Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) - Double Specialisation
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
This course will be completed as 96 credit points over two years. The two year Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design and secondary stream) allows for the combination of the sustainable design stream and another design science stream for interdisciplinary study. The other streams available are audio and acoustics, building services, illumination design and facilities management.
Sustainable Design professionals are responsible for developing efficient and environmentally responsive buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to meet today’s environmental demands. The built environment professions – including architects, engineers, urban designers and planners – are increasingly held responsible for the performance of their designs and projects. Sustainable designers are critical to ensuring that the plans on paper – and promised environmental and performance principles – become a reality during and after construction. These skills are highly demanded by the construction and design industries, environmental consultancies, government agencies and in the day-to-day operation and management of commercial buildings.
Your skills in sustainable design are enhanced through the Faculty’s expertise in the built environment. You will combine the aesthetic approaches to design with a thorough understanding of energy efficiency, analysis and performance metrics. You will be exposed to rating systems, myriad testing methods and come to understand energy and resource use from ecological, economic and governance perspectives.
When you study with us, you go well beyond rating schemes and metrics. Our ‘first principles’ approach enables you not just to perform energy analyses and building assessments, but also to critique and develop further the tools and approaches required for sustainable building. You will gain a deep knowledge of the storage and release of energy and how to design for both performance and occupant comfort.
The Faculty takes pride in extending your learning. Your research-leading lecturers take you on site visits and expose you to a range of international collaborators. We leverage our extensive links with industry to bring you internship opportunities with leading businesses and consultancies. And you can use a wide range of electives to pursue your interests in the application of sustainable design theories and methods in architecture, planning, urban design building services and facilities management.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Unit of Study information on faculty page
Full units of study list
- ARCH9028 - Conservation Methods and Practices
- ARCH9031 - Research Report
- ARCH9039 - General Elective 1
- ARCH9040 - General Elective 2
- ARCH9045 - Dissertation 1
- ARCH9046 - Dissertation 2
- ARCH9058 - General Elective 7
- ARCH9059 - General Elective 8
- ARCH9061 - East Asian Arch and Urbanism (Classical)
- ARCH9062 - Urban Design - Ideas and Methods
- ARCH9063 - Urban Morphology
- ARCH9074 - History and Theory of Conservation
- ARCH9075 - New Design in Old Settings
- ARCH9081 - Heritage Law and Policy
- ARCH9083 - Conservation of Modern Materials
- ARCH9085 - General Elective 9
- ARCH9086 - General Elective 10
- ARCH9087 - General Elective 11
- ARCH9088 - General Elective 12
- DESA9008 - Object Design
- DESA9009 - Public Art
- DESA9011 - Photography 2
- DESA9012 - Screen Printing on Paper
- DESA9013 - Sculpture
- DESA9014 - Ceramics (Handbuilding)
- DESA9015 - Site Specific Art
- DESC9014 - Building Construction Technology
- DESC9015 - Building Energy Analysis
- DESC9040 - Electrical Services
- DESC9047 - Strategic Facility Management
- DESC9048 - Operational Facility Management
- DESC9049 - Financial Decision Making
- DESC9059 - Hydraulic Services
- DESC9067 - Mechanical Services
- DESC9071 - Organisational Analysis and Behaviour
- DESC9074 - Project Management
- DESC9090 - Audio Systems and Measurement
- DESC9111 - Energy Management in Buildings
- DESC9117 - Sound Design for New Media
- DESC9133 - Architectural Acoustics Practice
- DESC9134 - Audio and Acoustics Seminar
- DESC9137 - Spatial Audio
- DESC9138 - Architectural and Audio Acoustics
- DESC9147 - Sustainable Building Design Principles
- DESC9148 - Sustainable Building Design Practice
- DESC9150 - Sustainability Research Project
- DESC9153 - Graduate Internship
- DESC9154 - Lighting Design Software
- DESC9161 - Entertainment Lighting
- DESC9164 - Lighting Technologies
- DESC9166 - Photometry and Colorimetry
- DESC9167 - Light and Vision
- DESC9169 - Daylight in Buildings
- DESC9172 - Building Asset Management
- DESC9183 - Risk Management
- DESC9192 - Energy Code Compliance in Buildings
- DESC9200 - Introduction to Architectural Science
- DESC9201 - Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
- DESC9660 - Graduate Exchange Core A
- DESC9661 - Graduate Exchange Core B
- DESC9662 - Graduate Exchange Core C
- DESC9663 - Graduate Exchange Core D
- DESC9664 - Graduate Exchange Optional A
- DESC9665 - Graduate Exchange Optional B
- DESC9666 - Graduate Exchange Optional C
- DESC9667 - Graduate Exchange Optional D
- DESC9668 - Graduate Exchange Elective A
- DESC9669 - Graduate Exchange Elective B
- DESC9670 - Graduate Exchange Elective C
- DESC9671 - Graduate Exchange Elective D
- DESC9672 - Graduate Exchange Core E
- IDEA9101 - IDEA Laboratory 1
- IDEA9102 - IDEA Studio 1
- IDEA9106 - Design Thinking
- IDEA9201 - IDEA Laboratory 2
- IDEA9202 - IDEA Studio 2
- IDEA9302 - IDEA Research Project
- IDEA9303 - IDEA Dissertation
- PLAN9045 - Economics for Planners
- PLAN9049 - International Urban Development Planning
- PLAN9061 - Planning Principles,Systems & Practice
- PLAN9062 - Planning Law
- PLAN9063 - Strategic Planning and Design
- PLAN9064 - Land Use and Infrastructure Planning
- PLAN9068 - History & Theory of Planning & Design
- PLAN9071 - Housing & Urban and Regional Development
- PLAN9073 - GIS Based Planning Policy and Analysis
- PLAN9074 - Public & Community Finance for Planners
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required. Students will complete study in the sustainable design stream and secondary stream.
Progression rules
The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning will monitor students for satisfactory progress towards the completion of their award course. In addition to the common triggers used to identify students not meeting academic progression requirements, students must pass any unit of study identified in the course resolutions as being critical to progression through the course.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
The course will provide building design professionals and allied para-professionals further knowledge and skills in the area of sustainable design.
The knowledge and skills developed would be relevant to: urban planners in achieving sustainable development or sustainable cities; sustainable architects in order to reduce the collective environmental impacts during the production of building components, the construction process, or the lifecycle of the building; and those employed in design-related roles in the public sector or in a consultancy that specialises in public and non-profit client work.
Further study
The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning places a high emphasis on its research activity. We have a vibrantly diverse community of scholars and practitioners, many of whom have taken national and international leadership roles in their fields. The faculty offers the opportunity to pursue research degrees, both MPhil and PhD in four disciplines: architecture and allied arts; architectural and design science; design lab; and urban and regional planning and policy.
You may elect to study in any of these fields, or to pursue interdisciplinary studies in a combination of fields with the faculty or between the faculty and elsewhere in the University. The University and the faculty have formal links, including exchange agreements and memoranda of understanding, with institutions throughout Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and North America. These translate into research opportunities for students as well as staff.
These degrees are supported through a wide range of resources, including extensively equipped laboratories and comprehensive workshop facilities.
Other study options
The Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning runs continuing professional development short courses, including an online program, which provide a valuable opportunity for professionals to update their knowledge to enhance career pathways or for personal interest. All of our courses qualify for CPD points with AIA, SBSE/EA and AIRAH members.
If you are considering further study it is also an opportunity to try a subject from a course to gauge its suitability. You have the choice to either complete the assessment work or not. If you do successfully complete the assessment work you will be eligible to receive 6 credit points per subject towards a future degree. For more information please see the faculty website [hyperlink: http://sydney.edu.au/architecture/programs_of_study/continuing_professional_development.shtml].
Admission
Admission requirements
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) will have a bachelor's degree, or completed the Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Sustainable Design) with a minimum average mark of 70 per cent.
Please note that students may commence studies in Semester 2, however some courses are only available in part-time capacity due to the units on offer.
Please refer to the individual course homepage to map your course of study, and note the time limits to complete postgraduate programs: Masters: 6 Calendar Years, Grad Dip: 4 Calendar Years, Grad Cert: 3 Calendar Years. http://sydney.edu.au/architecture/future_students/index.shtml
More detail on the Program including course planner, credit request forms and timetable links can be found at the Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning homepage. http://sydney.edu.au/architecture
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) - Double Specialisation.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Design Science (Sustainable Design) - Double Specialisation.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.