MSc in Energy Building Design

Energy and its sustainability will always be a key global issue for modern contemporary societies. As the world population urbanizes, the planning and design of resilient, resource-efficient, healthy cities and metropolitan regions are of the utmost importance. Buildings are responsible for a large share of our global energy use. Energy use is, in fact, the main determinant of a building’s global environmental footprint, considering its total lifespan. In order to really stand out, young professionals need an education that is interdisciplinary: technical as well as economics/management/law related.

The International Hellenic University offers just such a diverse MSc in Energy Building Design programme that is open to candidates from different academic disciplines. Leading academics from prestigious academic institutions from Greece and abroad, together with instructors from public authorities and key players from energy-related organizations, will teach in this programme.

The programme has been developed to equip graduates of Engineering, Geotechnical and Natural Sciences departments with an in-depth understanding within the area of energy-efficient and environmental building design in order to significantly contribute to and influence the design, building or renovation of energy-efficient buildings, taking into consideration the architecture and environment, the inhabitants' behaviour and needs, their health and comfort as well as the overall economy.

This programme is designed for University graduates in engineering as well as graduates of other study programmes with a suitable qualification who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge in the Energy Design of buildings, such as Engineering, Geotechnical and Natural Sciences departments.

The Structure

The MSc in Energy Building Design (full-time) is a 14-month programme taught over three terms. Lectures mainly take place on weekday evenings. The MSc in Energy Building Design programme is also available in part-time mode over 26 months for those who cannot commit to a full-time programme either for work or other reasons.

During the first term, students are required to follow five mandatory core courses. During the second term, students are required to follow three mandatory core courses tailoring their programme further by two elective courses. Finally, in the third semester, work is dedicated exclusively to the Master's dissertation. The Master's dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned during the year to a real-world problem or challenge.

Courses

1st Term Core Courses

• Quantitative Methods
• Energy Design for Buildings
• Energy Project Finance
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• Energy Law

2nd Term Core Courses

• Design Principles of Low Energy Housing
• Building Integrated Renewable Energy Systems
• Energy Auditing

2nd Term Elective Courses

During the second term, students tailor their programme further by choosing elective courses. The choice of elective courses must sum up to 12 ECTS (2 courses).

• Environmental Assessment
• Energy Modelling and Forecasting
• Energy Policy
• Environmental Law
• Smart Buildings
• Green Design and Planning for Hot Climates
• Energy Storage

Career Paths

There is a considerable focus on addressing low carbon energy building and building integrated renewable energy technologies and graduates of this programme can expect to be highly sought after by employers.

The following indicative employment opportunities are available to our graduates after the completion of the MSc in Energy Building Design:

• Senior technical positions in the construction/renovation sector.
• Managerial positions in the booming Renewable Energy sector as well as utility management.
• With Government policymaking.