Ecology and Urban Engineering MSc

About the course

As cities respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis, there is a growing demand for people who can work across ecology, design and engineering to create healthier, more resilient urban environments. The MSc in Ecology and Urban Engineering trains students to design urban environments that work better for both people and nature, and that are adapted for a changing climate.

Designed and delivered by UCL’s ecologists in collaboration with spatial planning experts at The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and engineers from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, this MSc applies ecological expertise to the planning, design and delivery of the cities of the future. Based at UCL East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the programme is taught in a unique urban setting where students can learn directly from a landscape shaped by regeneration, biodiversity and sustainability.

Students learn from both academics and industry professionals in engineering, urban planning and design, architecture and urban greening, translating theory into practice for careers in consultancies, local governments, NGOs, and community organizations and beyond.

Who is this course for?

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds including urban planning, architecture and design, ecology and conservation, geography, engineering and many more. The programme is interdisciplinary by design, and we welcome applicants who want to extend their expertise to create the next-generation of urban environments.  

Our programme

Core modules provide training in ecology and ecological monitoring, climate- and nature-friendly design, -sustainable cities and data science. Students benefit from hands-on learning through workshops and site visits, with access to distinctive on-site spaces such as our Garden Lab and urban growing facilities. They can also choose from a range of optional modules,  including an intensive studio-based design module taught by landscape architects at The Bartlett. 

In the final term, every student completes an individual research project and takes part in our flagship Nature Smart Challenge module, where they develop solutions to real-world problems with partners from industry, governments, charities and NGOs. Previous partners have included The Environment Agency, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wild Connect, Forest Research, The Crown Estate, the Zoological Society of London, Cody Dock and the East London Waterworks park, among many others. 

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.