The Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment at The British University in Dubai covers methods to reduce energy consumption, minimise pollution, and enhance indoor comfort. By integrating architectural and engineering solutions, the programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to design innovative, sustainable buildings and tackle the critical challenges facing the built environment. Students will study the urgent challenges of climate change and its impact on both the planet and human health, with a particular focus on the role of the built environment in carbon emissions and resource use. They will also explore how indoor environments affect health, well-being, and productivity, and learn to apply sustainable design strategies that combine passive and active solutions with advanced design and modelling tools.

The demand for sustainability in the built environment is growing across both public and private sectors. This programme prepares graduates for a dynamic field with numerous career opportunities. Students gain comprehensive skills and knowledge applicable to architecture, building services, urban design, and interior design. Additionally, the programme benefits professionals in private consultancy, construction firms, and government or regulatory agencies, aligning with the industry’s increasing emphasis on sustainable development

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree equivalent to an Upper Second Class or with a Good GPA (3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent) from an accredited university.
• A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT), 6.0 IELTS academic, or their equivalents on another standardised nationally, or internationally, recognised test that is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR).
• Applicants can be exempted from English Language if they had achieved the required score as part of their bachelor admission requirements.
• A copy of the updated C.V
• Submission of a certificate of equivalency issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR) for all previous degree certificates awarded by institutions outside the UAE.
• A copy of the passport along with a copy of the Emirates ID (If available).
• Al Ethbara Number (for UAE nationals only).
• The students who are granted conditional admittance will need to meet the applicable requirements as stated in the University Graduate Admissions Policy.

Conditional Admissions for the Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment Programme:

• A student with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 will be conditionally admitted upon the programme tutor approval.
• A student with a GPA of 2.0 to 2.49 should have at least two years of relevant work experience after graduation.
• An IELTS score of 5.5 (TOEFL 530, 71 iBT), or its equivalent in a standardised English language test approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR) is required.

After conditional admission to the Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment programme, student must:

• Achieve a 6.0 IELTS/TOEFL 550/TOEFL iBT 79 or its equivalent by the end of the first semester.
• Take maximum of two modules in the first semester and must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in the first three modules taken.

English Exam Registration

• Students are encouraged to register for their IELTS or TOEFL at The British University in Dubai (BUiD) by contacting pdi@buid.ac.ae
• Paper-based ITP TOEFL are accepted by the administering institution only. Only those administered by AMIDEAST Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah will be accepted if it is sent by Amideast to BUiD directly.
• While registering with ETS for iBT or with Amideast for ITP TOEFL, please quote BUiD’s TOEFL code 0168.
• Internet (iBT) – test scores should be sent to BUiD directly by ETS.

Core modules

Climate and Comfort

Renewable and Sustainable Recourses

Investigations in the Built Environment

Sustainable Built Environment

Elective modules

Skins and Spaces

Sustainable Urban Design

Sustainable Indoor Environmental Quality

Advanced Engineering Materials

Selected Topics

Dissertation