The Master of Sustainable Built Environment (Extension) is a new, advanced post-professional degree for built environment and related professionals, with an emphasis on leadership, innovation and transformation.

The program builds on and extends the holistic, multidisciplinary and evidence-based education for sustainability focus of the three-semester (full time) Masters degree.

Strong industry links and deep connections with cutting edge research and international best practice provide a real-world framework for aspiring leaders to develop skills in the planning, design, construction and management of the sustainable built environment for the 21st Century.

A minimum four year Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution in a relevant field such as the Built Environment disciplines or related areas such as environmental science or engineering is required for admission to the Masters (Extension) Program. All applicants must have achieved a minimum of a credit average (equivalent to a WAM of 65 or above) in their Bachelor degree. In exceptional circumstances other academic qualifications may also be considered.

Where an applicant does not hold a four year Bachelor degree in one of the identified cognate disciplines, admission may be permitted in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma with the possibility of progressing to the Masters (Extension) Program subject to an average of Credit or better performance (a minimum WAM of 65) across the completed courses. Local and International students are eligible to apply. The program is particularly suited to professionals wanting to up skill after being in the field for several years.

Applicants for the Masters (Extension) Program must have at least 3 years of post graduate industry experience, including work in a sustainability related professional role. Applicants will also be required to undertake an interview process as part of their application for entry into Program.

The Masters in Sustainable Built Environment (Extension) is the elite, post-professional degree within the Sustainable Built Environment suite of qualifications. It is a four semester (full time) 96 UOC program with an international focus, aimed at aspiring leaders in the sustainable development field. There is a strong emphasis on leadership, strategic management and business development. A final semester “capstone” course is provided to complement the research and design streams presented in the three semester Masters Program. This will introduce students to a range of advanced research topics in the area of sustainable built environment, focusing on the integration of research outcomes with professional practice at a strategic or program level. There will be a particular emphasis on the research themes and programs of the CRC for Low Carbon Living.

At the conclusion of this Program students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of concepts and principles of sustainability and their application in the built environment.
2. Apply research principles and methods applicable to sustainable development in local, national and international contexts.
3. Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to practice.
4. Justify, interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner.
6. Describe, explain and apply quantitative tools to implement and assess sustainability solutions.
7. Recognise and investigate how behaviours influence the sustainability of the built environment.
8. Demonstrate the qualities of an ethical practitioner.
9. Demonstrate cultural awareness, environmental and social responsibility, and a respect for diversity.
10. Plan and execute a substantial research-based professionally-focused project in sustainable development.

The Master of Sustainable Built Environment (Extension) is a two year full-time or four year part-time Program which consists of:

Students selecting the research stream will need to enrol in the postgraduate research methods course BENV7020 Research Seminar (6 UOC)

Students are required to choose 12 UOC from the core electives list, a minimum of 12 UOC from the open electives set out in List A and are encouraged to choose the remaining units of credit from the open electives set out in List B. List A includes Sustainable Built Environment electives. List B includes existing electives from FBE and other Faculties which cover topics broadly relevant to built environment sustainability, and/or which students have historically frequently chosen. However, with agreement of the Program Director other suitable postgraduate electives may be selected from any UNSW Faculty, provided that the student meets any prerequisites set for the particular elective(s) they are selecting.

The schedule below is based on a full-time student commencing at the beginning of the year – please note that mid-year entry is also available.

Core electives can be undertaken in year 1**

Option 2 – Research Project Stream

Year 1
Semester 1

**Core electives can be undertaken in year 1

Note 1: Summer Semester can offer the opportunity to undertake a selection of core electives and/or Open Electives.

Note 2: With permission from the Discipline Director, a student may enrol in both the design studio and research project.

** Extension Program Core Electives:

Note that MUPS0003 Decision Making and Governance (6 UOC), MUPS0004 Development Economics and Finance (6 UOC) and MUPS0009 Urban Leadership, Politics and Ethics (6 UOC) are not available every semester. Please refer to the timetable for MUPS course offerings.

Note: Some electives may not be offered every year, and the sequence of program study is governed by pre-requisites for some courses.

Advanced Standing

Consideration of advanced standing may be granted for completed or partially completed postgraduate awards from UNSW or from another institution. When considering the granting of advanced standing on the basis of previous postgraduate study at another institution, the Program Director will take into account the quality of the institution and the quality, level and content of postgraduate courses previously undertaken.

Upgrading and Articulation

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Masters (Extension) Programs are fully articulated Programs which allow for flexibility in course selection and progression.
A postgraduate coursework student enrolled in an articulated program may apply to progress from the Graduate Certificate through to Masters (Extension) level with full credit for courses completed with a minimum 65 WAM in earlier programs in the sequence. In order to articulate to the Masters (Extension) program students must have appropriate work experience as outlined in the 8134 program.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.