Home

Environmental Systems Engineering MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Discover excellence in civil engineering with our Environmental Systems Engineering MSc programme. In a world grappling with complex environmental and technological systems, the imperative for holistic design and management is clear. This program delves into environmental issues and technologies through the lens of systems engineering, enabling graduates to craft sustainable solutions by deciphering the intricate interplay between the natural environment, people, processes, and technologies. Embrace the challenge of our times and emerge equipped to address global environmental concerns with innovative and comprehensive approaches.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024

Applications closed

Find similar courses still open

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a cognate subject or related discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is usually required. Extensive work experience covering related areas will be considered.

The English language level for this programme 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


The Environmental Systems Engineering MSc programme at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Discover the imperative link between environmental sustainability and comprehensive systems engineering in our interdisciplinary programme. This programme underscores the global significance of developing intricate solutions for environmental challenges within a systems engineering framework. Graduates will emerge adept at deciphering the intricate interplay between nature, technology, people, and processes, paving the way for sustainable solutions that transcend boundaries.

With a focus on environmental engineering and systems engineering, students will embark on a journey to comprehend the multifaceted facets of sustainable development. Environmental engineering, a multidisciplinary branch, is dedicated to conceiving, implementing, and managing solutions that safeguard and restore the environment within the framework of sustainable growth. Concurrently, systems engineering delves into the development and management of vast and intricate systems.

Environmental systems engineers are poised for diverse, dynamic, and demanding career trajectories. With mounting population pressures, demands for enhanced living standards, and the imperative to protect ecosystems, opportunities span local, UK, and international spheres across industries. Roles extend to government planning and regulation, consultancy, research and development organizations, and educational and technological transfer platforms. Recent graduates have forged careers at esteemed organisations including Ford, KPMG, EDF Energy, Brookfield Multiplex, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project, underscoring the program's capacity to propel individuals into impactful roles across sectors.

Who this course is for

The Environmental Systems Engineering MSc programme resonates with individuals holding a first degree and/or professional experience in engineering, environmental science, or related disciplines. This programme is tailored to those seeking to cultivate the essential skills required to advance in the dynamic and expanding domain of environmental systems engineering. Whether possessing a foundation in engineering or environmental sciences, this program equips students and professionals with the tools necessary to thrive in this multifaceted and evolving field.

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

What this course will give you

Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research. 

As global populations surge and aspirations for improved living standards persist, the demand for environmental systems engineers is surging. This programme equips you with a multi-skilled perspective that aligns seamlessly with the international clamour for professionals adept at resolving intricate environmental issues. 

Whether you aspire to influence government policies, collaborate with municipal authorities, consult on sustainable solutions, or contribute to cutting-edge research and development, our programme nurtures talents primed to make an impact. Recent graduates have successfully ventured into renowned organizations like Ford, KPMG, EDF Energy, Brookfield Multiplex, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project, attesting to the program's capacity to unlock dynamic career paths.

The realm of environmental systems engineering is a rapidly evolving frontier, transcending borders to meet international demands for holistic problem solvers. Armed with an integrated approach, you'll master complex environmental challenges, from urban water systems to innovative technologies mitigating industrial pollution. 

Collaborating closely with a spectrum of environmental professionals and the community, you'll harness skills to design, construct, and operate urban water systems. You'll lead the charge in developing cleaner production technologies and recycling waste materials into novel products while generating energy. Evaluating and mitigating the environmental impact of engineering projects and devising robust environmental management strategies will become second nature. 

The Environmental Systems Engineering MSc program propels you toward a career where you can translate knowledge into action, shape sustainable futures, and contribute meaningfully to environmental well-being.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Case study: Engineering Biodiversity into Urban Spaces

Bringing green spaces into cities benefits more than our physical and mental wellbeing. Find out how our researchers are engineering biodiversity into urban environments.

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. With the ever-mounting pressures of growing populations and the quest for improved living standards coupled with the imperative to safeguard our environmental systems, opportunities are both expansive and challenging. Whether seeking local, UK, or international prospects, your skills will be in demand across various industries. Roles span from government planning and regulation to collaborations with regional and municipal authorities. Consultancy, contracting engineering, research and development organizations, and roles in education and technology transfer also beckon. Recent alumni have secured impactful positions at esteemed entities such as Ford, KPMG, EDF Energy, Brookfield Multiplex, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project, underscoring the programme's capacity to propel individuals into impactful roles across diverse sectors.

I preferred UCL's Environmental Systems Engineering because it seemed the most applied, bringing more real-world Engineering into it.

Headshot of alumni student Madeleine Lawson talking to camera

Madeleine Lawson

MSc Environmental Systems Engineering

Hear more from our students

Employability

UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering graduates excel in diverse roles, contributing to consultancies, construction firms, governmental and non-governmental bodies. Their comprehensive education equips them with problem-solving prowess, technical expertise, and a contextual outlook, ensuring impactful contributions in various sectors of the engineering industry.

Career paths for environmental systems engineers are diverse, expanding and challenging, given the pressures of increasing populations, the desire for improved standards of living and the need to protect environmental systems.

There are local, UK and international opportunities in all areas of industry, including in government planning and regulation, with regional and municipal authorities, as consultants and contracting engineers, in research and development organisations, and in education and technology transfer. Examples of recent career destinations include Ford, KPMG, EDF Energy, Brookfield Multiplex, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in understanding interconnected environmental systems, systems engineering principles, project management, and socio-political influences on sustainability.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Students will master skills through tasks like report writing, systems analysis, critical paper review, designing modelling tools, and delivering complex projects to industry clients.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: The programme enhances skills in critical engagement with academic papers, project management, and environmental resource modelling. Research capabilities will be displayed through substantial projects and dissertations.

Practical and innovative aptitude: Graduates will excel in communication, teamwork, time management, and web technologies. They will deliver complex projects to industry clients, showcasing readiness for practical challenges.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme employs a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure comprehensive skill development. The assessment process is comprehensive, encompassing written examinations, coursework evaluations, dynamic presentations, and both individual and group projects. This multifaceted approach ensures a holistic evaluation of students' mastery, equipping them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to thrive in their academic journey and future endeavours.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered.

Modules

The programme structure for full-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits. Among these, four compulsory modules (60 credits) tailored to the chosen pathway form the core. Additionally, students will select four optional modules (60 credits) to complement their specialization, culminating in an individual research project (60 credits).

The programme structure for part-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of two years. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The second year focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

The programme structure for modular/flexible students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of their studies. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The subsequent years focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

Compulsory modules








Optional modules















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.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Environmental Systems Engineering. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Environmental Systems Engineering.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

UCL PEARL building pictured from outside on sunny day

The Department boasts award-winning next-generation research facilities across UCL’s estate. Over the past few years, we have developed new state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to versatile and ambitious research aimed at creating safer and more inclusive public spaces. CAVE (Controlled Active Ventilation Environment) and PEARL (Person Environment Activity Research Laboratory) are two innovative research spaces that provide a full-scale testing facility where researchers can simulate real-life environments. These facilities are in line with UCL's Sustainability Strategy, supporting our bold ambition to become a net-zero carbon institution by 2030. PEARL is UCL's first net-zero carbon building. The StrEnTHE (Structural & Environmental Testing at Here East) laboratory offers large-scale structural and environmental testing capabilities, including the UK's only integrated environmental-mechanical rig for testing masonry wall specimens and other large structural elements under various loading and environmental conditions.

Find out more

Visit us

All open days and events

Roberts Cafe, Roberts Engineering Building, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE - Open day

Graduate Open Events: UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences

—

At UCL Engineering, our graduates turn discoveries into solutions - improving medical treatments, housing, transportation, the products, processes and students we produce change the world. Visit us on campus and get your questions about postgraduate study at UCL answered by our leading academics, current students, and admissions advisors. You'll also take part in Bloomsbury campus tours, and enjoy department-specific demos, visits, taster lectures, and facility tours!

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

—

From human rights to the climate crisis, people are at the centre of what we do in UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. We drive innovation and design engineering solutions for a sustainable future and for social impact. Join our virtual Open Event where you'll have the opportunity to hear from your future programme directors. Don't miss this chance to learn about our pioneering department, programmes, award-winning facilities, and the UCL advantage!

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme 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

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

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

Brown Family Bursary

NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
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 programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

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

Got questions? Get in touch

Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering
Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

cege-pg-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.