MSc Sustainable Building Design
Develop your theory and practical skills to graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry.
BSc (Hons)International Construction, Design and Sustainability (Top-up)
Apply on UCAS
Starting in:Â 2025
Register your interestUCAS code: ID14
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study an international construction, design and sustainability top-up degree at Solent University
Build on the foundations of your international construction career with this 1-year top-up degree. Taught by an experienced team - be part of a leading, sustainable, construction industry.
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- 0stout of 130 institutions for assessment and feedback (NSS 2023)
- 0thuniversity in the UK for low carbon emissions (THE 2023)
- Top up your Level 5 qualification to a degree in just a year.
- This course is tailored to the needs of international students, improving your understanding of built environment roles and their application within the global construction industry.
- This degree provides an excellent route into postgraduate study in the UK.
- Gain an insight into the international construction industry through client projects, case studies, and work shadowing opportunities which are all built into the curriculum.
- Study under the guidance of an experienced teaching team and learn about the increasingly important role sustainability plays in the success of modern construction projects.
Course overview
This top-up course - designed for international students who want to earn a university qualification here in the UK - will help you to turn your existing experience into a valuable bachelor’s degree. You’ll study a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of international students, improving your understanding of built environment roles and their application within the global construction industry.
Core topics (including construction technology, design and project management) frame an in-depth study of sustainability and environmental impact. By working on industry projects and case-studies, you will have the opportunity to apply the things you’ve learned to real workplace scenarios. Additional training covers communication, resilience, self-awareness and teamwork; all of which are applicable to the professional construction environment.
The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both higher education and the construction industry. They are actively involved with their industry colleagues, working on academic research and holding committee positions at a range of professional bodies. Opportunities to shadow professionals in the workplace have been built into the curriculum
As an overseas student, you will be well supported as you adapt to life in the UK. You’ll benefit from regular contact with both a student ‘buddy’ and an allocated course tutor. Your course tutor will assess your skills and knowledge, providing you with tailored support throughout the year.
The course is part of a well-respected and recognised programme, endorsed by our large network of employers. Many of our past students have found work through this network, putting future graduates in a good position to confidently seek employment.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂCourse features
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Who is this course for?
This course is specifically designed to help international students to advance their career in construction. Applicants should have either:
- a foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area,
- a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects, or
- a portfolio of equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.
What does this course lead to?
The construction programme here at Solent has been running for over 25 years. The course draws on a wide alumni network to improve relationships with employers. Many of our alumni are now employers themselves.
Construction is a major source of employment both in the UK and abroad. There are opportunities for global travel and no two jobs are the same.
Meet the team
The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both the construction industry and higher education. They are actively involved with industry, working on academic research and filling committee positions at professional bodies.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Our modern studio space has been developed to mirror the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. This encourages students from various different built environment courses to come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace. Solent is home to a range of construction labs, drawing studios and surveying equipment. Students also have access to a dedicated architectural technology studio. This space is fully equipped with AutoCAD, Revit, Google SketchUp Pro, plotters, large-format scanners, laser cutters, 3D printer and digital cameras.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
International Construction and Design
In this module you will have the opportunity to explore theories and concepts relevant to the built environment in local, national and global context.
Integrated Project
This project based module gives you to opportunity to put all the new knowledge you have acquired in your previous modules into practice to provide a solution to a simulated client brief. Where possible the client brief will reflect a global problem or a current trend in the build environment.
Academic and Professional Practice
This module will help you develop an understanding of the ethos and expectations associated with this level of study and equip you with a range of graduate skills that are transferable to later postgraduate study and employability.
Project Research Paper
This module will allow you to select an original, individual topic of study. You will undertake research into that topic and to publish your findings in the format of a conference paper and accompanying conference presentation that will be delivered at an in-house student academic conference held at the end of the year.
Sustainable Construction and Design
This module investigates how the international design and construction industry can achieve sustainable outcomes during the design, construction, operation and end of life of a project.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Professional Practice and Communication
In this module you will learn new ways of critical thinking and assessing professional knowledge and activities specific to international construction, design and sustainability.
Building Production
Studying this module will enable you to investigate the role of the construction manager in the building production process. You will evaluate the methods of production that can be employed to achieve a satisfactory solution to a project from the viewpoint of a contractor.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Practical exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
The construction industry is a major source of employment internationally. There are opportunities for worldwide travel and employment, and no two jobs are the same. The sheer scale of some projects mean that the industry has a real impact on millions of people. If you are passionate about the environment and the way people live, working in the construction industry will help ensure that you can make a difference.
Through our network of employers, you will be supported and encouraged to pursue a work placement. Organisations that we work with include Southampton City Council, Capita Symonds, Evolution 5, Balfour Beatty, Barrett Homes, Linden Homes, Perbury Group, Brymor Contractors, Drew Smith Construction and Babcock International.
You could earn:
Quantity surveyor
Starting salary: 25,000 to £35,000
With experience, you can earn around £35,000 to £55,000. Salaries at management level range from around £50,000 to in excess of £80,000.
Construction manager
Starting salary: £27,000 to £33,000
Experienced construction managers can earn between £33,000 and £55,000. Senior and chartered construction managers can earn in the region of £50,000 to £85,000.
Urban designer
Starting salary: £22,000 and £25,000
Experienced urban designers can earn between £29,000 and £40,000.Senior urban designers, or those in the position of partner or associate within a firm, could earn £45,000 to £55,000+ depending on the types and size of projects undertaken.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Personal protective equipment for site visits - safety boots (conforming to EN ISO 20345:2011. S3 category - protective toecap and midsole and a water repellent upper); hard hat (conforming to BS EN 397); working gloves; hi-vis vest; and safety glasses ( conforming to BS EN166. Grade F impact lens and optical class 1): approx £100
- Stationery and printing: approx £200
- Purchase of JCT contract (only required if students need their own official hard copy): £80
- Site visits: approx £100
- Laptop: approx £150
- Headset: approx £20
- Mouse: approx £10
- Scientific calculator: approx £10
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
A foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area.
Key entry requirements
- As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
- A portfolio of equivalent qualifications.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
- A Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects
- A portfolio of equivalent qualifications
- If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
- For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂHow to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 1 year top-up
