Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme combines design studio work with technical modules and a substantial research or design project. You will learn to appraise existing buildings and design low‑carbon solutions using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Design studio and practice: live briefs and studio projects that integrate sustainable design principles, passive strategies and context‑sensitive solutions.
• Building performance evaluation: measurement, monitoring and post‑occupancy evaluation techniques; performance modelling and interpretation of environmental data.
• Low‑carbon and energy systems: energy‑use analysis, HVAC strategies, renewable technologies and whole‑building energy modelling.
• Retrofit and conservation: assessment and upgrade strategies for existing housing and non‑domestic buildings, fabric first approaches and sustainable adaptation.
• Materials and detailing: sustainable materials selection, life‑cycle thinking and detailing to reduce embodied carbon and improve durability.
• Research methods and professional skills: research design, critical appraisal of evidence, communication, project management and working with clients and stakeholders.
• Major project or dissertation: an individual research or design project that applies evaluation tools and design responses to a real or theoretical brief.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a good honours degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in architecture, architectural technology, building engineering, environmental design, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a lower second class degree plus relevant professional experience, or those with professional qualifications and a portfolio demonstrating appropriate ability, may also be considered.

All applicants must submit a personal statement and a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate design capability, technical understanding or relevant project experience. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; recognised qualifications and secure English language tests are accepted as evidence.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the built environment where sustainable performance and retrofit knowledge are required. Typical career paths include:

• Sustainable design consultant or advisor
• Building performance analyst / energy modeller
• Retrofit coordinator or assessor
• Architectural designer with a sustainability specialism
• Environmental or sustainability officer in public and private sectors
• Project manager for low‑carbon building projects
• Researcher in building performance, materials or policy

The programme also provides a foundation for further professional accreditation routes and postgraduate research.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has a long history in architectural education and a School that combines design teaching with applied research in the built environment. The programme benefits from design studios, technical workshops and access to building performance expertise, enabling a balance of practical skills and rigorous evaluation methods.

Students gain exposure to live projects and industry contacts through partnerships and guest practitioners, and the course emphasis on evidence‑based design prepares graduates for roles where measurable sustainability outcomes are required. The university’s location and networks also support collaboration with local authorities, conservation bodies and consulting practices involved in retrofit and low‑carbon projects.