MArch in Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities (MArch(SEEC))

The MArch(SEEC) qualification is a one-year full-time program on sustainability and energy studies with a focus on cities, settlements, buildings, and architecture. With a strong focus on the energy and climate change challenge, this multi-disciplinary program aims to arm the graduates with an integrated range of competencies which will make them invaluable role players in decision making concerning the future/sustainability of cities and their built environment. Besides the basic technical principles on a variety of the interventions/technologies at different scales, courses in the program address a wide range of inter-related issues including policy frameworks, institutional structures, markets, behavior, finance and socio-economic dimensions.

Benefits of the program

Arising from their inter-disciplinary skills and competencies, graduates of this qualification are expected to play a significant role in the transition processes towards greening cities and the economy as well as consumption and lifestyles in the South African, regional and global economies/markets.

Curriculum Outline/Modules taught

Compulsory courses with a total of 160 Credits:

• ARPL7010 - Understanding Cities of the South (20)
• ARPL7054 - Energy for Sustainable Cities (20)
• ARPL7055 - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Buildings (20)
• ARPL7040 - Research Methods (10)
• ARPL7056 - Research Report (in the field of SEEC) (90)

Elective Course(s) from the Following Options, to a total of 20-Credits:

• ARPL7032 - Environmental Planning & Sustainable Development (20)
• ARPL7005 - Social and Technical Sustainability in Housing (20)

Closing dates for applications

• October 31 – South African applicants
• August 30 – International applicants

Duration

The program is based on 180-credits earned through Taught-Courses (50% of credits) and Research (50% of credits). It is offered on ONE-Year Full-Time or TWO-Years Part-Time

Careers

Besides working alongside the conventional built environment professionals (architects, engineers, planners etc) as practitioners and consultants, graduates will find their skills in demand among other employers such as developers, media/marketing, municipalities, financiers and funding agencies, policymakers, extraction and manufacturing industries, research and academic institutions as well as NGOs. Green/Eco-innovation and Eco-Entrepreneurship are additional opportunities associated with the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The degree admits graduates with an honors degree (or equivalent) in a built environment, engineering, humanities & social sciences, natural sciences, law or economics. In addition, applicants must have at least two years of work experience after their bachelor's degree.