeARCT41260
Geodesign for Urban FuturesARCT41310
Research for Environmental PolENVP40170
Stage 1 - Option
Realising Built ProjectsARCT40030
Urban Design Theory (UDT)ARCT40180
Street Life: Urban Design, an IntroductionARCT40660
Postgraduate StudioARCT40680
Urban Design StudioARCT40690
Agency: Design / BuildARCT40870
Concrete ResearchARCT40950
Linked Research ProjectARCT41230
Retrofit Existing BuildingsARCT41270
MAUCA InternshipARCT41290
Air PollutionBSEN30030
Energy System & Sustainable EnvironmentsBSEN40700
Carbon & SustainabilityBSEN40720
Behavioural E'mics:Policy AppECON42570
Tools for Sust DevelopmentENVP40040
Environmental Economics & Climate PolicyENVP40100
Reimagining Dublin: An Interdisciplinary Exploration in Urban RegenerationGEOG40750
Practical Environmental AssessmentGEOG40860
Remote SensingGEOG40890
Coastal RisksGEOG40960
Climate Change Law and PolicyLAW41090
Planning, Society and DiversityPLAN40030
Rural & Landscape PlanningPLAN40040
Urban and Regional DevelopmentPLAN40060
Housing Policy and PlanningPLAN40070
Geographical Information Systems for Policy and PlanningPLAN40220
90 credits total: 60 credits taught and 30 credits linked research project
In the final trimester students will complete a linked research project. This can take the following 3 forms;
Option 1: Placement with a linked employer. The student will undertake a programme of work for an industry or public body. The work will be agreed between the student, academic supervisor and the placement host if a suitable option is available.
Option 2: Working on established industry-collaborative research projects as part of a research team in the fields of architecture or urbanism, or related areas including; energy efficient buildings, smart cities, climate action policy research etc.
Option 3: Individual study in a research area of choosing by the student and agreed with the module coordinator.
Entry requirements
- An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalent in subjects related to the built environment including architecture, urban design, engineering, environmental sciences, or humanity degrees involving social or natural sciences.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Application dates
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Architecture, Urbanism & Climate Action FT (T339)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Credits
90
Duration
1 year full-time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face
Fees
MSc Architecture, Urbanism & Climate Action (T339) Full Time
EU: fee per year - €8085
nonEU: fee per year - €25600
***Fees are subject to change.
Enrolment dates
NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
The range of climate change response, and environmental sustainability, related careers is broadening. This sector is set to expand rapidly in coming years. This MSc gives students a unique set of skills to allow them stay ahead of the curve and apply for exciting and fulfilling job opportunities. Potential careers include sustainable architecture and practice, sustainability consultancy, engineering consultancy, energy efficiency agency, public and environmental policy, sustainable development, energy supply and management and NGOs.
This MSc has a track record of providing a springboard to exciting careers in research and academia. It allows students pursue a range of further research opportunities into architectural and urban design aspects of climate action. High achieving masters students will also be invited to continue onto PhD study in UCD either via in-house project opportunities or by applying for funding through national funding schemes.