University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The programme is organised around intensive design studios supported by technical modules and a substantial research or design thesis. Core study areas include advanced architectural design, environmental and building performance analysis, materials and construction, and the social, economic and policy contexts of sustainability.

• Advanced Design Studio — iterative, project-based studios that emphasise integrative design at building and urban scales, with critiques, peer review and external juries.
• Environmental Technologies and Building Physics — principles of heat, moisture, daylighting and acoustics; passive and active strategies for low-energy buildings; thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality.
• Building Performance Simulation and Evaluation — use of software tools to model energy, daylighting, airflow and lifecycle impacts; post‑occupancy evaluation techniques.
• Materials, Fabrication and Construction — sustainable materials selection, detailing, assembly logic and on-site delivery; emphasis on durability, embodied carbon and reuse.
• Sustainable Urbanism and Landscape — principles of resilient neighbourhoods, green infrastructure, transport and resource flows at the city scale.
• Professional Practice and Ethics — project management, procurement, legal and regulatory frameworks, multidisciplinary teamwork and client engagement.
• Research Methods and Major Project — training in research design, critical literature review and quantitative/qualitative methods, culminating in a major design project or dissertation that integrates design and performance research.

Teaching combines studio tuition, seminars, technical workshops and laboratory sessions. Assessment typically includes design portfolios, technical reports, simulation outputs and an independently researched final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in architecture, architectural technology, engineering or a closely related discipline. Candidates with professional experience or an equivalent qualification may also be considered.

• Academic qualification — a recognised undergraduate degree in architecture/related field (UK upper‑second class or equivalent is typical).
• Portfolio — a design portfolio demonstrating creative and technical capability, including examples of design work, technical drawings and any measured or performance-based projects.
• Supporting documents — CV, personal statement outlining interests in sustainable design and research aims, and academic or professional references.
• English language — applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency in line with university requirements.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview (in person or online). Specific entry conditions can vary by applicant background; prospective students should consult the School of Architecture for personalised advice.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for roles that bridge design creativity and technical expertise. Typical career paths include:

• Architectural practice (progressing towards professional registration when combined with required professional experience and further qualifications where applicable).
• Sustainable design consultant or building performance analyst working on energy, daylighting, thermal comfort and retrofit strategies.
• Urban designer, masterplanner or policy adviser focused on low‑carbon urbanism and resilience.
• Project manager or specialist within multidisciplinary design teams, contractors or engineering consultancies.
• Research and teaching roles in universities, research centres or think tanks concerned with built‑environment sustainability.

Students benefit from the School’s links with local and national practices, enabling networking, live projects and potential placements.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers a well‑established architecture school with dedicated design studios, workshops and technical facilities that support research‑led teaching. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on expertise across engineering, environmental sciences and planning to tackle sustainability challenges holistically.

• Studio‑based learning in a creative, research-active environment with access to technical labs and modelling software.
• Opportunities for live projects and collaboration with regional practices and public sector partners, rooted in Nottingham’s built environment and international networks.
• Supervision from staff whose research covers low‑carbon design, building performance, materials and urban resilience, helping to develop evidence‑based design proposals.
• Support services for careers and professional development, including portfolio preparation, employer engagement and entrepreneurship resources.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want to combine high‑level design ambition with the technical knowledge needed to deliver sustainable, well‑performing buildings and urban spaces.