Introduction to the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development

The Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) employs engineers, architects, planners, building scientists, social scientists and computer scientists.

We are a research institute rather than a university teaching department. Thus we do not undertake any undergraduate teaching, and our postgraduate teaching is delivered by experienced researchers. In addition to Masters students joining us in Leicester, UK, we have many distance learning students who follow the course using our web-based virtual learning environment, with support from teaching staff. Distance learners can study anywhere in the world.

The mission of the Institute is to make a worthwhile and significant contribution to sustainable development through research, consultancy and education provision of the highest standards. These activities help improve quality of life for communities and individuals, and facilitate wealth creation.

The work of the Institute focuses on the following core areas:

• Sustainable approaches to building design
• The clean, efficient use of energy in the built environment
• Making greater use of renewable energy, particularly in buildings and transport
• Sustainable cities, particularly energy, transport, air quality, recycling and policy making.

These areas provide the focus for a wide variety of research projects, consultancy services and the MSc programme.

Experts in the Institute work with internationally renowned clients to ensure practical benefits for the research work undertaken. The research is funded by the UK Government, the EU, industry and other agencies. The multidisciplinary skills of the Institute’s personnel enable them to work in partnership with local government, other universities and industry, both in the UK and overseas.

The Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development obtained a 4 rating in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise and anticipates a good profile in the forthcoming RAE 2008.

Our website (see contact details) provides information not only on our Masters programme but also on some of the many and varied sustainability-related research projects undertaken by the Institute.

Prospective Masters or research students are encouraged to contact us to discuss the opportunities available or to arrange to visit us in the award-winning low energy Queens building where we are based.

Our MSc Programme
We offer two courses providing career development opportunities for recent graduates and professionals.

MSc Climate Change and Sustainable Development
The MSc Climate Change and Sustainable Development is aimed at recent graduates seeking to deepen their knowledge of sustainability and its practical implementation and at professionals wishing to extend their knowledge and expertise or seeking a career change.

Teaching is by experienced research staff from many academic disciplines. Thus the MSc is genuinely interdisciplinary and is not a course arising from an established teaching department with sustainability ‘added on’.

Career opportunities in this wide and growing field are numerous: in industry, national and local government, utilities, academia, consultancies and environmental agencies.

MSc Energy and Sustainable Building Design
The main focus of the MSc Energy and Sustainable Building Design is human energy use, renewable energy sources, sustainable approaches to building design and advanced computer modelling methods.

The IESD is a world leader in the conceptual design and computer modelling of modern sustainable buildings, and students receive instruction from researchers active in this field.

The focus on building design and renewable energy is complemented by a consideration of wider sustainable development policy issues, equipping graduates to engage effectively with professionals across various fields.

Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have a good degree in a relevant subject or 5 years work experience in an appropriate field.

All applicants are invited to contact us informally in the first instance to discuss their application for the course.

Programme structure
The following awards are available:

• MSc – eight modules and a research project
• Post Graduate Diploma – eight modules or four modules and a research project
• Post Graduate Certificate – four modules

Individual modules can be pursued as part of a Continuing Professional Development programme resulting in an award of a University Institutional Credit.

Learning and assessment
Full-time students attend lectures on two days per week, with the remainder of the time being spent on seminar work and private study. Part-time students attend on one day per week.

All teaching takes place in the Queens building on DMU Leicester City Campus, an award-winning low energy building which also houses a dedicated IT lab for the use of our MSc students only.

Distance learners receive individual support from a member of teaching staff plus comprehensive learning materials via our web-based virtual learning environment. Distance learners can complete all taught modules at their home location anywhere in the world.

In order to reflect the postgraduate and practical nature of the course, all formal assessment of taught modules is by coursework assignments, with no traditional ‘unseen’ examinations.

Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development
De Montfort University
Queens Building
The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH.

Tel: +44 (0)116 257 7979
http://www.iesd.dmu.ac.uk/
Email: iesd@dmu.ac.uk