The University of Sydney’s new Master of Building Performance and Sustainable Design (M.BPSD) is designed for architecture graduates and early-to mid-career professionals already working in the sector seeking formal qualifications to lead sustainable transformation in the built environment.
As the built environment faces increasing pressure to respond to the climate crisis, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between architectural design, sustainability and technical performance. This future-focused degree prepares graduates to lead the transition to a low-carbon future.
We spoke with a current student and two alumni from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning to hear about their experiences studying and working in sustainable design, and to learn about the graduate outcomes for the new M.BPSD program.
Gain the in-demand skills to elevate your career and open a range of professional pathways
When Susan Karimi Mugo began her architecture career in Kenya, she realised that good design must go deeper than aesthetics. Susan wanted her projects not only to look beautiful, but to deliver lasting benefits for people and the planet.
“Architecture is about stewardship — shaping the built environment in a way that restores rather than depletes,” she says. “Buildings already account for around 30 per cent of global energy use and a quarter of CO₂ emissions. Without change, this will only rise.”
To develop her sustainability expertise in the growing built environment area, Susan chose to study a Master of Architectural Science (Sustainable Design) (High Performance Buildings) at the University of Sydney*.
Reflecting on her studies so far, Susan is enjoying both the practical and applied learning, “our lecturers are both leading researchers and industry practitioners, so I gain knowledge I can directly use in real projects—from building performance modelling to sustainability-focused design frameworks. Even small design choices, like window size, can impact climate resilience, affordability, and healthier cities.”
Advice for future students
Susan provides her advice to students interested in studying the M.BPSD, “if you care about solving real problems, whether it is climate change, urban growth or improving people’s everyday lives, this course opens pathways to a meaningful career.”
“For students thinking ahead, I would say this path does not just prepare you for a job, it equips you to be part of the global movement rethinking how we build and live.”
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If you care about solving real problems, whether it is climate change, urban growth or improving people’s everyday lives, this course opens pathways to a meaningful career.
Susan Karimi Mugo
Graduate journeys show the value of the new M.BPSD degree
For alumnus Akshay Mehta, a Master of Architectural Science (Sustainable Design) (High Performance Buildings) degree offered the right mix of theory and practice.
“The school was receptive to feedback and updated the curriculum to reflect industry needs. For students passionate about sustainability, this balance of theory and application is invaluable,” said Akshay.
“The support I received from my professors was instrumental. Their mentorship and the University’s emphasis on real-world learning have enabled me to perform confidently in my career at global consultancy firm Mott MacDonald.”
Alumna Jessica Mtanios emphasises the collaborative environment as one of the most enriching aspects of her studies at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
“The curriculum encouraged critical thinking and real-world application, especially within sustainable design, where I gained insights into current policies and challenges,” she says. “This degree has shaped a clear vision for my future.”
What will I learn in the M.BPSD degree?
Students studying a Master of Building Performance and Sustainable Design will complete a sequence of core and advanced units, combining theory with practice-based learning and an interdisciplinary capstone project. Areas of study include:
- Energy performance, building physics and indoor environments
- Sustainable building technologies and lifecycle assessment
- Cultural and social dimensions of sustainable design
- Data science for the built environment
Forging a career with real-world impact
As governments and industries worldwide demand higher performance standards and climate accountability, M.BPSD graduates are well positioned for careers as sustainability consultants, performance analysts, facade designers and policy advisors.
The program’s strong industry ties also provide students practical experience and networking opportunities, alongside exposure to global best practice.
* Important note: the University of Sydney is not accepting new applications for the Master of Architectural Science. If you are interested in studying architectural science, please refer to the course page for the Master of Building Performance and Sustainable Design.