Ecology and Urban Engineering MSc

About the course

The MSc in Ecology and Urban Engineering brings together ecological theory, urban design and civil and environmental engineering to equip a new generation of built environment professionals with the multidisciplinary knowledge and tools to translate scientific theory into real-world practice.                               

Students are trained through a multidisciplinary lens, coupling foundational understandings of applied urban ecology, biodiversity monitoring and data handling with deployable climate-resilient and biodiversity-sensitive urban design. Students work with a range of industry professionals from the engineering, urban planning and design, architecture and urban greening disciplines, enabling theory to be translated into practical applications relevant to built environment-focused consultancies, local governments, communities, and NGOs, among others. This course is underpinned by the practical realities and constraints of delivering nature-led urban infrastructure, grounding students with a technical understanding of individual disciplines whilst providing the tools to enable collaborative, multifunctional designs towards nature- and climate-positive urban environments. The integration of these skillsets are in high demand both nationally with the onset of statutory biodiversity net gain, and globally in our collective pursuit to fulfil the target to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030.

Designed and delivered by UCL’s award-winning ecologists in collaboration with spatial planning experts at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and engineers from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, this brand-new MSc applies ecological expertise to the planning, design and delivery of future urban environments.Through this cross-cutting programme, you will learn how to apply novel nature-led engineering and sustainable construction methods to overcome the constraints and negative impacts of traditional approaches on the climate and urban biodiversity.

In parallel, you will develop a strong foundational understanding of ecological science, including the practical skills required to capture and analyse large datasets using artificial intelligence and sensor technology. You will formulate experimental designs and investigate complex problems using various field research techniques to understand the impacts of urban infrastructure and construction on natural systems. You will also work on live urban projects, applying your learning to tackle real-world challenges alongside programme partners from industry and local government.

Visit our prospectus page to find out more:

Meet the programme leads

Prof Elli Leadbeater - Programme Lead

Elli Leadbeater is Professor of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Research interested in how animal behaviour evolves, and how it functions in anthropogenic landscapes.

Learn more about Prof Elli Leadbeater.

 Dr Dean Bell - Programme Deputy Lead

Dean Bell is a Lecturer in Urban Ecology & Ecosystems as well as an urban forestry and urban greening specialist with experience spanning education, research and industry.

Learn more about Dr Dean Bell.