Overview

This Sustainable Built Environments programme offered by The British University in Dubai focuses on environmentally responsive design and the development of sustainable systems within buildings, infrastructure, and urban environments. It supports research into areas such as energy modelling, sustainable design strategies, urban planning, and environmental policy, addressing the need for solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency.

Key Facts

The academic structure follows a staged research model, beginning with methodological training and progressing to independent thesis work. Training enables the ability to analyse sustainability challenges, design and evaluate solutions, and conduct original research that contributes to sustainable development in architecture, infrastructure, and urban systems.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sustainable Design Strategies
Energy Modelling in Buildings
Urban Infrastructure and Transport Systems
Interior Environmental Design
Environmental Policy and Economics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-20 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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79

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IELTS

6

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Credits

540 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Disciplines

Sustainable Development View 3 other PhDs in Sustainable Development in United Arab Emirates

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Academic requirements

GPA

3

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

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IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Other requirements

General requirements

A recognised Master’s degree in a subject related to the programme with a cumulative grade point average of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale or its equivalent.
A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the programme.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field related to the Sustainable Built Environment.
An initial proposal for research, including motivation to study for a PhD, which will be discussed through an interview.
Submission of a certificate of equivalency issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR) for all previous degree certificates awarded by institutions outside the UAE.
A copy of the passport along with a copy of the Emirates ID (If available).

Work experience

Relevant work experience will be considered. Considerable experience (3 years or more) in SBE or related area is desirable.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

56250 AED / year

≈ 56250 AED / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

56250 AED / year

≈ 56250 AED / year

Living costs

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

5300 - 9200 AED / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.