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Built Environment: Environmental Design and Engineering MSc

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hackney Wick (Here East)

To combat climate change and achieve net-zero carbon targets there is an urgent need for a sustainable, efficient, and healthier built environment. UCL's Environmental Design and Engineering MSc equips you for a successful career in sustainable building design and operation. It teaches you to use innovative approaches and tools to design and engineer buildings that are both sustainable and efficient that can be used in jobs in sustainable architecture, engineering and other built environment professions. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. architecture, engineering, physics and other relevant disciplines in built environment) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. If your first degree was not in a relevant discipline, please clearly state in your personal statement how your educational or employment background (including any internships or projects) relates to the programme and what you aim to achieve through your studies.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


In the face of environmental crises, adapting the built environment to create healthier, more sustainable buildings, towns, and cities is more crucial than ever. UCL's Environmental Design and Engineering MSc equips you with the skills to address these critical issues, teaching you to apply innovative and sustainable approaches for efficient building design and operation through integrated design and engineering. The course leverages the expertise of specialists from leading companies to ensure the content remains industrially relevant. Upon graduation, you will join our extensive network of alumni who have been driving change in building design and construction for the past 45 years.

During your degree you will:

  • Explore the fundamentals of energy demand and the consequences on the design, engineering and regulatory processes taking place in the built environment.
  • Examine how buildings and the built environment impact people’s health and wellbeing by learning about Indoor Environmental Quality and applying knowledge to existing buildings to assess the effects of indoor air quality, and thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort.
  • Learn how to design for the climate emergency gaining key skills in using passive design, natural and mechanical ventilation systems, solar heating and cooling and addressing embodied carbon.
  • Gain expertise in building performance simulation and modelling tools to inform the design of sustainable buildings.
  • Learn about net zero carbon design and engineering, evaluating the whole life carbon emissions of building services systems to the whole life carbon emissions of buildings.
  • Gain hands on experience applying laboratory and field experiment techniques using state-of-the-art facilities to explore the energy and environmental performance of real buildings.
  • Explore your own specialist interests by choosing optional modules spanning advanced building simulation, retrofit, indoor air quality, acoustics, systems thinking, energy systems modelling and more.  

Who this course is for

This MSc is ideal for recent graduates and early to mid-career building professionals seeking to enhance or pivot their careers towards sustainable and environmental design and engineering. It is particularly suited for recent graduates with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, physics, or other building industries or environment-related fields. For early and mid-career professionals, this degree offers the opportunity to deepen your expertise in sustainability, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and health issues related to buildings.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Industry and research-led world class education 
We draw on the expertise of the industry advisory board to enrich this master’s course. You will learn from academics who generate ground-breaking research in environmental design and engineering. Our research is embedded within the course, exposing you to the latest innovation in the field. Our faculty, The Bartlett, has been ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Hands-on experience for your future career 
Working with case studies, undertaking project work and exploring live examples of environmental design and engineering in action on a field trip and site visits will enrich your studies and give you experience for your future career.

Study in London - an international centre for sustainable engineering and architecture  
Studying in London, you will be in an international centre for sustainable engineering and architecture. London is home to a large cluster of creative firms working towards sustainable building design and is London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
A grey-brown square building blending in well with mountains behind. Credit: XCO2

Sustainable design is integrated design

Alumni Ricardo Moreira (XCO2) and Anis Abou-Zaki (Foster + Partners) show how closer design and engineering collaborations can shape sustainable buildings.

The foundation of your career

The demand for expertise in energy performance and net-zero carbon in buildings is growing. Our graduates typically move into professions such as architecture, low energy/carbon design consultancies, or building services engineering. Some continue with MPhil/PhD research. Recent graduates have joined firms like Foster and Partners, Arup, WSP, Atkins, Buro Happold, PassivSystems, EnergyExcel, Max Fordham, NEAPOLI, Cundall Johnson and Partners, Tongji Architecture Design, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, C40 Cities, Hoare Lea, XCO2 and more (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023). We have a strong alumni network, with many in leadership positions, often recruiting from our course.

Read more about careers in environmental design and engineering and our alumni's experiences.

Nowadays the job market is extremely competitive; however, having an MSc degree from UCL distinguishes you from other candidates and shows your ability to commit to an intense period of work. In my current role as a Sustainable Design Assistant I have been applying skills and specialised knowledge I gained from my Master's degree.

Photo of Antonia Vavanou

Antonia Vavanou

Antonia Vavanou, Sustainable Design Assistant at Hawkins Brown Architects after graduation

Learn more about Antonia's experience

Employability

Through the course, you will learn skills and knowledge that are sought after by the leading practices in the industry, getting hands on experience applying them in a variety of scenarios.

These include: 

  • Experience using Dynamic thermal simulation modelling using IES VE, the most widely used software by the UK industry.
  • A multidisciplinary integrated design approach for net zero carbon design.
  • Practical knowledge on indoor environmental quality monitoring and analyses, eg using sensors for monitoring indoor temperature and relative humidity.
  • Using quantitative research methods, eg statistical analyses and qualitative research methods, eg occupant survey, questionnaire design
  • Multi-objective design optimisation using state of the cutting-edge tools such as Grasshopper.
  • EnergyPlus and Python coding (depending on optional module choice).

The course is continuously updated and developed in response to market changes and demands, with input from leading academics and  industry professionals.

Networking

Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to connect with industry experts and peers. Industry experts are deeply embedded in delivering the course in many forms, as project tutors, reviewers, and collaborators on dissertation projects. Social events and field trips also help build lasting networks. 

Accreditation

This course has been accredited as suitable further learning to meet the academic requirement for Chartered Engineers (CEng) by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI).

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, computational design problem solving sessions, individual and group tutorials, site visits and a field trip. Throughout your degree you will gain hands-on experience applying the latest tools and knowledge to real building case studies and projects preparing you for your future career. 

Assessment is through unseen examination, coursework, and a dissertation. You will also have some group coursework assignments, giving you the opportunity to work with fellow students from different academic backgrounds in multidisciplinary teams, much like you would experience in the workplace.

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. Students then use the remainder of their time (approximately 22 to 29 hours per week) for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments. In Term 3, students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping in regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.

Part-time students can expect half the contact hours of full-time students during term time. Study outside of lectures is roughly equivalent to a part-time job.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) course consists of six core module (90 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits).

Modules

You will take eight taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2. These comprise six compulsory modules providing core knowledge, understanding and skills. You will also take two optional modules, giving you the opportunity to explore specialist interests. You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer.

Please note that the optional modules listed below are indicative of what will be offered in the coming year. If you have a specific optional module that you are interested in, then you are strongly advised to contact the programme administrator prior to applying to ensure it has availability in the next academic year.

You will take eight taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation over two years. For part-time students we suggest taking three compulsory and one optional module each year.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2. These comprise six compulsory modules providing core knowledge, understanding and skills. You will also take two optional modules, giving you the opportunity to explore specialist interests. You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer in Year 2.

Please note that the optional modules listed below are indicative of what will be offered in the coming year. If you have a specific optional module that you are interested in, then you are strongly advised to contact the programme administrator prior to applying to ensure it has availability in the next academic year.

You will take eight taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation between two to five years.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and term 2. These comprise six compulsory modules providing core knowledge, understanding and skills. You will also take two optional modules, giving you the opportunity to explore specialist interests. You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer in the final year.

Please note that the optional modules listed below are indicative of what will be offered in the coming year. If you have a specific optional module that you are interested in, then you are strongly advised to contact the programme administrator prior to applying to ensure it has availability in the next academic year.

Compulsory modules









Optional modules

Light, Lighting and Wellbeing in Buildings




Energy Systems Modelling






Environmental and Social Sustainability risk management in natural resource projects






Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

For the Master of Science (MSc), students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. For the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip), students undertake modules to the value of 120 credits Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Built Environment: Environmental Design and Engineering. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Built Environment: Environmental Design and Engineering.

Fieldwork

You will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and site visits either in London or elsewhere in the UK. An annual trip typically takes place at the end of October. Previously, students have visited the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and the Sustainability Centre in the South Downs National Park. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Photo of UCL Student Centre looking down at all levels of the building

The UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering is one of four sustainability-focused institutes in The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources. Our degrees empower you to make our buildings, towns and cities, healthier, more sustainable places to live.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Discover the Environmental Design and Engineering MSc

Join The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources for an online taster session and explore the Environmental Design and Engineering MSc.

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Online - Open day

Discover MSc Courses at the UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage

Join The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources for an online taster session exploring MSc Courses at The UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

During the course we will also attend site visits across London. Students will need to pay for their own transport to sites. Based on visits last year you should expect to budget up to £60 across the year to access sites by public transport. Sites are always within the TFL travel zones, and full-time students should be able to benefit from a student Oyster card for slightly discounted travel rates. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Environmental Design and Engineering at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Environmental Design and Engineering at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to this course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate why you are suited to this course.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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