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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

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Key Details


University of Cambridge qualification:

Master of Studies Degree

Postgraduate Certificate

Course title:

Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE)

Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE)

Type of programme

Full Master’s degree Postgraduate qualification equivalent to 1/3 of a Master’s degree 

Duration and format

Part time over 2 years. 6 residential workshops in Cambridge; each workshop is 7 days Part time over 10 months. 2 residential workshops in Cambridge; each workshop is 7 days 

Application dates

Applications for 2024 entry are open. Applications close 8 May 2024.

Workshop dates

Provisional 2024 workshop dates: 

 

Workshop 1: 15 - 21 September 2024 

Workshop 2: 15 - 21 December 2024 

Workshop 3: 30 March - 05 April 2025 

Workshop 4: 14 - 20 December 2025 

Workshop 5: 12 - 18 April 2026 

Workshop 6: 12 - 18 July 2026 

Provisional 2024 workshop dates: 

 

Workshop 1: 15 - 21 September 2024 

Workshop 2: 15 - 21 December 2024 

Time commitment

1 day per week (8 hours) on directed learning, independent study, reading, accessing one-to-one support, and completing work for assessment. Students admitted to the programme are also expected to be in a position to undertake personal reflection, apply the learning in practice and/or gain relevant practical experience related to the themes of the programme for at least 1 day per week. 

Fees

£24,600 (£12,300 p/a). The fee includes membership of a Cambridge College. It excludes accommodation and meals; however, reasonably priced College accommodation is offered.  

PG Cert alumni pay a reduced fee of £18,450 (£9,225 p/a). 

Applicants will be expected to cover the application fee (£50 online). Field trips, gala dinners, matriculation and other group photos are optional additional costs. 

£7,650, which includes all teaching fees, learning materials and accommodation for the two Cambridge residential workshops. Fees do not include travel costs. 

Bursaries and scholarships

Three scholarship opportunities are available; the Changemaker Scholarship for candidates who demonstrate personal, academic and/or professional achievements in the built environment and an ambition to catalyse positive change in the industry; the Pomeroy Academy Scholarship for candidates from the APAC region (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australasia, and Oceania) and the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors Scholarship for candidates committed to sustainability in the built environment. 

A limited number of Access bursaries for a 10-50% of the course fees are offered on a competitive need basis. 

Currently no bursary funding is available via CISL. 

 

Possible sources of external funding are listed on our website

 Accreditation*

180 CATS points at level M

60 CATS points at level M

*CATS points refers to the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme. It may be possible to transfer the CATS points to Level M programmes of other higher education institutions. As institutions vary on their policies of accepting transferred credits you should contact your preferred institution for further advice.

 

Additional information


University of Cambridge qualification:

Master of Studies Degree

Postgraduate Certificate

Course title:

Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE)

Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE)

Who would benefit?

Mid-career professionals involved in the financing, commissioning, design, assessment, construction and management of projects in the built environment who want to develop their capacity to deliver sustainable project outcomes and mobilise complex and diverse interdisciplinary teams, drawing on the research excellence of the University of Cambridge. 

Mid-career professionals involved in all aspects of the built environment who wish to gain a broad and action-oriented introduction to sustainability in the built environment as well as develop an understanding of effective interdisciplinary teamworking. 

Assessed work

First year: Two industry-relevant individual assignments and a Group Project (typically 5–7 students), supported by a specialist course Supervisor. 

 

Second year: 15,000-word research dissertation, under the  direction of an academic Supervisor. 

Two industry-relevant individual assignments and a Group Project (typically 5–7 students), supported by a specialist course Supervisor. 

College membership and award of degree

Students become full members of a Cambridge College and can attend a University graduation ceremony at the Senate House.  Students are not members of a Cambridge College. Residential workshops are held in a range of Cambridge Colleges and Institutions, and an Award Ceremony at a Cambridge College is offered to candidates who wish to receive their certificate in person. 

Progression options and eligibility

Alumni of the PG Cert IDBE can apply. If accepted, they pay a reduced fee and are exempt from the first-year assignments and the two workshops they already attended. 

The MSt is the highest award currently available via CISL. Progression to a PhD would be via another Department or University. 

Alumni can apply to attend the MSt IDBE. If accepted, they pay a reduced fee and are exempt from the first-year assignments and the two workshops they already attended. 

Testimonials

Read testimonials from previous IDBE students and watch videos about how attending IDBE could benefit your employer.  Read testimonials from previous IDBE students and watch videos about how attending IDBE could benefit your employer.