Develop practical expertise in the environmental design of buildings and their surroundings in the context of a changing climate. You’ll get hands-on experience using computer environmental modelling software and explore pioneering developments in sustainable architecture.
Introduction
Bringing together graduates and professionals from a range of backgrounds, this programme will enhance your knowledge of environmentally friendly and sustainable building design.
We’ll immerse you in the climate-sensitive design of buildings and urban landscapes and hone your skills in environmental assessment. You’ll explore the evolution of the environmental design of architecture and discover how to use the latest computer environmental modelling software.
Developing skills in the application of this software, you’ll start to design buildings and their surroundings that are energy-efficient and sustainable. Your learning will be fully informed by the scientific study of climate change and key responses such as net zero carbon design.
A comprehensive grounding in research methods will complement your environmental design skills. You’ll be taught by academic experts with highly rated international research in history and theory, environment and process, urban design, conservation and innovative technologies.
There is the additional opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests and further tap into the research expertise of the programme team. Examine key architectural concepts, hone your urban design skills, enhance your knowledge of low energy/low carbon building design, or learn additional specialised modelling tools and techniques.
Who is this course for?
This master’s is suitable for graduates from architecture, landscape architecture, design, engineering, and physical sciences disciplines who want to pursue a career in environmental and sustainable building design.
What you'll learn
How to use computer environmental modelling software
Sustainable design skills that reduce environmental impact
Practical skills in environmental assessment
Research methods and effective analysis
The basis and impact of climate change
Urban design techniques
Key architectural concepts and theories
School of Architecture support:
Small group teaching with experienced academics
Interdisciplinary teaching within a very strong research environment
One-to-one support from individual tutors
A diverse and international student community
Access to substantial library resources in the area of sustainable design
Opportunities to develop individual research interests
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
Climatic Design for Sustainable Architecture (ARCH716)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces the key principles of climate sensitive design for different climates around the world. Students will learn how to use relevant software to help in climate design and will apply this knowledge to an assignment involving the conversion of shipping containers to climate-sensitive passive dwellings. The module is taught through a series of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Environmental Assessment Techniques (ARCH717)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module covers the scientific study of dynamic building simulation, how building designers can model a building and simulate its environmental and energy performances using software packages, and how the simulated data can be interpreted and assessed according to regulations and green building rating systems.
Net Zero Carbon Design (ARCH747)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Net zero carbon design is a key response to how buildings will reduce their environmental impact and help combat climate change. This module considers developments in the environmental design of buildings, from the vernacular architecture of the past to the 21st Century target of net zero carbon. The module covers key carbon issues, such as embodied carbon, life cycle analysis and the retrofitting of existing buildings. The health of building users is an important factor in sustainable design, and the module reviews indoor conditions and their effects on physical and mental wellbeing. The module will be delivered as lectures (from tutors who are active researchers in net zero carbon design), as workshops, as site visits and as guest talks from practitioners. Assessment will be a detailed case study report (70%) and presentation (30%) of net zero carbon buildings located in two different climate regions.
Optional modules
ARCHITECTURAL THEORIES FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT (ARCH712)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module provides an introduction to key architectural concepts, themes and theories that have been influential in the field of architecture globally from 1900 onwards. It also introduces a framework for the understanding of the ongoing discourses in the field. It engages with a wide range of written texts on architectural theory – whether these originate from within architecture or from other disciplines – as well as architectural designs that have been informed by those ideas.
URBAN DESIGN (ARCH731)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to help students develop in-depth knowledge on urban design and enhance their design skills to address the complex urban challenges of our age. It intends to prepare students to become creative and problem-solving professionals. To do so, this module will introduce students to a wide range of urban design theories, design principles and processes which underpin the discipline of urban design. Students will have the opportunity to study and debate key issues in urban design, the disciplinary foundations of urban design, various topics about public spaces, the application of urban analytical techniques and methods for practice, as well as urban design governance in relation to the planning system. The module will draw examples or case studies from both the local and international contexts and encourage students to think critically about possible design interventions in different urban environments towards sustainable development and place-making.
Since this module is taught together with ARCH406 Urban Design which is a compulsory module for the accredited MArch programme in Architecture, ideally students who select this module need to have some design skills from previous training in Architecture, Planning or Landscape Architecture.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
DESIGNING FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE (ARCH719)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module covers the scientific study of climate change, how building designers can adapt and mitigate against future changes, how future climate data are generated and used in computer simulation programmes.
Research Methodology (ARCH707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Research methods training for MA/MSc thesis
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (ARCH734)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
It is now recognised that buildings, through the materials they consume, the waste they generate and the energy they use, are having a major impact upon the environment. Climate change is one manifestation of this impact, and at national and international levels targets are being set for reducing the CO2 emission associated with the built environment. New regulations to meet these targets will influence the ways in which buildings are designed and engineered both today and in the future. This module aims to address these issues by developing an understanding of the principles underpinning environmentally sustainable design and develop skills for more sustainable design practices in areas such as passive design, sustainable construction and low impact building materials.
Optional modules
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (ARCH733)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
For this module, students will evaluate the implications of construction and management in sustainable design. More specifically they will be taught how construction and management now form an essential element of sustainable design for real world scenarios. In this module students will be required to attend a weekly 2-hour lecture. Each lecture will be held in lecture theatres and will be a mixture of formal presentations and group based exercises.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Compulsory modules
Thesis: Dissertation (ARCH721)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
A primary aim of this module is to offer the opportunity to submit a conventional written dissertation on an individual, approved topic related to the student’s degree topic.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching on the MSc CRESTA in the Liverpool School of Architecture is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, all of which are presented in person and on campus. The MSc CRESTA tutors are all experienced academics with strong track records in teaching and research related to environmental design.
Depending on which module options are taken, class sizes will typically vary between 15 and 30 students, and the small group teaching encourages strong interactions between the students and with the tutors.
How you're assessed
Students on the MSc CRESTA are assessed using a variety of formats that include written assignments, posters, presentations, computer simulations, design projects and a research dissertation.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
MSc Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture
Professor Steve Sharples and Gabriel, a current student on the course, introduce the MSc Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Architecture at Liverpool?
Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture
As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2025) and 7th in the Times and Sunday Times Higher Education Good University Guide 2025.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), we were rated 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2024.
The MSc CRESTA develops both practical skills in environmental assessment and a deeper understanding of climate-sensitive design, planning for climate change, sustainable architecture and computer modelling of sustainable building and urban environments. Computer environmental modelling and the application of that modelling to sustainable environmental design are investigated via coursework assignments. Students also acquire specific analytical skills in the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods and generic research skills, such as reflective learning, literature reviewing and dissertation writing.
The knowledge and professional skills that students will develop upon completion of the CRESTA programme will prepare them for a wide range of potential career areas, including employment in higher education (teaching and/or research), architectural practices and sustainability design consultancies.
Graduates from CRESTA go on to work both in the UK and internationally. For example, one graduate is now National Head of Sustainability for a UK construction and property consultancy while another is a Sustainability Consultant for a major international architectural practice.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
You’ll graduate equipped with the contemporary skills and knowledge to meet the growing demand for sustainable building expertise in:
Architecture.
Construction.
Project management.
Consultancy services.
Higher education.
You may also wish to continue your studies and will find you are well prepared for PhD research.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£26,600
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in an appropriate field of study. For example, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Design, Engineering or Physical Sciences. Please contact us if you wish to check whether your degree subject is suitable, however a wide spectrum of subjects are acceptable.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be considered on their individual merits and should discuss their particular circumstances with the Programme Director.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
