What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and of the recent past to equip graduates with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. The importance of the environmental impact of materials and the use of life cycle costing to enhance sustainability will supplement the teaching of low carbon construction technology and energy sources.
Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
• Construction technology
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in typical low rise domestic construction.
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in commercial and industrial property.
• Low carbon design
o Site selection and building orientation
o Passive low carbon design in the domestic and commercial field
o Water conservation
o Green roof and wall applications
o Sustainable urban drainage
• Renewable energy applications
o Photovoltaic applications
o Biomass heating
o Ground and air source heat pumps
o Solar water heating
o Wind energy
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your academic programme.
You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility.
How will I learn on this module?
This module will major on experiential learning, in addition to lectures and seminars there will be workshops and site visits to allow you to experience first-hand the design and construction issues covered in the lecture and seminar programme. You will be supported in your learning by formative assessment and feedback to help you assimilate the taught materials. The built environment is characterised by a range on online resources such as specifications, guidance notes and videos from government, professional bodies and manufacturers. These technological resources will be exploited to provide a rich learning experience.
Low carbon design and construction is rapidly evolving to meet the challenge of climate change, the teaching will be informed by research from a range of authoritative sources, include staff research, to help you evaluate the range of alternatives available. It is anticipated that you will be able to visit and evaluate for yourself a variety of properties that have used innovative solutions to low carbon design.
The assessment of the module will comprise one exercise, to allow you to demonstrate your command of the technological and design issues covered in the syllabus.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive environment. The teaching in the form of lectures, seminars and workshops form the foundation for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team through our ‘open door’ policy, which allows you to question directly your tutors. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Critically examine recent and current construction technologies across domestic and commercial applications.
• MLO2: Critically evaluate passive low carbon design techniques and their application in current construction to meet the regulatory environment and the aspirations of the market.
• MLO3: Critically evaluate renewable energy applications in respect of their carbon reduction effectiveness, practical application and long-term viability. Consider the implication for security of energy supply in a localised renewable supply regime.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4: Critically analyse information, make recommendations, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision-making.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: tasks embedded within the module sessions provide formative feedback immediately upon completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.
Summative assessment: this module is assessed by one piece of coursework. The coursework is designed to be applicable globally rather than for UK based students only.
Coursework one: Written (2500 words and visual interpretation equivalent to 1500 words) word report on a given location, encouraging observation of the built environment, examining architecture and urbanism, with a view to sustainability. It has a value of 100% and tests ML01, MLO2, MLO3, MLO 4 and MLO5.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In this module you will learn the fundamentals of low carbon construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and of the recent past to equip you with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a career in property and be able to make an immediate contribution to the work of a professional office as a placement student or gradate surveyor.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Full Time (with Advanced Practice in the second year)
1 other options available
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or January 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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