The rapidly developing world and evolution of urban development have caused a massive surge in environmental pollution, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Civil engineers should take a leadership role to promote sustainable development by providing creative and innovative solutions to the challenges associated with sustainability in civil engineering practices.

The MSc Sustainable Construction programme provides students with technologically advanced knowledge, problem-solving skills and a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of sustainability in civil engineering construction. It has a particular emphasis on the future trends of global sustainable development. It is intended to provide critical awareness of current and future problems associated with the intervention of sustainability strategies and their integration in the civil engineering sector, as well as prospective solutions from existing and emerging scientific technologies.

This full-time 18-month programme comprises two semesters of taught modules, assessed by coursework and examination, followed by a research dissertation during your third semester. The programme is also offered on a part-time, 36-month basis for potential students currently working in industry. All the modules are delivered by international academic staff who specialise in sustainability and sustainable construction.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.

The industrialisation of China is occurring at a rapid rate. To accommodate this unprecedented process, China is building massive new infrastructures, industrial and residential properties each year. At the same time, the natural environment is seriously polluted and the energy demand has also increased sharply.

Growth has to be delivered by suitably qualified graduates who understand the multi-interdisciplinary issues concerned and are able to apply their academic knowledge to providing more environment friendly and energy saving infrastructures and properties. The Department of Civil Engineering aims to deliver those graduates.

The Department is one of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University newer departments and has already attracted a healthy number of academically talented students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The department aims to be internationally recognised as a first class and dynamic department, highly committed to research, teaching and learning excellence with an aspiration to develop into leading research-driven education provider for sustainable development in civil engineering.

Graduates of this programme will be equipped to take up professional employment in the civil engineering industry and become lifelong learners with an appreciation of the value to society of an education in sustainable construction. The MSc programme can be used as Further Learning, the final element of the educational base for being a chartered engineer (CEng).

Minimum Entry Requirements

UK

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

• 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
• 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field such as civil engineering or a related programme.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)
• TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Core Modules

• Sustainable technology and building materials
• Sustainable drainage systems
• Sustainable energy and environment
• Integration of energy strategies in the design of buildings
• Advanced simulation of sustainable structural systems
• Sustainable engineering with timber
• Environmental engineering and management practice
• Sustainable urban planning strategies
• Dissertation

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.