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Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc

London, Bloomsbury

UCL's Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is designed to meet the growing demand for specialists to drive the health and wellbeing agenda in the design, assessment, retrofit and operation of sustainable buildings. This master's offers more than just knowledge; it equips you with the skills, tools and networks needed to advance your career across a variety of professions, in enhancing sustainability, health, and wellbeing within the built environment.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
£10,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025

Applications not yet open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025

Applications not yet open

Find similar courses still open

Entry requirements

Normally a second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. architecture, engineering, physics and other relevant disciplines in built environment and public health) is required, 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. Please note that a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the department at the email address at the bottom of this page.

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

Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc was launched in response to the demand for a new generation of experts to drive the health and wellbeing agenda in the built environment. The convergence of the sustainability, health and wellbeing agendas has led to the emergence of a more holistic, human-centred approach to design, and made health and wellbeing an increasingly influential research area. You will be taught by multi-disciplinary research-active leaders in the field and have opportunities to network with and learn from industry and practice-based experts, to develop your understanding of commercially applicable, research-oriented tools and approaches.  

During your degree you will:

  • Acquire the skills to address health, wellbeing, and human performance in the design, assessment, and operation of buildings, including new builds, retrofits, and existing structures.
  • Understand the interactions between human-centred outcomes and sustainability issues and explore the challenges of balancing multiple outcomes.
  • Learn how social and built environment factors impact health, wellbeing, and performance across different spatial scales, from individual buildings to urban environments.
  • Innovate and design solutions and operational strategies for the remediation or alleviation of health and comfort challenges within buildings.
  • Enhance critical thinking and expertise in modelling, monitoring, and design approaches, and learn to sustainably implement health and wellbeing across various disciplines and building types.
  • Use a variety of methods and tools to evaluate and predict the impact of building and built environment features on health, wellbeing, and performance.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of individual and social factors influencing building and spatial use, and the built environment positively affects users’ physical and mental health, and boosts productivity. 

Who this course is for

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is interdisciplinary and attracts students from a range of disciplines including architecture, engineering, interior architecture and design, physics, and other related disciplines, including the built environment, geography, public health and environmental psychology who wish to gain further training in the field. We also welcome your application if you are an early or mid-career professional in the built environment, public health, environmental psychology, or other relevant fields wishing to deepen your skills and knowledge.

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

What this course will give you

An industry and research-led word-class education  
Our Industry Advisory Group consists of experts from industry, practice and policy, including leading architectural, engineering and facility management firms. They contribute ‘real-world’ input to the course as invited lecturers, tutors and dissertation advisors. You will learn from academic experts whose research is shaping the health and wellbeing agenda across policy and industry. Our faculty, The Bartlett, is ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

New skills for your future career 
You will gain many skills required to build your career enhancing health and wellbeing in the built environment, from technical knowledge on building standards to specific software and methodologies (Design Builder, health impact assessments) and transferable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.

Study in London – an international hub for built environment
London is an international hub for architecture and engineering firms, along with other built environment organisations. Being in the capital, there are often conferences and events on health and wellbeing in buildings offering potential networking opportunities. With our campus in the heart of the city, you will have the chance to explore the city for students in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2025). 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

As awareness of the impacts that the built environment can have on health, wellbeing and sustainability increases, so too does the demand for professionals with relevant expertise. 95% of graduates from our department are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2021).

Our graduates have gone on to work in architectural or engineering companies, and specialist consultancies dedicated to the design and/or evaluation of sustainable buildings and places, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Graduates have found employment in leading organisations globally including Atkins, Arup, Buro Happold and Jacobs in the UK, Delos in China, Samoo Architects & Engineers in South Korea, and the Shenzhen Institute of Building Research. Some of our graduates have also set up their own companies and consultancies. Meanwhile, others have used their master’s as a foundation for PhD roles at universities including UCL. Additional career paths may be within in-house building design and operational teams, in relevant public sector agencies or government departments, or in specialist product or service innovation companies.

Alumni testimonials

"No matter which way you are looking, I do believe the study experience in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is a solid asset, it adds credit to our competitiveness in landing job opportunities.” - Huizhong Luo, Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings graduate, 2019, Healthy Buildings Researcher at Delos

“I feel this course has opened up a lot of horizons for me to understand at length how the field of sustainability brings together research and design.This course has given me a wide range of transferrable skills which I didn’t have prior to my MSc.” - Gomathi Krishnamoorthy, Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings graduate, Architect

Discover more alumni testimonials which our graduates' employment stories ▶

Employability

You will gain many skills required to build your career enhancing health and wellbeing in the built environment sector. These include:

  • Developing technical knowledge on health and wellbeing in the built environment including theoretical frameworks, building standards (WELL, LEED).
  • Using and applying specific software and methodologies, e.g. Design Builder and health impact assessments.
  • Developing transferable skills, eg collaborative problem-solving, interdisciplinary approaches to teamwork, analytical and critical thinking, leadership and communicating with a variety of audiences.

In addition to the core UCL Careers provision, as a student at The Bartlett you will have access to a mix of faculty-wide and department-specific support and activities to bolster your career development. Open across the Faculty, this includes a programme of lively industry panel discussions and interactive workshops, spotlighting the key sectors graduates typically venture into such as construction, consultancy, commercial property and urban planning and development.

Additionally, The Bartlett’s Building a Better Future Consultancy Project will give you a unique opportunity to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to tackle a real world challenge the built environment is grappling with, equipping you with the in-demand skills sought after by employers. Featured organisations in this programme include global consultancies include global consultancies (e.g. Buro Happold, Hoare Lea, Atkins Réalis), burgeoning start-ups, and SMEs as well as local councils and not-for-profit organisations such as C40 Cities, Greater London Authority and London authorities.

On a departmental level, you will receive a bespoke provision of practical workshops led by experienced Careers Consultants that cover crucial topics of your career planning such as developing your networking skills and how to successfully navigate the job search. 

Networking

The course benefits from the inputs of an experienced and engaged industry advisory group made up of experts in the field. Members of the panel represent major consulting companies such as AECOM and Buro Happold, public agencies (e.g. the UK Health Security Agency), other universities, and organisations such as the International WELL Building Institute. They advise on current industry practice and future directions, share case studies, provide dissertation topics and support, and deliver guest lectures and participate in networking events. 

Accreditation

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is accredited as further learning for Chartered Engineers (CEng) by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). 

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, tutorials, site visits and lab demonstrations. Individual or group tutorials on coursework and hands-on skills are embedded throughout the course.

The majority of modules are assessed through written essays or reports. One module (‘Integrated Building Design for Health and Wellbeing’) includes a team-based design challenge, in addition to an individual short report. There are also various activities that do not contribute to your final grade so that we can help you learn at the right pace. 

In terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between eight and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. In term 3, you will complete your own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with your dissertation supervisor.

Outside of lectures, you will typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using your remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits - full-time 9 months or modular/flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The programme consists of eight modules (15 credits each). A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits - full-time 4-7 months or modular/flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The programme consists of four modules (15 credits each).

Modules

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc consists of six compulsory modules, and a research project which culminates in a dissertation. Additionally, you will have a choice of two out of three available optional modules to complete alongside your compulsory modules.

In term 1, you will learn about the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in buildings; the different methods of research and analysis of the built environment; basic principles of psychology, sociology and design to illustrate how the perception of and interaction with building factors can impact health, wellbeing and human performance; and, the concepts and fundamentals of integrated building design and operational strategies within the context of enhancing health, wellbeing and comfort in buildings.  

In term 2, you will gain additional insights into the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in the built environment at a neighbourhood and urban scale, taking into consideration social aspects such as health inequalities and group-level effects. You will also examine the need for assessment of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the implications for health. Additionally, you will select two out of three available optional modules that offer you the chance to pursue specialist interests.

In addition, your learning will be supported via supplementary activities including dedicated tutorials for specialised software, case study visits, an introduction to software/equipment and opportunities to attend selected events with international experts.

The research project is undertaken during term 3 and throughout the summer, leading to the submission of a dissertation in early September. 

Part-time students will take four modules in year 1, and four taught modules and the dissertation in year 2.  

In term 1 of year 1, you will learn about the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in buildings and, the concepts and fundamentals of integrated building design and operational strategies within the context of enhancing health, wellbeing and comfort in buildings. In term 2 of year 1, you will gain insight into the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in the built environment at a neighbourhood and urban scale, taking into consideration social aspects such as health inequalities and group-level effects. You will also examine the need for assessment of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the implications for health. 

In term 1 of year 2, you will continue your studies by exploring the different methods of research and analysis of the built environment and the basic principles of psychology, sociology and design to illustrate how the perception of and interaction with building factors can impact health, wellbeing and human performance. In term 2 of year 2, you will select two out of three available optional modules, completing your dissertation in term 3 of year 2.

Flexible students complete all six compulsory modules, two optional modules and their dissertation over the course of three to five consecutive academic years.

In addition, flexible students are recommended to:

  • Take the following modules before taking other taught modules: ‘Health, Comfort and Wellbeing in the Built Environment’, ‘Integrated Building Design for Health’, ‘Comfort and Wellbeing Health and Wellbeing in Cities: Theory and Practice’, and ‘Indoor Air Quality in Buildings’ before taking other taught modules.
  • Take at least one module in each academic year you are enrolled on the MSc.
  • Take the dissertation either in the year in which you complete the final taught modules or the year after you have completed all taught modules, as long as this is not more than five consecutive years after you first enrolled.

Flexible students will be encouraged to discuss your plan for completing the MSc with the Programme Lead. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. 

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 Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings.

Fieldwork

The course includes case study visits. Each year, we plan an overnight residential field trip outside of London. In previous years this has been to Bath and Bristol, and involved a mix of social activities, and case study visits to healthy urban developments and industry presentations.

Fieldwork activity may also be required for selected coursework and, if so, this is likely to take place within the Greater London area. You will gain hands-on experience of monitoring environmental conditions, gathering and evaluating human responses to the environment, applying industry standards, and simulation tools similar to those used by commercial companies for building performance evaluation.

Accessibility

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

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500 £10,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

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

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee 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.

Travel, accommodation, food and activities planned for the field trip are covered by the course. Travel costs for site visits or fieldwork within the Greater London area (Transport for London zones 1-6) which are accessible by public transport are covered by students. The actual cost of travel in London for site visits varies, but based on prior experience, it is estimated that three to five trips may be required which could incur between £45 and £75 of travel costs in total.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their 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: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (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 programme 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 Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the chosen course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver. The course should appeal to you if you have a deep interest in the health aspects of sustainability, as well as the ability to span across technical and humanities disciplines.

Please note that the submission of a portfolio or of GRE results is not required.

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

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

bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

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